A Data-Driven Study on Spatial Network of Learning Facilities in Urban Areas : Focusing on Centrality and Educational Disparity

The spatial connectivity of learning facilities (LFs) affects educational accessibility and learner behavior, serving as a key factor in designing urban educational environments. This study proposes a method for analyzing the distribution of local LFs using spatial big data and network analysis. The network of 788 LFs, including elementary, middle, and high schools, academies, tutoring centers, and libraries, across 5 boroughs in Daejeon was analyzed. Centrality measures were applied to assess the proximity of LFs and identify hubs within the network. Results showed the centrality distribution reflects the east-west educational disparity in Daejeon. Additional observation with 99 participants in a virtual environment (VE) replicating a library revealed learners’ behavior tendencies. Results showed that network analysis can be applied to assess LFs’ connectivity and VEs can be used to redesign learning environments, providing a practical tool for local governments and city planners to design bands of learning facilities.