Development of a Chrono-Urbanism Status Composite Index under the 5/10/15-Minute City Concept Using Social Media Big Data

Abstract

Developing walkable urban environments is crucial for enhancing urban liveability and sustainability. To evaluate the chrono-urbanism status, this study combines conventional census and mapping data with social media check-in big data. A composite index is proposed, which assesses the accessibility of essential urban functions under the 5/10/15-minute chrono-thresholds. This index incorporates five categories of urban functions (public transit, living, education, health care and entertainment) in Macau. Utilising check-in information from Sina Weibo, the level of attraction for different urban functions is integrated into the calculation. The findings highlight significant disparities in chrono-urbanism status, with regions inhabited by lower socio-economic status residents being more vulnerable than the affluent institutional and commercial centre of Macau. Leveraging social media big data, this study provides valuable insights to urban planners and policy-makers, enabling them to understand the overall chrono-urbanism status and target interventions for developing a more sustainable and liveable urban environment in Macau.