Using spatial network analysis to recover England’s and Wales’ lost footpaths and rights of way

Political action in contemporary society is often fuelled by a combination of large dataset analysis (big data) in conjunction with efforts to mobilize armies of volunteers (VGI - Volunteered Geographic Information). Those seeking to influence landscape decisions, which are inherently political in nature must also find new ways to combine insights gained from big data mining with technologies of social engagement. This research outline gives an overview of the pilot phase of a data analysis project intended to inform efforts by volunteers to recover 'lost' rights of way in England's footpath network in the face of a pending policy change in 2025. The research explores the feasibility of several methods of analysing the properties of spatial networks to find inconsistencies in how England's footpath network may have been recorded. By highlighting problem areas in the network, the efforts of volunteers tasked with much more time intensive methods of confirming and reaffirming lost rights of way may be better directed. Finally, the study seeks to give recommendations on how the network can be maintained and improved for future generations of walkers, especially in those parts of England characterized by high levels of economic deprivation or where regular walking is not an established pastime and fitness activity. The results of this first phase of research are intended to inform a broader research proposal covering all of England's footpaths.