VGI and Public Health: Possibilities and Pitfalls

Abstract

Recent advances in technologies that allow for the collection of volunteered geographic information (VGI) are providing new opportunities for health research. These technologies provide for the collection of time-sensitive, fl uid data from a broad pool of subjects using sophisticated yet easy-to-use data collection tools -principally the smartphone and other location-aware devices. Never before has it been so easy for health researchers to collect and analyze real-time location-based data. The result of which can provide continuously updated datasets that often capture a more than just a snapshot of events or environmental factors. These technologies also allow the researcher to create novel datasets that do not presently exist. However, the use of such technologies to collect potentially identi fi able data poses risks to both the researcher and the subject. The tools introduce new challenges and ethical problems if used improperly for health research. This chapter investigates both the potential of VGI in public health research while discussing some challenges of using technology platforms that can leverage and provide collection tools for volunteered geographic information.

Implications of smartphone usage on privacy and spatial cognition: academic literature and public perceptions

“…The use of VGI could also be used to identify epidemiologic patterns necessary to link time, place, and people associated with transmission of disease (Goranson et al 2013) and injury trends (Cinnamon and Schuurman 2010). However, collecting sensitive health data and associated locational information poses serious privacy risks to those who contribute this personal information (Jones et al 2011;Goranson et al 2013). What remains unknown is how these evolving digital practices will increasingly influence both in person and online social norms.…”

“…During Vancouver Riots in 2011, law enforcement shared video surveillance footage and invited the public to help identify those who engaged in criminal activity since there were not enough police officers to enforce the law in real time (Michael and Michael 2011). The use of VGI could also be used to identify epidemiologic patterns necessary to link time, place, and people associated with transmission of disease (Goranson et al 2013) and injury trends (Cinnamon and Schuurman 2010). However, collecting sensitive health data and associated locational information poses serious privacy risks to those who contribute this personal information (Jones et al 2011;Goranson et al 2013).…”

“…Other noticeable topics regarding opportunities for VGI covered in academic literature include urban planning and political participation (Johnson and Sieber 2013), education (Goodchild 2007b;Sui 2008;Haklay et al 2008), epidemiology (Wasserman 2011;Schuurman 2010, 2013;Goranson et al 2013), health (WHO 2011Cromley and McLafferty 2012;Cinnamon and Schuurman 2013;Zargaran et al 2014) and disaster management (Andrienko and Andrienko 2007;McFerren et al 2007;Meier 2012;Roche et al 2013).…”

Where Does Bicycling for Health Happen? Analysing Volunteered Geographic Information Through Place and Plexus

“…Any volunteered dataset by its nature only represents the input of the participants, and planners need to understand the representation of each dataset used, and its limits for a particular application, such as bicycle transportation planning and health. Also, each dataset can be expected to have different levels of individual privacy, and researchers and planners should identify personally identifiable information that can be gleaned from the data, and follow applicable protocols to protect human subjects (Goranson, Thihalolipavan, & Tada, 2013). Part of respect for humans and participants for planners also includes using data appropriately to provide equitable analysis for different populations and travel modes, and new datasets offer additional opportunities to more effectively plan for diverse, healthy and sustainable communities.…”

Technology and Data Collection in Chronic Disease Epidemiology

“…Their innovative and low-cost approach could be replicated in any setting, including the United States, where time-sensitive point-location data on environmental exposure are needed but are unavailable through more traditional data-collection sources. In this sense, their approach to gathering data is situated within the broader technological developments of volunteered geographic information, crowdsourced data, and GPS-enabled mobile technology for public health (2–6). …”