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Explore →GEOLAYERS ARTICLE
1) Overview
A practical TOD checklist covering station buffers, street connectivity, access to key destinations, and minimum density thresholds—with tips to implement in GeoLayers.
Browser-based GISGeoAI + spatial analyticsSouth African context
GUIDE
1. Define the transit node and walk shed
Start with the station, stop or interchange and create walk-time or network-distance catchments rather than relying only on circular buffers where pedestrian networks are available.
GUIDE
2. Measure street connectivity
Count intersections, block sizes and route choices within the catchment. Areas with many disconnected cul-de-sacs may fall inside the radius but still perform poorly for walking access.
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3. Map destinations people actually use
Schools, shops, jobs, public services and open space influence whether daily trips can be made without a car. Measure both proximity and diversity of destinations.
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4. Review density and development rights
Compare existing residential/employment intensity with zoning or development rights. TOD opportunity can come from current density or from realistic capacity for future intensification.
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5. Check pedestrian barriers
Highways, rail lines, rivers, walls and unsafe crossings can divide a walk shed. Map crossings and use the network to understand the actual accessible side of the barrier.
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6. Include public-space quality
A technically short route may still be unattractive or unsafe. Field observations, lighting, shade, universal access and crossing quality should complement GIS measures.
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7. Compare scenarios, not just scores
Use GIS to test improvements: a new crossing, feeder route, public facility or zoning change may materially alter accessibility. Scenario comparison is often more useful than a static TOD score.
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8. Build the evidence package
Create a concise map/dashboard showing the station catchment, network accessibility, destinations, density, constraints and priority interventions so planners can review the full context together.
PRACTICAL CHECKLIST
Questions to ask before applying the approach
Use these questions to test whether the workflow is ready for a real project.
- Is access based on a real walking network rather than radius alone?
- Are barriers and crossings represented?
- Are density, destinations and development rights considered together?
- Does the GIS analysis include field-quality factors that spatial data cannot capture?