Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Science & Technology
Department
Chemistry & Geosciences
Committee Chair
Sean Chenoweth
Abstract
This study uses a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based approach to assess pedestrian safety around Jacksonville State University (JSU) by combining vehicle crash data with perception surveys from 111 pedestrians and 97 drivers. The research identifies high-risk areas, explores contributing factors, and recommends targeted safety improvements.
A total of 209 geocoded crash records (2021 to 2024) were analyzed using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and hotspot analysis in ArcGIS Pro. Crash clusters appeared along Pelham Road North and Mountain Street, marking key vehicular risk zones. Three major pedestrian danger areas were found: (1) Nisbet Street NW and Cardinal Lane NW, (2) University Circle and Trustee Street near Houston Cole Library, and (3) the parking lot behind Martin Hall. These locations were frequently reported as unsafe by both survey groups, reinforcing the GIS findings.
To strengthen the analysis, the study included socioeconomic, behavioral, and temporal survey data. Most respondents were students aged 18 to 24. Frequent device use, walking patterns, and time of day (morning and afternoon) influenced safety perceptions. Driver concerns were also higher during these periods, and near-miss experiences were linked to lower safety perceptions.
A composite KDE overlay combined crash, driver, and pedestrian density surfaces. This revealed spatial overlaps at key campus locations, including the AL 204 and AL 21 crosswalk and the AL 21 and Nisbet Street NW intersection. These locations were jointly identified as high-risk by both groups, though not confirmed in crash records.
The study presents a multi-dimensional GIS framework that combines spatial, behavioral, and temporal data to support safety planning and guide future interventions at JSU.