What does the gravity-based opportunity measure indicate?

The gravity-based opportunity measure is grounded in the principle that urban attractions—such as jobs, services, and amenities—are more valued when they are closer to a point of origin. This concept is derived from the analogy of gravitational pull: just as larger masses exert stronger gravitational forces, destinations with greater opportunities become more appealing as their distance to potential visitors or users decreases.

In practical terms, this means that a destination's value is not just determined by the opportunities it offers but significantly influenced by how far away it is from where people live or start their journeys. A nearby opportunity is generally seen as more accessible and desirable than one that requires a longer travel distance, thereby increasing the likelihood of utilizing that opportunity. Hence, the measure creates a weighted assessment of destinations based on proximity, aligning well with urban planning objectives to enhance accessibility to essential services and economic opportunities. This rationale underpins various planning decisions and resource allocations within urban development contexts.