Spatial database applications for network analysis: Case study of bicycle accessibility of forested areas in the Poznań Metropolitan Area, Poland

The main aim of this paper is to introduce a solution for network analysis based on pgRouting to resolve the bicycle accessibility of forested green spaces. The proposed application uses open-source software tools such as PostgreSQL with PostGIS extension. The solution includes a complete description of how to perform network analysis using a spatial database with SQL and pgRouting. The implemented functionalities consist of solutions for finding the equidistance or isochrone area for any selected point location. The method is tested on case study data drawn from a total of 9,500 km of roads suitable for cyclists in the Poznań Metropolitan Area, located in western Poland. The results of the analysis were isochrones determining the bicycle accessibility of forested areas. The accessibility analysis was performed considering an urbanised residential area. As a result of the analysis, locations with the best and limited access to forested green areas were identified. Moreover, the described methodology is ready to be used to solve various accessibility problems.