The spatial configuration of local climate zones reveals effects on wayfinding in human walking

2.2 Case study The analytical framework is tested using the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a case study. The GBA is an emerging initiative for rapid regional develop- ment in China. Located in southern China, the GBA includes nine cities in the Guangdong Province and two Special Administrative Regions (Hong Kong and Macau) (Fig 2). As a megacity region, the GBA is densely populated with over 70 million people and accounts for around 13% of China’s gross domestic product (GDP). Well-developed street networks for regional integration create strong spatial connections among cities in the GBA [23]. Also, significant changes in land use and cover occurred [24]. Land resource development creates diverse local spatial configurations, which may influence social function and well-being, such as wayfinding. Understanding whether and how the heterogeneous spatial characteris- tics throughout the GBA affect wayfinding helps to provide a pleasant walking experience for people. Fig 1. Analytical framework. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289780.g001 PLOS ONE The spatial configuration for wayfinding PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289780 September 8, 2023 4 / 18