Walk Score - Detailed Review
Real Estate Tools
Walk Score - Product Overview
Introduction to Walk Score
Walk Score is a prominent tool in the real estate industry, specializing in walkability analysis and providing valuable insights for home buyers, renters, and real estate professionals. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
Walk Score’s main purpose is to measure the walkability of a given address or area. It assigns a numerical score, ranging from 0 to 100, based on the proximity of various amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and public transportation. This score helps users assess how easily they can access essential services on foot.Target Audience
The primary users of Walk Score include:- Home buyers and renters looking for properties in walkable neighborhoods.
- Real estate agents and property managers who want to highlight the walkability of their listings.
- Urban planners and developers interested in assessing and improving the walkability of different areas.
Key Features
Walkability Score
Walk Score calculates a walkability score based on the distance to nearby amenities. A higher score indicates better walkability, with scores categorized as follows: Walker’s Paradise (90-100), Very Walkable (70-89), Walkable (50-69), Car-Dependent (25-49), and Car-Required (0-24).Transit Score
In addition to walkability, Walk Score also provides a Transit Score, which rates the accessibility of public transportation from a given address. This score ranges from 0 to 100 and helps users understand the availability and convenience of public transit options.Bike Score
Walk Score includes a Bike Score feature, which measures the bikeability of an area. This score considers factors such as bike lanes, hilliness, road connectivity, and the percentage of people who bike to work.Apartment Search Tool
The platform offers an apartment search feature that allows users to find rentals based on commute time to work or school, using various modes of transportation including walking, cycling, driving, and public transit.Travel Time API
Walk Score provides a Travel Time API for developers, enabling them to integrate commute time calculations into their applications. This API is useful for real estate websites and other platforms that need to display commute times and transit information.Crime Maps and Additional Features
Walk Score also includes crime maps and other neighborhood data to give users a more comprehensive view of the area they are considering. This helps in making informed decisions about where to live.Impact on Real Estate
Higher Walk Scores have been correlated with higher property values and lower mortgage default risk. Each point increase in Walk Score can add significant value to a property, making it a valuable metric for real estate professionals and home buyers. Walk Score - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Walk Score
The user interface of Walk Score, particularly in the context of real estate tools, is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
Ease of Use
- The Walk Score website allows users to easily enter an address or location to receive a walkability score, which is a simple and straightforward process. This score is calculated on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater walkability.
- Users can quickly understand the walkability of an area by looking at the score and its corresponding category (e.g., Walker’s Paradise, Very Walkable, Somewhat Walkable, Car-Dependent).
User Interface
- The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Upon entering an address, users are presented with a map view of the area, highlighting nearby amenities such as grocery stores, schools, parks, restaurants, and retail stores. This visual representation helps users see at a glance what services are within walking distance.
- The website also provides detailed information about the walk score, including the categories of amenities that contribute to the score and the distance to these amenities. This information is presented in a clear and organized manner.
Additional Features
- Walk Score offers additional tools and data services, such as bike scores and transit scores where available, which can be accessed through their API or subscription services. These features are particularly useful for real estate analysts, urban planners, and public health advocates.
- Users can also track historical trends in walkability over time, which is valuable for analyzing changes in urban environments.
Overall User Experience
- The overall user experience is positive due to the simplicity and clarity of the interface. Users can quickly gather meaningful information about the walkability of an area without needing extensive technical knowledge.
- However, it’s worth noting that while Walk Score measures proximity to amenities, it does not account for all factors of walkability, such as sidewalk connectivity, safety, and the aesthetic appeal of the walking environment.
In summary, Walk Score’s user interface is designed for ease of use, providing clear and actionable information that helps users assess the walkability of different locations efficiently.
Walk Score - Key Features and Functionality
Key Features of Walk Score
Walk Score is a valuable tool in the real estate sector, providing a quantifiable measure of an area’s walkability. Here are the main features and how they work:Walk Score Calculation
Walk Score uses a patented algorithm to measure the walkability of any address. This algorithm analyzes hundreds of walking routes to nearby amenities, such as restaurants, grocery stores, retail spaces, schools, and parks. Points are awarded based on the distance to these amenities, with locations within a quarter of a mile (5-minute walk) receiving the highest score. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater walkability.Categories of Amenities
The Walk Score calculation includes several weighted categories:- Dining and Drink: Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and cafes.
- Grocery Stores: Places where residents can buy fresh produce and other essentials.
- Retail Spaces: Clothing stores, bookstores, specialty food shops, etc.
- Schools: Elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Parks: Green spaces, pocket parks, and trail access areas.
Data Collection
Walk Score collects data from various sources, including Factual for bar and restaurant locations, Great Schools for K-12 school locations, the U.S. Census Bureau for population metrics, and OpenStreetMap for road networks and mobility infrastructure. Users can also contribute by updating information about neighborhood amenities, ensuring the data remains current.Integration with Real Estate Platforms
Walk Score data is integrated into numerous real estate websites and MLS systems, such as Apartments.com, Zillow, Zumper, and MRED’s connectMLS system. This integration allows real estate professionals and consumers to view Walk Scores directly within property listings, providing valuable insights into the walkability of a neighborhood.API for Developers
The Walk Score API enables developers to integrate Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score into their websites and applications. This allows for features like searching and sorting properties by Walk Score, enhancing the user experience for those looking for walkable areas.Economic and Health Benefits
Research has shown that higher Walk Scores are associated with higher property values, both residential and commercial. Walkable areas tend to have higher rental premiums and property values compared to car-dependent areas. Additionally, walkability is linked to environmental and health benefits, such as reduced car travel and increased physical activity.User Engagement and Updates
Walk Score encourages user engagement by allowing anyone to update the information about their neighborhood amenities. This ensures that the data remains accurate and up-to-date, with updates made roughly every six months for individual addresses and annually for larger geographic areas.Scoring Interpretation
The Walk Score is interpreted as follows:- 90-100: Walker’s Paradise (daily errands do not require a car)
- 70-89: Very Walkable (most errands can be done on foot)
- 50-69: Somewhat Walkable (some errands can be done on foot)
- 25-49: Car-Dependent (most errands require a car)
- 0-24: Car-Required (almost all errands require a car).
Walk Score - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating Walk Score in Real Estate
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Walk Score in the real estate sector involves examining several key aspects, including its data collection methods, the impact on property values, and its limitations.
Data Collection and Methodology
Walk Score gathers data from multiple sources, such as Factual, Great Schools, the U.S. Census Bureau, and OpenStreetMap. This data includes the location of amenities like bars, restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and mobility infrastructure like road networks, walking paths, and bike paths. Additionally, Walk Score relies on user contributions to update and refine its scores, ensuring that the information is as current and accurate as possible.
Impact on Property Values
The performance of Walk Score is strongly correlated with various positive outcomes in real estate. Research indicates that higher Walk Scores are associated with increased property values, rents, retail sales, occupancy rates, and price resilience during economic downturns. For instance, a 10-point increase in Walk Score can lead to a 5-8% increase in commercial property values, and properties near public transit stations can command a price premium of 40-200%.
Economic Benefits
Walkable areas tend to outperform car-dependent areas economically. For example, office rents in walkable areas can be significantly higher than in drivable suburban areas, with a 75% rental premium observed in some cases. Similarly, per-square-foot values in walkable areas are often 71% higher than in other areas.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite its usefulness, Walk Score has several limitations:
Urban vs. Rural Areas
The metric favors urban areas with defined city blocks and intersections, potentially underestimating the walkability of rural areas where residents might still engage in physical activity, such as walking along pastures or streams.
Subjective Interpretation
What one person considers a walkable distance may be different for another, which Walk Score does not account for.
Infrastructure and Safety
The quality of sidewalks, crime data, topography, and weather patterns are not included in Walk Score calculations. These factors can significantly impact walkability and physical activity.
Frequency of Updates
While user contributions help keep the data updated, scores for individual addresses are updated roughly every six months, and broader area scores are updated about once a year.
Engagement and Factual Accuracy
Walk Score data is widely used by analysts and researchers in various fields, including real estate, urban planning, and public health. The data is available in multiple formats, such as spreadsheets and APIs, making it accessible for different types of analysis. However, users need to be aware of the limitations mentioned above to ensure they interpret the scores accurately.
Conclusion
In summary, Walk Score is a valuable tool for assessing walkability and its impact on real estate values, but it is essential to consider its limitations, particularly regarding infrastructure, safety, and subjective interpretations of walkability. By understanding these aspects, users can make more informed decisions when using Walk Score data.
Walk Score - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Walk Score
The pricing structure of Walk Score is segmented into several plans, each offering a different set of features to cater to various needs, particularly in the real estate sector.
Free Plan
The free plan includes basic features such as:
- Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score
- Public transit data
- Limited views (though the exact number is not specified in the sources, it is implied that there are restrictions compared to paid plans).
Premium Plan
Starting at $115 per month, the Premium plan includes all the free features plus:
- Score details
- Public transit data
- Travel Time API
- Score Details API
- Over 5,000 views per day
- Support for multiple domains
- Option for subscription or fee-based services
- Offline use.
Enterprise Plan
The Enterprise plan offers more advanced and customized features, although the exact pricing is not specified. It includes all the features from the Premium plan, along with additional capabilities such as:
- Higher view limits
- Advanced integration options
- Customized services tailored to enterprise needs.
Adding Walk Score to Your Site
For those looking to integrate Walk Score into their website, there are options available:
- You can add the Walk Score Widget to your site using copy-and-paste HTML code, which is free to use.
- There is also the option to add a Travel Time Map to your site, but this may fall under the Premium or Enterprise plans depending on the features required.
Summary
In summary, Walk Score offers a tiered pricing structure that ranges from a free plan with basic features to more comprehensive Premium and Enterprise plans, catering to different levels of usage and integration needs.
Walk Score - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Walk Score integrates seamlessly with various real estate and mapping tools, enhancing the functionality and value of these platforms.
Real Estate Listings
Walk Score can be integrated into real estate websites and property listings, allowing users to search and sort properties based on their walkability. This is particularly useful for platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Zumper, where Walk Score data is already featured.
IDX Broker
The integration with IDX Broker enables real estate professionals to showcase the walkability of neighborhoods for their property listings. This integration is available in the IDX Broker Lite and Platinum accounts, providing detailed information about neighborhood amenities and commute options.
SparkMap
The Walk Scores Tool on SparkMap allows users to quickly assess the walkability of an area by clicking on a map location. This tool is accessible to all SparkMap users and helps in identifying the walkability of specific locations.
API Integration
The Walk Score API is a key component of its integration capabilities. Here’s how it works:
API Calls
Developers can use the Walk Score API to retrieve Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score for any location. API calls must be made from a server-side script and require parameters such as latitude, longitude, address, and the API key.
Branding Requirements
All API calls must comply with Walk Score branding requirements, which include displaying the Walk Score logo and providing links to additional information.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Geographical Support
Walk Score is officially supported in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. While it may provide results for other countries, the data may be inaccurate or incomplete for areas outside these supported regions.
Web and Mobile
The Walk Score API and tools are designed to be used on both web and mobile platforms. This ensures that users can access walkability information regardless of the device they are using.
Data Formats
The API returns data in XML or JSON formats, making it versatile for integration into various applications and websites.
Practical Applications
Real Estate Websites
By integrating Walk Score, real estate websites can provide valuable information to potential buyers about the walkability of neighborhoods, including nearby amenities, public transportation options, and bikeability.
User Engagement
The ability to search and sort properties by Walk Score enhances user engagement on real estate sites, making it easier for users to find properties that meet their walkability preferences.
Overall, Walk Score’s integration capabilities and compatibility across different platforms make it a valuable tool for real estate professionals, developers, and users interested in assessing the walkability of various locations.
Walk Score - Customer Support and Resources
When Using Walk Score in Real Estate
When using Walk Score, particularly in the real estate sector, several customer support options and additional resources are available to ensure a smooth and informative experience.
Customer Support
For any issues or questions, Walk Score provides a dedicated customer service line. If you are using a screen reader or having trouble reading the website, you can call Walk Score customer service at (253) 256-1634.
Data Services and Resources
Walk Score offers a variety of data services that can be invaluable for real estate professionals, analysts, and researchers. Here are some key resources:
APIs and Data Access
Walk Score provides APIs that allow users to access Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score data. This data can be integrated into real estate listings, websites, and other data sets. The data is available for individual addresses as well as larger geographic areas such as postal codes and census tracts.
Widgets and Badges
Users can display Walk Scores on their websites using digital code in the form of widgets and badges. This helps in integrating Walk Score data with real estate listings and other relevant information.
Research and Analysis Tools
Walk Score data is used by analysts and researchers in fields such as real estate, urban planning, government, public health, and finance. The company provides data in formats like spreadsheets and shapefiles, which can be used to track historical trends and measure walkability over time.
User Contributions
Walk Score allows users to contribute up-to-date information about neighborhood amenities. Users can add, update, or remove data to ensure the accuracy of the Walk Score. Updates are made roughly every six months for individual addresses and about once a year for neighborhood, city-level, and census tract scores.
Case Studies and Customer Testimonials
Walk Score provides case studies and testimonials from customers like Zillow, ApartmentList, and Real Estate Digital, which can offer insights into how other companies are leveraging Walk Score data effectively.
Additional Resources
Subscription Services
Walk Score offers subscription services that allow users to track Walk Score data over time, measuring historical trends such as the percentage of residents who can walk to fresh food within 5 minutes.
Grants and Academic Alignment
Walk Score has received grants from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to align their algorithms with the latest academic research, ensuring the data is based on credible and up-to-date methodologies.
By leveraging these resources and support options, real estate professionals can effectively use Walk Score to enhance their property listings, market properties more effectively, and provide valuable information to potential buyers and renters.
Walk Score - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Walk Score
Ease of Use and Accessibility
Walk Score is an easy-to-use tool that provides a simple, intuitive way to measure the walkability of an area. It is widely integrated into over 30,000 websites, including many real estate platforms, making it readily available for prospective buyers and renters.
Economic Value
Walk Score has a significant impact on property values. Each point increase in Walk Score can add up to $3,000 in home value, and it can also increase commercial property values by 5-8%. This makes it a valuable metric for real estate agents and property owners.
International Coverage
Walk Score is the only international measure of walkability, providing a standardized way to compare walkability across different cities and countries.
User Engagement
Walk Score can increase engagement on real estate websites. For example, it has been noted that Walk Score increases renter engagement, making it a useful tool for real estate companies.
Data Collection
Walk Score collects data from multiple sources, including Google, Open Street Map, the U.S. Census, and user contributions. This comprehensive data collection helps in providing a fairly accurate indicator of walkability.
Disadvantages of Walk Score
Limited Scope
Walk Score primarily measures the density of destinations within walking distance but does not account for other critical factors of walkability such as sidewalk connectivity, personal safety, aesthetics, and street design. This can lead to an overestimation of walkability in areas that lack these essential features.
Inaccuracies in Lower-Access Areas
Walk Score is less accurate in neighborhoods with lower Walk Scores (below 70) and in low-income areas. It tends to overestimate the walkability of high-access, low-income communities and fails to capture the poorer quality of the walking experience in these areas.
Misrepresentation of Walkability
In some cases, Walk Score can misrepresent walkability by counting parking lot aisles as city blocks or ignoring the lack of essential amenities like groceries, schools, and safe sidewalks. This can result in higher Walk Scores for areas that are not actually walkable.
Urban vs. Rural Bias
Walk Score favors urban areas over suburban or rural areas, even if the latter may have walkable environments in their own right. This bias can make it less useful for evaluating walkability in non-urban settings.
Lack of Micro-Scale Features
Walk Score does not capture the micro-scale, ‘on the ground’ built environment features that impact people’s decisions to walk, such as the presence of trees, curb cuts, and lighting. This makes it less reliable for detailed urban planning and redevelopment projects.
In summary, while Walk Score is a useful and widely used tool for assessing walkability, it has significant limitations, particularly in lower-income and lower-access areas, and does not fully capture the nuances of walkable environments.
Walk Score - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Walk Score to Other Real Estate Tools
Walk Score Unique Features
Walk Score is a prominent tool that measures the walkability of a given area, providing a score from 0 to 100 based on the proximity to amenities, public transit, and other walkable features. This score is crucial for both residential and commercial real estate investors, as it correlates strongly with property values, rents, and retail sales.Competitors and Alternatives
Zillow and Redfin
Zillow and Redfin are significant competitors that offer AI-powered property value estimates and neighborhood trends. Zillow’s Zestimate and Redfin’s similar tool provide quick property value assessments, which, while not specifically focused on walkability, offer comprehensive real estate data. These platforms are more geared towards homeowners, homebuyers, and investors seeking general property valuations and market insights.Moovit and LoopNet
Moovit, another competitor, focuses more on public transit and mobility rather than walkability specifically. It provides detailed transit information, which can be complementary to Walk Score for a more holistic view of an area’s accessibility. LoopNet, primarily a commercial real estate marketplace, does not offer walkability scores but provides extensive listings and market data. It is more suited for commercial real estate investors looking for property listings and market analytics rather than walkability metrics.PropertyShark
PropertyShark offers real estate listings and market data but does not have a specific walkability score feature. It is useful for investors and homebuyers looking for detailed property information and market trends, but it lacks the walkability focus of Walk Score.AI-Driven Real Estate Tools
For those looking for AI-driven tools beyond walkability, there are several options:HouseCanary
HouseCanary offers an end-to-end data and analytics solution with institutional-grade quality, focusing on property valuation, market forecasting, and performance monitoring. It is more comprehensive but does not specifically focus on walkability.DealCheck
DealCheck is designed for financial analysis of real estate deals, calculating metrics like cash flow, cap rate, and ROI. It is ideal for investors needing detailed financial analysis rather than walkability scores.AI Tools for Real Estate Agents
Tools like CINC, Top Producer, and Lofty use AI for lead scoring, client management, and market insights. These tools are more focused on agent workflow and client engagement rather than walkability or property valuation.Conclusion
Walk Score stands out for its specific focus on walkability, which is a critical factor in real estate value and desirability. While other tools like Zillow, Redfin, and HouseCanary offer valuable real estate data and AI-driven insights, they do not replace the unique walkability metrics provided by Walk Score. For investors and homebuyers prioritizing walkability, Walk Score remains a unique and essential tool. Walk Score - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Walk Score, along with detailed responses to each:
What is Walk Score?
Walk Score is a metric that measures the walkability of a given address, neighborhood, or city. It uses a scale of 0 to 100 to indicate how easy it is to live in a location without a car, based on the proximity to various amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and parks.
How is Walk Score calculated?
Walk Score is calculated using a patented algorithm that measures the distance from a specific address to available amenities in the area. The algorithm considers the distance to various amenities, with closer amenities receiving higher scores. Categories such as dining, grocery stores, retail spaces, schools, parks, and culture and entertainment are weighted differently, with closer amenities in each category contributing more to the overall score.
What amenities are included in a Walk Score calculation?
Walk Score includes several categories of amenities, such as:
- Dining and Drink: Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and cafes.
- Grocery Stores: Places where residents can buy fresh produce and other essentials.
- Retail Spaces: Clothing and shoe retailers, bookstores, specialty food shops, etc.
- Schools: Elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Parks: Green spaces, pocket parks, central parks, and trail access areas.
- Culture and Entertainment: Movie theaters, live theaters, museums, art galleries, and music venues.
What does a good Walk Score mean?
A good Walk Score is generally considered to be between 70 and 100:
- 90-100: Walker’s Paradise, where daily errands do not require a car.
- 70-89: Very Walkable, where most errands can be completed on foot.
- 50-69: Somewhat Walkable, where some errands can be done on foot but a car may be necessary for others.
- 25-49: Car-Dependent, where most errands require a car.
- 0-24: Car-Dependent, where almost all errands require a car.
How does Walk Score impact property values?
Walk Score has a positive correlation with property values. Research shows that a one-point increase in Walk Score can increase the price of a home by an average of $3,250 or 0.9 percent. For commercial properties, a 10-point increase in Walk Score can increase property values by up to 9 percent, depending on the property type.
How is Walk Score data collected and updated?
Walk Score collects data from various sources, including Factual, Great Schools, the U.S. Census Bureau, and OpenStreetMap. Additionally, users can contribute up-to-date information about neighborhood amenities. Updates for individual addresses are made roughly every six months, while neighborhood, city-level, and census tract scores are assessed about once a year.
Can Walk Score be used for larger geographic areas?
Yes, Walk Score data is available not only for individual addresses but also for larger geographic areas such as postal codes, census tracts, and entire cities. This data can be used by researchers and analysts in various fields, including real estate, urban planning, government, public health, and finance.
What are the limitations of Walk Score?
While Walk Score is a valuable tool, it has some limitations. It does not account for all factors of walkability, such as sidewalk connectivity, width, accessibility, security, and appeal. Additionally, it weighs all destinations equally, which can artificially inflate the score in areas missing essential amenities. Urban areas are often considered more walkable than suburban or rural areas due to the data collection methods.
How can individuals or organizations leverage Walk Score data?
Walk Score data can be leveraged in various ways, including through spreadsheets, shapefiles, and APIs. It is used by analysts and researchers to study the relationship between walkability and real estate values, public health, and urban planning. The data can also be integrated into real estate listings and other data sets to provide a comprehensive view of a property’s walkability.
Is Walk Score available internationally?
Yes, Walk Score is available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It provides walkability scores for addresses, neighborhoods, and cities in these countries.
How does Walk Score consider pedestrian friendliness?
Walk Score considers pedestrian friendliness by analyzing factors such as average block length and intersection density. Shorter blocks with more intersections are associated with higher Walk Scores because they provide more walking routes, narrower streets, reduced speed limits, and better access to nearby amenities.
Walk Score - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Walk Score in Real Estate
Walk Score is a valuable tool in the real estate sector, particularly for those interested in assessing and leveraging the walkability of a property. Here’s a comprehensive look at its benefits and who would most benefit from using it.Benefits of Walk Score
- Property Value Appreciation: Properties with higher Walk Scores tend to command higher prices and experience greater appreciation over time. Studies have shown that a one-point increase in Walk Score can translate to home price premiums ranging from $700 to $3,000 per unit, and commercial properties can see increases of up to 9% in value with a 10-point increase in Walk Score.
- Rental Rate Premiums: Walkable properties, especially those in urban environments, often experience significant rental rate premiums compared to car-dependent properties. Companies are willing to pay more for highly walkable spaces to attract top-tier talent.
- Increased Foot Traffic and Retail Sales: Enhanced walkability attracts more foot traffic and increases retail sales in adjacent properties. This is particularly beneficial for retail and mixed-use developments.
- Proximity to Amenities: Walk Score measures the proximity to various amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and parks. This convenience is highly desirable for residents and employees, leading to higher occupancy rates and better tenant retention.
- Public Health Benefits: Higher Walk Scores are associated with healthier lifestyles, including increased physical activity and lower obesity rates. This can be an attractive feature for health-conscious buyers and renters.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Homebuyers and Renters: Individuals looking for properties that offer convenience and a healthier lifestyle will find Walk Score invaluable. It helps them identify neighborhoods where daily errands can be completed on foot, reducing the need for car ownership.
- Commercial Real Estate Investors: Investors can use Walk Score to identify properties with high potential for appreciation and rental income. Walkable properties tend to outperform car-dependent ones in terms of property values, rents, and retail sales.
- Urban Planners and Developers: By analyzing Walk Score data, urban planners and developers can design more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and mixed-use developments that are more attractive to residents and businesses.
- Retail Businesses: Retailers can benefit from understanding the walkability of their location, as it directly impacts foot traffic and sales. Highly walkable areas are more likely to attract customers and increase retail activity.