Geographical Information System for Health Impact Assessment and urban planning

Abstract

The use of methods of geographic information systems and cartography is common in the processes of spatial planning and Health Impact Assessment. As part of the research team of the Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic) and in cooperation with the Liberec City Hall and the Regional Hygiene Authority of the Liberec Region, we propose a procedure for the implementation of HIA in spatial planning. The project aims to propose and verify the methodological procedure of comprehensive assessment of health determinants in the area following the method of HIA in the territory of Liberec and the municipalities of the Liberec region. The main area of research and the applicability of results is in spatial and urban planning and public health protection, where the methodology will contribute to the identification of the main impacts on the health of the population, health inequalities and the proposed measures to eliminate or reduce negative or strengthen positive impacts. Multicriterial analysis with outputs in GIS will be used to define impacts. Project activities: the design of the concept of the data model, data analysis, evaluation of the methodology and proposal of measures supporting health. The project includes the design of the concept and logical structure of the data model of health determinants. This is the basis for multicriterial analyzes of health determinants. Its proposal will use methods of health impact assessment (HIA, especially scoping) and qualitative research methods. GIScience and geoinformatics methods will be used to solve the model structure. Last but not least, the methodology for analytical processing is elaborated: the activity will focus on the design and testing of multi-criteria analysis of health determinants. Key messages Geographic information systems enable efficient creation, analysis and communication of data model of health determinants. Spatial planning is a concrete tool for the implementation of health impact assessment objectives into practice.