Which of the following statements about windshield surveys is accurate?

• A. They require digital mapping software to collect data.
• B. They always cover a single street block.
• C. They involve direct observation of the physical environment and can be conducted by walking.
• D. They replace all other forms of data collection.

Answer: (C)

Windshield surveys are a quick, observation-based method used to assess the physical environment of a community by moving through it. You observe things you can directly see—housing conditions, sidewalks, street lighting, traffic patterns, safety features, and the presence of parks or services—without needing specialized tools. They can be done by walking or driving, making them flexible and practical in many settings. They don’t require digital mapping software, aren’t limited to a single street block, and don’t replace other data sources; they provide a firsthand view to complement more formal data collection. Because of this direct observation of the physical environment and the ability to walk through the area, this statement is accurate.