Urban Street Network Analysis Using Space Syntax in GIS -- Cracow Case Study

The most common approach of representing physical street network on local, regional or national level is based on graph theory. The analysis usually involves two types of component: street segments representing edges and street intersections as nodes. More abstract concept to network analysis was proposed in Hillier's space syntax theory. According to this approach street networks are illustrated as dual representation of spatial graphs, where nodes are identified as street segments and edges represents street intersections. The main aim of the study is to present the principles of space syntax theory, in particular its application in street network studies using GIS. This paper also provides a brief overview of evolution and development of GIS toolboxes for spatial network analysis. Finally, author attempts to evaluate urban street network system of Cracow neighborhoods using selected software. The analysis was performed in ArcGIS and QuantumGIS, road network used in analysis came from OpenStreetMap.