3. Methodology
In this study, we reproduce a section of the Broadway Curb Cut survey using three data collection methods. Through these innovative data techniques, we evaluate the potential role of smartphone-based surveying and 3D imagery to produce useful information on urban accessibility. The smartphone-based survey is conducted between Union Square and 26th Street, while the Structure Sensor and LiDAR scan are deployed for one specific intersection: Broadway and 26th Street.
3.1 Data requirements
Data collection requirements were defined with the needs of three stakeholder groups - the DOT, city political stakeholders such as the Manhattan Borough President, and disability advocacy groups - in mind. These stakeholders share the strategic goal of improving accessibility of NYC streets. Functional requirements for a data collection method to support them in this goal included (i) adequate data quality; (ii) low cost; (iii) speed and ease of use; and (iv) suitability for crowd-sourcing.
Considering these requirements, we identified priority data points to collect for each curb inspected. Table 1 lists these data points ands their corresponding ADA requirements. The data points are considered the minimal viable data requirements needed to assess curb accessibility at a given location. The data collection methods will be evaluated for their ability to collect these data points while considering the functional requirements listed above. In terms of data quality, the method must be able to collect useable measurements for the items listed - including slope (in geometric degrees) and physical measurements of width and height.