Density hotspots aggregated across the entire observation period show the clear center of activity in the middle of the block is by “The Square with the Tree.”

Density hotspots aggregated across the entire observation period show the clear center of activity in the middle of the block is by “The Square with the Tree.”

Density analysis is based on “behavioral mapping,” a process in which activities within a given space are spatially mapped. In this case the block was divided into four zones and research assistants were given the task of placing observed stationary activities on a map. In addition to locating such behaviors, assistants were tasked with identifying a series of attributes (gender, age, ethnic background, type of activity, groupings). In addition, for verification purposes, points were accompanied with a photograph. Observations were done for 10 time-periods and took place during the months of December and January on Fridays. GIS software, loaded on iPads, was used for the purpose of mapping. Following each observation session, assistants uploaded data to a shared folder; the data was then integrated on a desktop-based GIS program. The results are a series of points for various time-periods; a Kernel Density Map Analysis (KDM) has been applied to these maps, resulting in the accompanying density hotspots.

Image created by Yasser Elsheshtawy for his Winter 2013-2014 FIND Fellowship project “Terrain Vague: Interstitial Spaces Inside Abu Dhabi’s Central Area”