GIS ANALYSIS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD ENVIRONMENT DETERMINANTS THAT INFLUENCE WALKABILITY IN PENANG, MALAYSIA

Authors

  • Nurfarahin Roslan School of Housing, Building and Planning, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
  • Massoomeh Hedayati Marzbali School of Housing, Building and Planning, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
  • Aldrin Abdullah School of Housing, Building and Planning, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
  • Mohamad Javad Maghsoodi Tilaki School of Humanities, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i35.1675

Keywords:

GIS, Walkability, Neighbourhood Planning, Sustainable Urban Environments, Community Facilities

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between urban design and physical activities is crucial. Studies have identified three key neighbourhood environment indices that enhance walkability. This research investigates the influences of these indices on residents’ walkability to community facilities in two neighbourhoods in Penang Island, Malaysia. Using geographic information system (GIS) technology, we analyse the effect of the built environment on walkability through buffering and thematic map analyses. Pulau Tikus features medium- and low-density housing with enriched community facilities, whilst Tanjung Tokong has a higher residential density, more road intersections and more diverse housing options. Findings indicate that Pulau Tikus offers better amenity accessibility, whilst Tanjung Tokong’s high-rise residential buildings and diverse housing types enhance walkability. This study highlights the relationship amongst residential density, road intersections, mixed land use and walkability in two residential neighbourhoods. Higher residential density and more road intersections increase walking activity, whilst mixed land use further influences resident mobility patterns. These insights can aid urban planners in designing more walkable, liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods.

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References

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Published

2025-02-05

How to Cite

Roslan, N., Marzbali, M. H., Abdullah, A., & Maghsoodi Tilaki, M. J. (2025). GIS ANALYSIS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD ENVIRONMENT DETERMINANTS THAT INFLUENCE WALKABILITY IN PENANG, MALAYSIA. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 23(35). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i35.1675