About sDNA

sDNA is a hybrid academic, government and commercial project which originated at Cardiff School of Planning & Geography and the Sustainable Places Research Institute.  We have been funded from a mixture of sources including ESRC, BRE, Cardiff University, research agreements with Hong Kong and Tongji Universities and sales of the software to the private sector.

Our aim is to promote the practice of spatial network analysis through

  • Provision of software for 2D and 3D spatial network analysis
  • Provision of training
  • Provision of a knowledge base as a foundation for evidence based decisions and policy

sDNA differs from previous forms of spatial network analysis by

  • standardizing on link-node format (using our continuous space algorithm to ensure accuracy is not lost by doing this)
  • unifying the disciplines of spatial network analysis and transport modelling, learning lessons from both fields
  • prioritizing the testing and validation of outputs against real data

sDNA differs from transport modelling by allowing a wide range of inputs – from no data through to big data – and outputs – from visualisation and decision support tools through to full demand modelling.

sDNA is easy to use with existing map data, and we support numerous workflows:

  • ArcGIS and QGIS for analysts and researchers
  • Autocad for architects and designers
  • Command line interface for scripting
  • Python interface for hackers

The definitive citaiton for all sDNA software releases is now:

Please help us to help you by citing the above alongside any published results of sDNA analysis, as demonstrating impact allows us to put more work into the software in future.

For more on the theory behind sDNA, see the following papers:

  • Cooper, C. and Chiaradia, A. sDNA: how and why we reinvented Spatial Network Analysis for health, economics and active modes of transport.  In Malleson, N. et al: GIS Research UK (GISRUK) 2015 Proceedings. http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1491375
    Background from network analysis perspective including continuous space algorithm

  • Chiaradia, A., Cooper, C., Wedderburn, M. Network geography and accessibility.  Transport Practitioners Meeting, London, 2014.
    Background on why network analysis makes sense for transport modelling

  • Cooper, C. H. V. (2015) Spatial localisation of closeness and betweenness measures: a self-contradictory but useful form of network analysis.  International Journal of GIS
    Tidying up analytical details unaddressed in previous spatial network analysis literature
  • Cooper, C. H. V. (2015) Strategic urban scale models of pedestrian and cycle travel. Presented at Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) annual conference, Prague, July 2015.
  • Cooper, C. H. V. & Chiaradia, A. J. (2015) 3d Network Models for prediction of cyclist flows.  Transport Practitioners Meeting, London
  • Wedderburn, M. and Chiaradia, A. J. 2014. Network Network Network: new techniques in pedestrian movement analysis. Presented at: 42nd European Transport Conference, Frankfurt, Germany, 29 Sept-1 Oct 2014.

Examples of work done with sDNA:

  • Cooper, C., Fone, D., Chiaradia, A. (2014) Measuring the impact of spatial network layout on community social cohesion: a cross-sectional study International Journal of Health Geographics 2014, 13:11  doi:10.1186/1476-072X-13-11
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C., Gallacher, J. (2014).  Healthy Cities: Public health through urban planning Edward Elgar. ISBN:9781781955710 DOI:10.4337/9781781955727
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C., Gallacher, J. (2014).  Morphometric Analysis of the Built Environment in UK Biobank: Data Analyses and Specification Manual. Cardiff University.
  • Sarkar et al (2015) Exploring associations between urban green, street design and walking: Results from the Greater London boroughs.  Landscape and Urban Planning 143, 112-125.
  • Orengo, H (2016) The seeds of commerce: A network analysis-based approach to the Romano-British transport system. Journal of Archaeological Science 66, 21-35.
  • Criollo, C (2012) Spatial Network Analysis for Urban Cycling Networks. Thesis for MSc in Transportation Systems, Technical University of Munich.
  • Zhang, L., Chiaradia, Alain and Zhuang, Y. (2015). Configurational accessibility study of road and metro network in Shanghai. In: Pan, Q. and Cao, Jason eds. Recent Developments in Chinese Urban Planning, Springer, pp. 219-245. (10.1007/978-3-319-18470-8)
  • Cooper, C (2016) Cardiff models of cycling. Technical report.
  • Cooper, C (2016). Spatial network analysis as a low cost land use-transport model of city wide cyclist flows. 42nd European Transport Conference, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Collins, A. and Cooper, C (2016) Measuring and managing the environmental impact of festivals: The contribution of the Ecological Footprint. Journal of Sustainable Tourism
  • Cooper, C (2017) Using spatial network analysis to model pedal cycle flows, risk and mode choice. Journal of Transport Geography 58, 157.
  • Kang, Chang-Deok (2017) Measuring the effects of street network configurations on walking in Seoul, Korea. Cities 71
  • Cooper, C (2018) Predictive spatial network analysis for high resolution transport modelling, applied to cyclist flows, mode choice and targeting investment. Int Jnl Sustainable Transportation, https://doi.org/10.1080/15568318.2018.1432730
  • Zhou, C., Pei, T., Xu, J., Ma, T., Fan, Z. and Wang, J., 2018. Comprehensive Geographic Information Systems, Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Urban Dynamics and GIScience, 297-312.
  • Kang, K., Ni, Y., Li, J., Imamovic, L., Sarkar, C., Kobler, M.D., Heshiki, Y., Zheng, T., Kumari, S., Wong, J.C.Y. and Archna, A., 2018. The Environmental Exposures and Inner-and Intercity Traffic Flows of the Metro System May Contribute to the Skin Microbiome and Resistome. Cell reports, 24(5), pp.1190-1202.
  • Grimaldi, D., Fernandez, V. and Carrasco, C., 2018. Heuristic for the localization of new shops based on business and social criteria. Technological Forecasting and Social Change.
  • Ye, Y., Richards, D., Lu, Y., Song, X., Zhuang, Y., Zeng, W. and Zhong, T., 2018. Measuring daily accessed street greenery: A human-scale approach for informing better urban planning practices. Landscape and Urban Planning.
  • Cubukcu, E., Hepguzel, B., Onder, Z. and Tumer, B., 2015. Active Living For Sustainable Future: A model to measure “walk scores” via Geographic Information Systems. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 168, pp.229-237.
  • He, S., Yu, S., Shao, X. and Wei, P., 2018. A spatial design network analysis of street networks and the locations of leisure entertainment activities: a case study of Wuhan, China. Sustainable Cities and Society.
  • Ye, Y., Richards, D., Lu, Y., Song, X., Zhuang, Y., Zeng, W. and Zhong, T., 2018. Measuring daily accessed street greenery: A human-scale approach for informing better urban planning practices. Landscape and Urban Planning.
  • Xiao, Y., Sarkar, C., Webster, C., Chiaradia, A. and Lu, Y., 2017. Street network accessibility-based methodology for appraisal of land use master plans: An empirical case study of Wuhan, China. Land Use Policy, 69, pp.193-203.
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C. and Gallacher, J., 2015. UK Biobank Urban Morphometric Platform (UKBUMP)–a nationwide resource for evidence-based healthy city planning and public health interventions. Annals of GIS, 21(2), pp.135-148.
  • Sun, G., Webster, C. and Chiaradia, A., 2017. Objective assessment of station approach routes: Development and reliability of an audit for walking environments around metro stations in China. Journal of Transport & Health, 4, pp.191-207.
  • Gil, J., Varoudis, T., Karimi, K. and Penn, A., 2015, July. The space syntax toolkit: Integrating depthmapX and exploratory spatial analysis workflows in QGIS. In SSS 2015-10th International Space Syntax Symposium (Vol. 10). Space Syntax Laboratory, The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL (University College London).
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C. and Gallacher, J., 2015. UK Biobank Urban Morphometric Platform (UKBUMP)–a nationwide resource for evidence-based healthy city planning and public health interventions. Annals of GIS, 21(2), pp.135-148.
  • Zhang, L., Chiaradia, A. and Zhuang, Y., 2015. A Configurational Accessibility Study of Road and Metro Network in Shanghai, China. In Recent Developments in Chinese Urban Planning (pp. 219-245). Springer, Cham.
  • Sun, G., Webster, C. and Chiaradia, A., 2018. Ungating the city: A permeability perspective. Urban Studies, 55(12), pp.2586-2602.
  • Ye, Y., Li, D. and Liu, X., 2018. How block density and typology affect urban vitality: an exploratory analysis in Shenzhen, China. Urban Geography, 39(4), pp.631-652.
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C. and Gallacher, J., 2017. Association between adiposity outcomes and residential density: a full-data, cross-sectional analysis of 419 562 UK Biobank adult participants. The Lancet Planetary Health, 1(7), pp.e277-e288.
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C. and Gallacher, J., 2017. Association between adiposity outcomes and residential density: a full-data, cross-sectional analysis of 419 562 UK Biobank adult participants. The Lancet Planetary Health, 1(7), pp.e277-e288.
  • Sarkar, C., Gallacher, J. and Webster, C., 2014. Morphometric Analysis of the Built Environment in UK Biobank: Data Analyses and Specification Manual. Prepared by Cardiff University for UK Biobank, University of Oxford. Accessed May, 20, p.2014.
  • Gil, J., 2011. Analysing the configuration of integrated multi-modal urban networks. Continuity, 100(2), p.1.
  • Ye, Y., Yeh, A., Zhuang, Y., Van Nes, A. and Liu, J., 2017. “Form Syntax” as a contribution to geodesign: A morphological tool for urbanity-making in urban design. Urban Design International, 22(1), pp.73-90.
  • Sarkar, C., 2017. Residential greenness and adiposity: findings from the UK Biobank. Environment international, 106, pp.1-10.
  • Kim, S., Choo, S. and Jang, J., 2018. Evaluation of Accessibility on Pedestrian Network Considering Social Path(No. 18-01795).
  • Boyko, C.T., 2015. Healthy Cities: Public Health through Urban Planning. The Town Planning Review, 86(3), p.370.
  • Ersoy, A., 2015. The Collaborating Planner? Practitioners in the neoliberal age. The Town Planning Review, 86(3), p.371.
  • Sarkar, C., Gallacher, J. and Webster, C., 2013. The impact of built environment configuration on psychological distress in older adults: Results from the Caerphilly study John Gallacher. European Journal of Public Health, 23(suppl_1).
  • Van Der Heyden, J., Van der Heyden, J., Berger, N. and Van Oyen, H., O. 1. Health for older adults.
  • Zhuang, Y. and Zhang, L., 2016. Exploring Synergistic Effect in Metro Station Areas: A Case Study of Shanghai, China. International Journal of High-Rise Buildings, 5(2), pp.105-115.
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C. and Kumari, S., 2018. Street morphology and severity of road casualties: A 5-year study of Greater London. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 12(7), pp.510-525.
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C. and Gallacher, J., 2018. Residential greenness and prevalence of major depressive disorders: a cross-sectional, observational, associational study of 94 879 adult UK Biobank participants. The Lancet Planetary Health, 2(4), pp.e162-e173.
  • Grimaldi, D., Fernandez, V. and Carrasco, C., 2018. Heuristic for the localization of new shops based on business and social criteria. Technological Forecasting and Social Change.
  • Sarkar, C., Webster, C. and Gallacher, J., 2018. Neighbourhood walkability and incidence of hypertension: Findings from the study of 429,334 UK Biobank participants. International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 221(3), pp.458-468.
  • Akiyode, A.H., 2017. Spaces of the Informal Economy: Reimagining Street Trading through Accessibility Distribution Analyses in Lagos (Doctoral dissertation, School of Geography and Planning, Cardiff University).

Previous presentations

  • Cooper, C. (2016). Modelling cyclist behaviour based on Welsh Active Travel data.  Invited presentation to Welsh Assembly.
  • Cooper, C. and Brown, L. (2016) Simulation tools for planning Active Travel. Royal Town Planning Institute Wales annual conference, Cardiff.
  • Cooper, C. (2015) Spatial Network Analysis, the Big Data Way.  Association for Geographic Information GEOBIG5 Conference, Cardiff.
  • Cooper, C. (2012) Spatial Design Network Analysis. iBee Innovation in the Built Environment, Media City, Manchester.
  • Chiaradia, A. J. and Cooper, C. 2014. Health & green infrastructure. Presented at: sDNA Workshop – The urban design dimensions of planning, Gazi University, Department of City and Regional Planning, Ankara, 10-12 September 2014.
  • Chiaradia, A. J. and Cooper, C. 2014. Economic development (education & entrepreneurship). Presented at: sDNA Workshop – The urban design dimensions of planning, Gazi University, Department of City and Regional Planning, Ankara, 10-12 September 2014.
  • Chiaradia, A. J. and Cooper, C. 2014. Sustainable transport | Part II (meso-micro) – node and place, link and place. Presented at: sDNA Workshop – The urban design dimensions of planning, Gazi University, Department of City and Regional Planning, Ankara, 10-12 September 2014.
  • Chiaradia, A. J. and Cooper, C. 2014. Sustainable transport | Part I (macro-meso) – networks. Presented at: sDNA Workshop – The urban design dimensions of planning, Gazi University, Department of City and Regional Planning, Ankara, 10-12 September 2014.
  • Zhang, L., Chiaradia, A. and Zhuang, Y. 2014. A Configurational Accessibility Study of Road and Metro Network in Shanghai, China. Presented at: The 8th International Association for China Planning (IACP) Conference. Guangzhou, PRC, 21-22 June, 2014
  • Chiaradia, A. J. 2014. Sustainable transport | Part I (macro-meso) – networks. Presented at: The urban design dimensions of planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, PRC, 8 Mai – 5 June 2014.
  • Chiaradia, A. J. 2014. Sustainable transport | Part II (meso-micro) – node and place, link and place. Presented at: The urban design dimensions of planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, PRC, 8 Mai – 5 June 2014.
  • Chiaradia, A. J. 2014. Health & green infrastructure. Presented at: The urban design dimensions of planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, PRC, 8 Mai – 5 June 2014.
  • Chiaradia, A. J. 2014. Economic development (education & entrepreneurship). Presented at: The urban design dimensions of planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, PRC, 8 Mai – 5 June 2014.
  • Sun, G., Webster, C. and Zhang, X., 2019. Connecting the city: a three-dimensional pedestrian network of Hong Kong. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, p.2399808319847204.
  • Sun, G., Wallace, D. and Webster, C., 2020. Unravelling the impact of street network structure and gated community layout in development-oriented transit design. Land Use Policy, 90, p.104328.

The sDNA Logo is actually a spatial network coloured according to one of the sDNA Output Measures.

Can you guess which one?