Windshield and Walking

Surveys

Copyright 2014 by The University of

What are windshield and
walking surveys?
Windshield surveys are systematic
observations made from a moving
vehicle.
Walking surveys are systematic
observations made on foot.

Copyright 2014 by The University of

Why would you conduct
windshield or walking
surveys?
Windshield or walking surveys give an objective view of
the community.
They can be adapted to community-based participatory
action research, inviting community participation.
They may allow you to see assets that community
members take for granted or dont see.
They can be the easiest and quickest way to get an
overview of the entire community.
They allow clear comparisons among different
neighborhoods in a city, villages in a rural area, etc.
They can be very useful in understanding specific
aspects of a community.
They give you a feel for the community.

Copyright 2014 by The University of

When should you conduct
windshield or walking
surveys?
When you conduct a survey depends on your
purpose in doing so:
If the information youre gathering is geographic or
physical where things are located, what housing is like
then the survey can be conducted anytime.
If you want to understand how people use the
community, you have to conduct your survey at times
perhaps a number of different times when theyre likely
to be engaged in the activities youre interested in.
You may have to do a number of surveys at different
times of the day, week, and/or year to find out what you
want to know.

Copyright 2014 by The University of

 Who should conduct
windshield or walking

surveys?
A small urban neighborhood or rural village might be
adequately surveyed in a day by a single person.
A large city might require several days by several teams of
observers.
If youre engaged in participatory research, you might organize
observers in teams, each of which has representatives of
several different stakeholder groups different ages, cultures,
ethnicities, income levels, community sectors (business,
government, health and community services), etc.
If the survey is to be done within your organization, you might
consider using teams composed of folks from different parts of
the organization (line staff, administrators, support staff, etc.)
or from different locations.
Consider safety when assigning particular people to particular
neighborhoods, and when deciding whether individuals or
teams should conduct the survey.

Copyright 2014 by The University of

How do you conduct windshield
or walking surveys?
General guidelines for both windshield and walking surveys
Determine who will conduct the survey.
Decide on the questions you want your survey to answer.
Decide on the areas youll include in your survey.
Decide when youll conduct your survey.
Train the people who are going to conduct the survey in the
following strategies:
Get well acquainted with your questions, the purpose of the survey, and
what youre looking for.
Make and use a checklist to ensure that you address all your questions, and
observe all the areas you want to.
Try to be unobtrusive.
Carry identification.
Take notes as you go along.
If youre working in teams, assign roles.
Discuss your findings as you go.
Pay attention to safety.

Copyright 2014 by The University of

 Guidelines for a
windshield survey
Use a map.

If you can, try to use a team of at least two.

Drive at a moderate speed, and avoid unexpected

actions.

Drive both on major and minor streets, particularly in

residential neighborhoods.

Pull over at regular intervals to make and compare

notes.

Try to be inconspicuous.

Copyright 2014 by The University of

 Guidelines for a walking
survey
Study a map beforehand, or do a drive-through
so youll know where youre going.
Again, it can be helpful to work in teams.
If you want to experience the community, take
part in everyday activities.
Go inside public buildings and cultural
institutions.
Sit down in a quiet place to take notes.

Copyright 2014 by The University of

 Windshield and walking
surveys
Sometimes, the best survey can be a
combination of walking and driving.
Analyze what youve seen and decide
how to use the information.

Copyright 2014 by The University of