Using Instagram Data to Map Urban Attractiveness: Evidence from Liberec, Czechia

Využitie údajov z Instagramu na mapovanie atraktívnosti miest: dôkazy z Liberca v Česku

Artur Boháč, Ondřej Lesák

In: Geografické informácie (Geographical Information), Ročník (Volume) 29, Číslo (Issue) 2, 2025, p. 32-48, ISSN 1337-9453

DOI: 10.17846/GI.2025.29.2.32-48

Abstract

This paper explores the spatial distribution and types of posts and profiles connected to Liberec, a mid-sized city and regional capital in Czechia. Specifically, the text focuses on the geotag Liberec in 1,000 Instagram posts. Through geotagged data, hashtag analysis, and quantitative and qualitative assessments, enriched by survey research among users from the city, the study identifies urban hotspots and visual narratives that shape the digital identity of Liberec. These Instagram hotspots are compared to those previously identified as popularity hotspots within other research focused primarily on the number of visitors to specific localities. Beyond empirical observation and the provision of a typology of posts and users, the discussion extends into theoretical considerations of urban imageability and performativity of digital media. The findings reveal a partial mismatch between iconic and digitally popular places, highlighting the platform-driven performativity of urban space. The text has been supplemented with tabular, graphic and map additions.

Keywords: social network, user-generated content, perception of space, digital place-making, urban hotspots, geodata

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