Integrating Open Spaces into OpenStreetMap Routing Graphs for Realistic Crossing Behaviour in Pedestrian Navigation

Abstract

Map data for pedestrian routing and navigation provided by OpenStreetMap is getting more and more detailed, but current approaches often fail to take advantage of available information. This paper addresses the issue of integrating open spaces, such as squares and plazas, into pedestrian routing graphs to support realistic crossing behaviour. We evaluate different approaches to solving this issue, including skeletonization algorithms as well as approaches for wayfinding in digital worlds, and recommend that – for pedestrian navigation applications – the visibility graph approach should be preferred over the commonly-used medial axis or straight skeleton approaches, since it provides direct routes, which are more realistic and better suited for pedestrian routing applications.