ITU Study Explores Social Vulnerability Through Accessibility at Geospatial Technologies Symposium 2025

Researchers from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) presented a poster and paper titled “Mapping Social Vulnerability Through Accessibility Patterns: The Istanbul Case” at the Symposium on GeoSpatial Technologies: Visions and Horizons 2025, held between 8–10 October 2025 at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale.

The study was presented by Aydın Furkan Terzi and co-authored by Aydın Furkan Terzi, Ayşenur Koçyiğit, Koray Aksu, and Prof. Dr. Hande Demirel. It examines social vulnerability in urban environments by integrating accessibility patterns and socioeconomic status (SES) within the analytical framework of the 15-Minute City (15mCity) model.

Cities act as engines of economic, social, and cultural development, yet rapid urbanization, insufficient infrastructure, and fragmented spatial organization often intensify existing inequalities. The research addresses these challenges by arguing that social vulnerability is not determined solely by sociodemographic characteristics, but also by the spatial distribution, quality, and accessibility of urban services.

Using Istanbul as a case study, the research investigates how variations in accessibility to essential urban functions—such as services, facilities, and opportunities—intersect with socioeconomic conditions to shape patterns of vulnerability. The 15-Minute City model is employed as a spatial lens to evaluate whether daily needs can be met within a reasonable walking distance, and how deviations from this ideal contribute to uneven urban outcomes.

By linking accessibility analysis with social vulnerability assessment, the study provides a nuanced understanding of how planning and spatial organization influence resilience and inclusion in metropolitan contexts. The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to design more equitable, accessible, and socially resilient cities.

The contribution aligns with the Forthcoming project’s dissemination objectives, highlighting the importance of geospatial technologies and accessibility-based approaches in addressing complex urban challenges and supporting evidence-based planning strategies.