Abstract

Using GIS to Support Health and Physical Activity Analysis
Track: Health and Human Services
Authors: Breece Robertson, Susan Babey, Brenda Faber

TPL partnered on a research study with the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research to examine the relationship between the physical activity environment, an important determinant of health, and obesity and physical activity. The physical activity environment, including availability of parks and open spaces as well as issues of neighborhood safety, is an important characteristic of communities that can promote or inhibit healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity and walking and biking to school. TPL provided GIS services to calculate park equity and access statistics statewide that the Center used in conjunction with the CHIS data to draw some interesting findings and correlations. In the current economic climate, disadvantaged communities will be able to use the data from this study to advocate for support for their existing parks and open spaces as well as make a case for increasing their opportunities for physical activity. Come see the preliminary results!