How GIS Boosts Urban Well-Being

Created By RISC | 3 weeks ago

Last modified date : 3 weeks ago

Over 58% of the global population already live in cities and 68% will likely do so by 2050, according to a UN report. As well as rising population, this urban expansion involves growing city boundaries.

City growth could seem positive. But urbanization, without effective urban planning, can threaten well-being, from health to the environment and society.

Geo-informatics technology (GIS), however, can give precise and accurate access to spatial data. Systematic collection and spatial analysis in area assessments, urban planning, and decision-making can promote better well-being:

• Health: GIS can help analyze accessibility to healthcare and the spatial distribution of medical facilities to fully meet the population’s needs.
• Environment: GIS supports analysis of access to green spaces, helping urban dwellers relax, exercise, and reduce their health risks. It also plays a role in disaster risk assessment—impacting both physical and mental health, quality of life, and financial stability. Furthermore, satellite imagery can be used to monitor air pollution that affects public health.
• Society: GIS can help identify areas with high crime risks, enabling planning strategies that reduce dangers and enhance safety for urban populations.

In addition, geo-informatics technology helps monitor land-use changes through satellite imagery, which can be used to forecast urban growth trends. This contributes to more effective city and infrastructure planning—ensuring cities become inclusive spaces that promote the well-being of all residents.

Story by Sirapach Mangkang, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, RISC

References:

https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/share-of-population-urban?time=latest#sources-and-processing
https://unhabitat.org/programme/sustainable-development-goals-cities
https://population.un.org/wup/assets/WUP2018-Report.pdf
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