The use of space syntax in urban transport analysis: Limits and potentials

This paper explores the potentials of applying Space Syntax methodology to analyze the effects of urban configuration on cities' transport performance. The empirical analysis takes as a case study the Federal District (Brazil) and its 19 administrative regions considering its urban road system. Based on Simple Linear Regressions, the paper analyzes the effects that urban configuration with different integration degrees have on the average time spent in car trips. Integration measures are calculated using traditional configurational variables as well as topo-geometric variables. The results indicate that traditional topological measures are of little use in studies on the effects of road configuration on urban transportation performance. In addition, topo-geometric measures have shown much better results. Finally, preliminary findings suggest that more integrated and compact road systems (in topological and geometrical terms) tend to provide an urban configuration more efficient for the performance of urban motorized transportation.