DEVELOPING AN AGENT-BASED MODEL OF PEDESTRIAN WAYFINDING TO CONDUCT THE BEST TOURISTIC PATH IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Abstract

A historic district is a historic and cultural conservation area that reflects traditional aspects from the past. A sense of memorable pathway allows pedestrian to experience the city happily and attract touristic activity in urban historic districts. The characteristics of touristic districts which facilitate pedestrian movement help in determining the optimum track. The aim of the research is to create an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the activity of pedestrians in historic districts in order to way find the best touristic paths. Using Space-Syntax, a simulation of the interaction of tourists with the attraction points in old districts pathway will be made in two different case studies located on North Lebanon. A comparison will be made between the simulation model results and field observation. Findings show that the results of the simulation are different than the real environment. The importance of the research is based on developing a framework that helps urban designers and individuals that are concerned with tourism to find the best factors that can affect tourist way-finding and thus being able to develop these districts.