Characteristics and impact factors of individual spatial-temporal accessibility based on potential path area: A case study in Shanghai suburbs

Accessibility is one of the core topics in the study of human geography and related disciplines. Based on the theory of time geography and the human-oriented research paradigm, the measurement methods of spatial-temporal accessibility have attracted the attention of scholars and have become an important approach in quality of life and social equity research. This empirical study measured the individual spatial-temporal accessibility by characterizing daily potential path area and using activity-travel diary data of residents in Shanghai suburbs in 2017. Firstly, road network analysis and secondary development were used to measure individuals' potential path area in weekdays and weekends. Secondly, flexible time, daily potential path area, and density of accessible facilities were taken as indicators to analyze the characteristics of individual spatial-temporal accessibility, and three-dimensional GIS visualization and variance analysis were used to compare the differences in both spatial and temporal dimensions. Finally, the effects of location factors, time factors, and socioeconomic attributes on residents' spatial-temporal accessibility were explored by using multiple regression analysis methods. The results show that significant differences exist in residents' spatial-temporal accessibility, and residents living in outer suburbs face stronger spatial-temporal constraints and greater spatial dilemmas; the location and time factors are the main influencing factors of residents' spatial-temporal accessibility; spatial-temporal accessibility with individuals as the unit of analysis can better reveal the differences between individuals and groups. We also found that spatial-temporal accessibility has advantages in revealing the dynamic characteristics of accessibility in the context of geographic mobility, and the differentiation in temporal and spatial dimensions reflects the need to pay attention to different locations and different groups of people in suburban development and construction. This study is an empirical test of individual spatial-temporal accessibility measures in the suburbs, which is helpful for understanding the relationship between individual daily activity arrangements and spatial-temporal accessibility. The results of the study provide a basis for the optimal spatiotemporal configuration of facilities and the improvement of residents' quality of life in the construction of suburban new towns.