This master's dissertation aimed to comprehensively investigate the influence of green spaces and path connectivity on walking behavior in the context of Uppsala, Sweden. The research questions that guided this study were twofold: (1) To what extent does the presence of green spaces influence the amount of walking occurring within a city? and (2) Can path connectivity significantly affect the amount of walking taking place in a city? Two primary hypotheses were formulated: first, that areas characterized by greater path connectivity would attract more transport walkers, and second, that areas with a higher abundance of green spaces would attract more leisurely walkers. The research adopted a rigorous quantitative approach, employing a multi-faceted methodology that encompassed both spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field observations to capture real-world behavior. The initial phase of the study involved a meticulous examination of walkability attributes, focusing on the spatial characteristics of green spaces and path connectivity within Uppsala. This spatial analysis provided valuable insights into the potential relationships between these attributes and walking behavior. Subsequently, extensive field observations were conducted to gather empirical data that enabled statistical validation of the associations between the identified spatial factors and actual walking behaviors. Employing robust statistical analysis techniques, the collected data were analyzed to uncover patterns and draw meaningful conclusions. The results revealed a significant interaction between path connectivity and walking behavior, indicating that the extent and quality of path networks have a discernible impact on the walking patterns observed within the city. However, no significant interaction was found between the quantity of green spaces and walking behavior. Nonetheless, when considering the absolute number of walkers, a notable association emerged between both walkability attributes and the total count of walkers within the observed areas. The implications derived from this study indicate that the influence of walkability attributes on walking behavior is multifaceted and not entirely straightforward. While GIS analysis proved to be a valuable tool for evaluating walkability behaviors at a macro level, it became apparent that other microscale factors, including individual perceptions of the built environment, play a substantial role in shaping walking behaviors. Therefore, future studies should consider these microscale aspects to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between walkability attributes and walking behavior. Nevertheless, in general, areas exhibiting greater path connectivity and abundant green spaces showcased higher numbers of walkers in comparison to areas with fewer of these attributes. Thus, the research questions were affirmatively answered, demonstrating that both green spaces and path connectivity have a positive influence on the overall amount of walking within a city. This comprehensive study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the subject, shedding light on the intricate dynamics between urban design, green spaces, path connectivity, and walking behavior. The findings serve as a valuable resource for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in creating sustainable, walkable environments that promote active lifestyles and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in urban settings.

The use of past archaeological survey data for examination of landscape dynamics became very popular during the last decades of the 20th century, when Geographical Information Systems analysis were introduced in archaeology. In the present thesis, past survey data from Northern Messenia’s Middle and Late Helladic periods are combined to the topography and the environment of the region. These data are examined under the GIS prism, which attempts to update our knowledge on this geographical area.             The main scope of this thesis is to examine potential settlement patterns and land use, connectivity between sites and sites’ hierarchies. In the first query, the Kernel Density analysis has been used for estimating settlements’ patterns, and to consequently estimate preference of specific topographical features for land use, such as slope. Based on the patterns formed as a result of the analysis conducted in the first query, connectivity and hierarchy between sites is being tested with the use of cost connectivity and visibility tools.             The outcome of this analysis shows that the inhabitants of the past were significantly interacting with the landscape, since they preferred to nest around the protective slopes of the Soulima and the Kyparissian valleys. The area around their settlements reveals that these inhabitants opted to cultivate in flat or marginal land, while visibility from the sites seems to be an important factor for monitoring the region. However, it has been proved that a good number of collaborating sites were required to supervise the entire territory, which disproves any hierarchical ranking between them. On the other hand, connectivity depicts potential movement over Northern Messenia’s terrain and indicates that a few sites in the heart of the study area were to be considered as panoptic meeting grounds of the eastern and the western side. In conclusion, the overall analysis reveals a potential spatial bond between sites rather than a relationship based on rivalry.