Comparative evaluation of the level of Transport-Oriented Development (DOT) around transport hubs of large cities: complementary methods of decision support

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is a planning approach that promotes sustainable development of an urban area. Assessing the levels of TOD may allow determining the appropriateness of urban development in this regard, as well as its potential for improvement. The purpose of this work is to assess the levels of TOD using two different methods: Global Index and Multivariate Analysis based on Artificial Neural Networks. The methods contrast each other, clarifying both their limits and complementarity degree. Additionally, the results are verified through GIS spatial analysis applied on a case study. According to the results, the Global Index Assessment is limited; the multivariable analysis shows profiles of similar urban areas, regardless of their global indexes; the spatial analysis details the average values obtained. These methods provide knowledge in their respective fields. If used in a complementary way, they improve their effectiveness as useful analysis tool for urban planning.