Mapping local economic recovery paths using pedestrian counts. A City of Melbourne Case Study.

National Economic indicators are important. However, they may portray an incomplete and misleading picture of localised urban economies. In this study, we explore features of the patterns and dynamics of localised economies with a particular focus on examining economic recovery paths from the Covid-19 pandemic. Exploring the definition, identity and measurement of local economies and using the City of Melbourne as a case study, we interrogate the potential use of Pedestrian Counts to indicate current and future economic activity. We illustrate how pedestrian counts are available in real-time at high frequencies and can provide an opportunity to gauge real-time and forecast patterns in local-level economic activity.