Geographic Information System Analysis Research Articles

Mapping Health Disparities: Spatial Accessibility to Healthcare Facilities in a Rural District of Ghana Using Geographic Information Systems Techniques

<i>Background:</i> Access to healthcare is crucial for health equity and outcomes, especially in resource-limited rural areas. Despite expansion efforts, access disparities persist, impacting rural well-being. Assessing spatial accessibility to primary and secondary healthcare is essential for identifying underserved areas and guiding effective resource allocation and intervention strategies. <i>Objective:</i> This study aims to evaluate the geographic access to healthcare services in a rural district of Ghana using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques. <i>Methods:</i> Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 3.28.6, spatial data including health facility locations, settlements, road networks, and population data were analysed. Buffer and distance to the nearest hub analyses were conducted to assess healthcare accessibility to all ten (10) healthcare facilities in the district. Travel time analysis was performed using specified travel speeds for various modes of transportation. Chi-square tests were employed to evaluate the associations between settlement characteristics and access to primary and secondary healthcare services. <i>Results:</i> Approximately 40% of the health facilities were located in Akumadan, the district capital. Primary healthcare accessibility within a 3km radius covered 35% of settlements and 59% of the population, while secondary healthcare, within a 5km radius, was accessible to only 11.3% of settlements and 27.2% of the population. The mean distance to health centres was 4.35±2.72 km and to hospitals was 10.35±5.77 km. Mean walking times were 87±54.6 minutes to health centres and 209.2±117.0 minutes to hospitals. By motorized transport, travel times were up to 24 minutes to health centres and 55 minutes to hospitals; by bicycle, up to 37 minutes to health centres and 190 minutes to hospitals. Chi-Square Tests revealed significant associations between settlement type and both primary (χ²(1, N=80) = 30.77, p <.001) and secondary (χ²(1, N=80) = 15.93, p <.001) healthcare access, as well as between population level and healthcare access. Proximity to health facilities (primary χ²(1, N=80) = 21.26, p <.001; secondary χ²(1, N=80) = 5.48, p =.019) and transportation accessibility (primary χ²(1, N=80) = 9.13, p =.003; secondary χ²(1, N=80) = 12.13, p <.001) were significantly associated with healthcare access. <i>Conclusion:</i> This study unveils substantial disparities in healthcare accessibility, characterized by uneven distribution of facilities and remote distances. Challenges include limited infrastructure and geographic isolation. Addressing these requires enhanced infrastructure, transport networks, expanding outreach services, and equitable policy reforms to promote health equity.

Simulation Model for Rainfall Intensity to Landslide Susceptibility

Landslides are one of the most hazardous natural disasters because their occurrences are often destructive to natural and artificial structures on earth and reduce, the quality of the surrounding environment. Predicting the susceptibility of an area to landslides is essential for reducing losses in terms of property, human lives, and environmental damages. Kota Wisata Batu (KWB) is one of areas which having a highest landslide potential in East Java, Indonesia, recording data mentioned that there are 109 landslides in 2022 caused by highest rainfall intensity of 502 mm with a number of intensities of 2977mm per year. Study purposed to identify the factors contributing to landslide occurrences using a geodetic measurement method. The study uses geographic information system (GIS) and PRISMA software analyses to examine and/ or evaluate the relationship between rainfall intensity and landslide susceptibility. The study results the generation of rainfall patterns and maps highlighting sensitivity areas to landslides. These visual representations the classification area as a high-risk and susceptibility zone to landslides at Kota Wisata Batu, East Java. January to April, and August to November should have pay attention since these months is reflection of monsoonal climate with the hard rain in a few days without the raining pause. Some places which are required to pay attention, such as: Gunungsari, Tulungrejo, and Songgokerto.

The Development of Industrial Agglomeration in Industrial Designation Areas and its Impact on Land Use Change (Case Study: Pringsurat Subdistrict and Kranggan Subdistrict, Temanggung Regency)

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>Industrial agglomeration refers to the clustering of industries in a specific region, where they are in close proximity and have interconnections. This phenomenon not only stimulates the growth of industrial activities, but also influences the development of other economic sectors. As industrialization expands, it gradually extends into rural areas that usually have abundant undeveloped land primarily used for agriculture. Consequently, this trend prompts a transition from agricultural to industrial land use. Pringsurat subdistrict and Kranggan subdistrict are located in Temanggung Regency, Central Java Province. Both of these subdistricts are designated as Industrial Designation Areas (KPI) according to the Temanggung Regency Spatial Plan 2011-2031. The plan has implications for the rapid development of large and medium industries. The purpose of this study is to examine the growth of industrial agglomeration in Pringsurat subdistrict and Kranggan subdistrict and their impact on agricultural land conversion. This research was conducted from 2023 to 2024 and utilizing data from 2021 and 2022. The approach of this research is descriptive quantitative and utilizes spatial analysis with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and descriptive analysis techniques. Based on the results of the analysis, there is an agglomeration of large and medium industries in Pringsurat subdistrict and Kranggan subdistrict. The growth of agglomeration encourages the establishment of new industries and industry linkages. Furthermore, agglomeration growth has led to changes in land use, an increase in the variety of land uses, and an increase in land prices. Results of the analysis also show that there are regulatory changes in the development of industrial agglomeration that will affect to local government decision in the future. </span></p></div></div></div>

Strategic Enhancement of Healthcare Services During the Hajj Season in Makkah: A Comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) Analysis.

Annually, over two million international pilgrims embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, presenting a significant challenge for healthcare services. This study analyzes the spatial distribution of healthcare facilities in the Al Mashaer area using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to enhance healthcare during this religious gathering. It evaluates the accessibility and efficacy of healthcare facilities, including primary care centers, clinics, and hospitals, each addressing distinct medical needs to ensure a holistic approach for pilgrims. The study maps the distribution, service radius, and services offered by each facility, along with an analysis of travel distances and times, to evaluate the viability of healthcare services. Identifying coverage gaps and accessibility issues is critical for making strategic recommendations to enhance resource allocation and distribution. The research addresses challenges such as data precision, population density, infrastructural constraints, and resource limitations. The study offers recommendations to optimize resource distribution, improve transportation strategies, expand healthcare capacity, and enhance cultural competency, resulting in improved healthcare accessibility, reduced congestion, quicker medical responses, and a safer pilgrimage experience, promoting a world-class pilgrimage management system.

SPATIOTEMPORAL OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) CONCENTRATION IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

The high concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) directly results in Klang Valley’s air quality deterioration, causing a public health risk. This study was conducted to analyse the daily-averaged and annual concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on a spatial-temporal scale at five continuous monitoring stations under the Department of Environment (DOE) in Klang Valley, namely, Klang, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Kajang, and Cheras from 2000 to 2009 using Man-Kendall statistical analysis and interpolation technique in Geographic Information System (GIS). The result clearly showed that the Petaling Jaya station was identified as the most polluted compared to other stations, with an average concentration of more than 0.050 ppm every year and reaching the maximum concentration of 0.069 ppm where the mean was 0.030 in 2001. Based on the p-value derived from the Mann-Kendall statistical analysis, the Klang, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, and Cheras stations recorded a significant trend with p-values < 0.05 at 0.0001 and 0.020, respectively. The annual concentration of NO2 in all the stations was in the range of 0.015 to 0.04 ppm from 2004 to 2009, compared to 0.005 to 0.01 ppm from 2000 to 2003. The highest annual-averaged NO2 concentration was reported at the Petaling Jaya station between 0.035 and 0.004 ppm for all years except 2007 and 2009 when concentrations were in the 0.03 to 0.035 ppm. Notably, the Petaling Jaya station had the highest annual NO2 concentration, which ranged from 0.025 to 0.04 ppm due to emissions from motor vehicles. The major pressure on road infrastructure was recognised, mainly a lack of space to accommodate the effect of the maximum density of motor vehicles and traffic, resulting in traffic congestion in the city centre.

Measuring and reducing the ecological risk of community tourism for ecosystem conservation

The escalating ecological risks associated with Community Tourism (CT) pose a significant threat to ecosystem conservation worldwide, yet methods to predict and prevent CT-induced problems remain underexplored. In the context of the pronounced emphasis on the economic advantages of CT and its extensive implementation, the spatial prediction of CT-induced ecological issues and the corresponding effective preventative strategies are crucial. This study integrates composite indicators, Public Participation Geographic Information Systems, spatial statistics, and scenario analysis to develop Community Tourism Ecological Risk Models (CTERMs). Using the Qinghai Lake region as a case study, this study quantifies the spatial distribution of ecological risks associated with CT, identify priority areas for intervention, and propose enhanced mitigation strategies. Results indicate that CTERMs effectively pinpoint sites of ecological concern, making them valuable tools for forecasting CT-induced problems. Although high-risk areas constitute a small portion of the study area, significant disparities among communities highlight three clusters requiring urgent preventive measures. The current tourism concession layout is inadequate for mitigating CT-induced ecological risks. Adjusting the locations of concessions, while maintaining their current number, can significantly reduce ecological threats and protect endangered species. These findings demonstrate that strategic concession placement offers considerable ecological benefits. As new frameworks for biodiversity conservation are being considered, conservation scientists and policymakers are presented with an opportunity to integrate community development, poverty reduction, and ecosystem conservation by utilizing CTERMs for the strategic allocation of concessions.

Hydrochemical characterization and evaluation of irrigation water quality using indexing approaches, multivariate analysis, and GIS techniques in K'sob Valley, Algeria

Irrigation plays a vital role in addressing increasing need for food production and promoting economic advancement. To meet the demands for food supply and economic progress, it is essential to underscore the significance of assessing water quality in dry regions. The current study was carried out to evaluate and predict the suitability of water quality for agricultural use in the K'sob valley in the M'sila region (Northeast Algeria). A combination of irrigation water quality indices (IWQIs), Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis and multivariate statistical methods were used for this purpose. Several physicochemical parameters, such as temperature (T°), hydrogen ion concentration (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity (Turb), chemical oxygen demand (COD), Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, PO4− and SiO22+ were all measured from 40 samples collected at ten surface water locations during four seasons. The concentrations of the main cation and anion were shown as follows: Na+>Ca2+> K+ > Mg2+, and SO42− > HCO3− > Cl− > NO3− indicating mixed Na-Cl-K or Na-SO4 water facies. Significant seasonal variation for each parameter (T, pH, Turbidity, Salinity, COD, NH4+, Cl−, SO4−, and NO2−) was reported (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant spatial variation (p < 0.05) was observed among different stations for the parameters: TDS, EC, Ca2+, Na+, HCO3−, SO4−, NO3−, and PO43− (p < 0.05). The irrigation water quality index (IWQI), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), Kelly index (KI), and permeability index (PI) had values varying between 28.1 and 56.8, 5.65 and 12.45, 75 and 87, 2.61 and 6.54 and 83, and 97, respectively, and a significant seasonal effect was recorded. According to the Wilcox diagram, 70% of samples were unsuitable for irrigation, while 30% of samples were questionable. The IWQI map revealed that 50% of the samples fell within the very poor category for irrigation, while 20% and 30% of the samples were inside the poor and unsuitable categories, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) of K'SobValley water revealed three different categories of water based on elemental composition and seasonal variations. The results obtained in this study can be valuable for surface water management. Furthermore, the developed methodology can serve as a useful tool for identifying critical hydrogeochemical components in arid and semi-arid environments related to surface water.

Adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour during the school journey and the association with transport modes and food outlets along the school route.

Active transport to and from school provides an opportunity for adolescents to engage in physical activity, but travelling through an obesogenic environment may have unintended consequences on their snacking behaviour. This study aimed to: (1) identify whether adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour was associated with school transport modes and food outlets on their estimated school route and (2) explore whether food outlet density on the school route differed between school transport modes. Adolescents (n = 406; aged 15.1 ± 1.4 years; 50.7% boys; 63.5% New Zealand European) from all 12 secondary schools in Dunedin city, Aotearoa New Zealand, completed an online survey. School transport modes (active, motorised or mixed) and unhealthy snacking data were collected. Food outlet data were collected using Google Places Application Programming Interface (API). Home-to-school route and distance were estimated using geographical information system (GIS) analysis based on a walkable road network. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Overall, 26.4% of adolescents reported purchasing and consuming unhealthy snacks or soft drinks on the way to school and 41.4% from school. The odds of unhealthy snacking during the school journey was higher among mixed transport users than active transport users on the way to (odds ratio (OR) = 2.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39-5.36) and from school (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.40-5.13). No differences were observed by food outlet type. There were no food outlets on the estimated school route for 44.8% of adolescents. The presence of more than one food outlet per kilometre of the estimated school route differed between active (38.7%), motorised (42.6%) and mixed transport users (46.4%; p = 0.006). School transport modes were significantly associated with adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour and food outlets on their school journey. Policy measures which minimise exposure to unhealthy food outlets may reduce unhealthy snacking among adolescents.

Exploring the user experience, quality, and provision of urban greenspace: A mixed-method approach

Urban greenspace plays a crucial role in city design, offering residents various benefits for their health and wellbeing. With increasing urbanisation and human population growth, urban greenspace is becoming an even more significant resource. By implementing a mixed-method approach, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of urban greenspace based on public usage and perceptions, and quality, availability and accessibility in Derby, UK. Our methodology included an online questionnaire to investigate greenspace usage and perceptions, an in-situ assessment to assess greenspace quality, and Geographical Information Systems analysis to quantify greenspace provision based on Natural England’s (2023) Accessible Greenspace Standards (AGS). We found that greenspace usage and perception vary according to demographic and socioeconomic aspects, with younger people and students showing lower engagement with greenspace. Positive engagement correlates with factors such as proximity, car access, employment, and education. We also found that moderately high levels of greenspace quality (69.47/100) are available in the city, with the most notable insufficiencies related to quietness/peacefulness, aesthetics, and naturalness. Finally, none of the AGS criteria are met at a city-wide scale given the lack of large greenspace sites (particularly over 100 ha) and inequalities in spatial distribution. Our study highlights the value of the use of different methodologies to assess greenspace-related factors and emphasises the significance of public engagement in evaluating greenspace quality. Additionally, we identified factors adversely affecting greenspace use, including parking fees and issues with facilities, amenities, and safety. We therefore recommend interventions to address these challenges and enhance greenspace experience and accessibility in the city.

Biotope Mapping of San Mariano, Isabela for Forest Conservation and Management

Abstract Forests in San Mariano, Isabela, Philippines are invaluable resources facing threats from destructive activities and natural disturbances, resulting to significant forest loss. To address this challenge, this study introduces biotope mapping as a tool for forest conservation and management in San Mariano, Isabela. The goal is to identify and map the different biotopes in San Mariano, Isabela which helps in enhancing sustainable forest management strategies, ensuring the long-term preservation of forest ecosystems. By conducting site visits, utilizing remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, the distribution and classification of biotopes in San Mariano are determined. Through overlaying the soil type map, land cover map, and landform map, 22 biotopes were determined, and each were visually presented by showing a section-elevation diagram of each biotope. Furthermore, an assessment was also done for each biotope providing a comprehensive understanding of the different biotopes within the study area. This also serves as a reference for prioritizing conservation efforts, establishing protected areas, implementing habitat restoration initiatives, and mitigating threats to forest ecosystems. The findings and recommendations of this study contribute to the promotion of effective forest conservation and management, ensuring the long-term preservation of the forested landscapes.

Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the Study of Prostate Cancer Disparities: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: PCa is one of the cancers that exhibits the widest disparity gaps. Geographical place of residence has been shown to be associated with healthcare access/utilization and PCa outcomes. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are widely being utilized for PCa disparities research, however, inconsistencies in their application exist. This systematic review will summarize GIS application within PCa disparities research, highlight gaps in the literature, and propose alternative approaches. Methods: This paper followed the methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and the criteria set of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Articles published in peer-reviewed journals were searched through the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases until December 2022. The main inclusion criteria were employing a GIS approach and examining a relationship between geographical components and PCa disparities. The main exclusion criteria were studies conducted outside the US and those that were not published in English. Results: A total of 25 articles were included; 23 focused on PCa measures as outcomes: incidence, survival, and mortality, while only 2 examined PCa management. GIS application in PCa disparities research was grouped into three main categories: mapping, processing, and analysis. GIS mapping allowed for the visualization of quantitative, qualitative, and temporal trends of PCa factors. GIS processing was mainly used for geocoding and smoothing of PCa rates. GIS analysis mainly served to evaluate global spatial autocorrelation and distribution of PCa cases, while local cluster identification techniques were mainly employed to identify locations with poorer PCa outcomes, soliciting public health interventions. Discussion: Varied GIS applications and methodologies have been used in researching PCa disparities. Multiple geographical scales were adopted, leading to variations in associations and outcomes. Geocoding quality varied considerably, leading to less robust findings. Limitations in cluster-detection approaches were identified, especially when variations were captured using the Spatial Scan Statistic. GIS approaches utilized in other diseases might be applied within PCa disparities research for more accurate inferences. A novel approach for GIS research in PCa disparities could be focusing more on geospatial disparities in procedure utilization especially when it comes to PCa screening techniques. Conclusions: This systematic review summarized and described the current state and trend of GIS application in PCa disparities research. Although GIS is of crucial importance when it comes to PCa disparities research, future studies should rely on more robust GIS techniques, carefully select the geographical scale studied, and partner with GIS scientists for more accurate inferences. Such interdisciplinary approaches have the potential to bridge the gaps between GIS and cancer prevention and control to further advance cancer equity.

Rural-urban differences in emergency medical services bypass routing of stroke in North Carolina.

Acute stroke is a serious, time-sensitive condition requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency medical services (EMS) routing and direct transport of acute stroke patients to stroke centers improves timely access to care. This study aimed to describe EMS stroke routing and transports by rurality in North Carolina (NC). We conducted a retrospective study using existing data on EMS transports of suspected stroke patients in NC in 2019. The primary study outcome was EMS bypass of the nearest hospital for transport to a nonnearest hospital, determined by geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. Incident addresses were geocoded to census tracts and classified as urban, suburban, or rural by Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes. We compared the frequency of bypass and estimated additional transport times by urban, suburban, and rural incident locations. Of 3666 patients, 1884 (51%) EMS transports bypassed the nearest hospital. Bypass occurred less often for rural EMS incidents (39%) compared to those in urban (57%) and suburban (63%) tracts. The estimated additional transport time for rural bypasses of nonendovascular-capable stroke centers for endovascular-capable stroke centers was a median of 25min (interquartile range 13-33). Using GIS analysis, we found nearly half of EMS transports of suspected stroke patients in NC bypassed the nearest hospital, including noncertified hospitals and stroke centers. Bypasses occurred less often in rural areas, though incurred significantly longer transport times, compared to urban areas. These findings are important for regional stroke system planning, especially for improving rural access to acute stroke care.

National Database for Emergency Management (GIS based)

This study looks at the advantages of using geographic information systems for emergency management from two angles: the data management mode and the pre-warning signal emergency management requirements. This study discusses the need for geographic information systems in disaster management. This study explores the manifestation of the function graphics with one mining map, which comprises of the graphics data and characteristics data, the layer stack, and theme maps presenting, through the analysis of geographic information systems functions appropriate for pre-warning signals. It communicates with the conventional pre-warning signal system in order to present the pre-warning signal's outcome based on geographic information systems in the interim. Based on previous research, this study proposes a standard approach for pre- warning using geographic information systems. The project aims to create dynamic, multidimensional technical instruments for emergency management system implementation, as well as useful concepts for the development of pre-warning systems that are intimately related to actual places. Keywords: pre-warning, geographic information system, emergency management, and theme map

Exploring gender norms in Neolithic Northern China: A GIS analysis of the Jiangzhai site

This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques to analyze the Jiangzhai site, a significant Neolithic settlement in northern China. Our aim is to challenge existing biases in gender interpretations of this and similar sites. By examining the distribution of various types of burial goods across different areas of the cemetery, we reveal significant spatial heterogeneity, indicating that mortuary practices at Jiangzhai should not be considered a unified entity. Our findings highlight no universal correlation between gender and grave good distribution: various types of goods are present in both male and female graves. However, in certain areas of the cemetery, specific types of production tools exhibit clear gender preferences. This suggests that gender roles within the Jiangzhai community were flexible and gender was not the central aspect of funerary practices. At Jiangzhai, gender and gender norms were intertwined with other aspects of funerary practices and social identity, influenced by economic structural differences between households. We call for more case studies based on new methods and encourage scholars to continue critically examining past gender narratives.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of epidemiology diseases: mobility based risk and short-term prediction modeling of COVID-19.

Nowadays, epidemiological modeling is applied to a wide range of diseases, communicable and non-communicable, namely AIDS, Ebola, influenza, Dengue, Malaria, Zika. More recently, in the context of the last pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), several studies applied these models to SARS-CoV-2. Despite the increasing number of researches using spatial analysis, some constraints persist that prevent more complex modeling such as capturing local epidemiological dynamics or capturing the real patterns and dynamics. For example, the unavailability of: (i) epidemiological information such as the frequency with which it is made available; (ii) sociodemographic and environmental factors (e.g., population density and population mobility) at a finer scale which influence the evolution patterns of infectious diseases; or (iii) the number of cases information that is also very dependent on the degree of testing performed, often with severe territorial disparities and influenced by context factors. Moreover, the delay in case reporting and the lack of quality control in epidemiological information is responsible for biases in the data that lead to many results obtained being subject to the ecological fallacy, making it difficult to identify causal relationships. Other important methodological limitations are the control of spatiotemporal dependence, management of non-linearity, ergodicy, among others, which can impute inconsistencies to the results. In addition to these issues, social contact, is still difficult to quantify in order to be incorporated into modeling processes. This study aims to explore a modeling framework that can overcome some of these modeling methodological limitations to allow more accurate modeling of epidemiological diseases. Based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, our model is developed to identify group of municipalities where population density (vulnerability) has a stronger relationship with incidence (hazard) and commuting movements (exposure). Specifically, our framework shows how to operate a model over data with no clear trend or seasonal pattern which is suitable for a short-term predicting (i.e., forecasting) of cases based on few determinants. Our tested models provide a good alternative for when explanatory data is few and the time component is not available, once they have shown a good fit and good short-term forecast ability.

Opportunities for interprofessional collaboration between pharmacists and hearing professionals in Pennsylvania: A descriptive geographic information system study

BackgroundIn 2022, the Food and Drug Administration finalized regulations for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, available without professional hearing services and without a prescription. As a result, community pharmacies now serve as locations where adults seek self-care solutions for hearing loss such as OTC hearing aids. ObjectivesWe conducted a geographic information systems (GIS) analysis to identify Pennsylvania counties served by community pharmacies and hearing aid dispensaries, the practice locations of hearing professionals. MethodsWe obtained addresses of Pennsylvania pharmacies from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs. Hearing aid dispensaries were obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. GIS software was used to plot locations of pharmacies and hearing aid dispensaries. The number of pharmacies and hearing aid dispensaries was visualized on a Pennsylvania map, by county. Mean straight-line distances, in miles, from a hearing aid dispensary to its nearest pharmacy in any county and vice versa were calculated. This analysis was performed in early 2022. ResultsIn Pennsylvania, there were more community pharmacies (2769) than hearing aid dispensaries (945). All 67 Pennsylvania counties had more pharmacies than hearing aid dispensaries. Pharmacies outnumbered hearing aid dispensaries by 1 in some rural counties to 382 in urban Philadelphia County. The mean straight-line distance from a hearing aid dispensary, starting point, to the nearest pharmacy, end point, was 0.63 miles. The mean straight-line distance from a pharmacy, starting point, to the nearest hearing aid dispensary, end point, was 3.24 miles. ConclusionThis GIS analysis supports the participation of pharmacists in initiatives such as OTC hearing aids that increase population access to hearing care.

Development of a Land Price Model for a Medium Sized Indian City

Land price plays a crucial role in the development of a region, which serves as an indicator of the features of a property. The primary goal of this paper is to explore the relationship between land price and various geographical and accessibility parameters and thereby arrive at a model to predict the land price. Based on literature surveys, the parameters that influence land price are identified further through which data collection from primary surveys, the creation of a road network map, a geographic information system (GIS) analysis to determine the distance to the central business district (CBD), measurement of road density and access road width, assessment of employment opportunities through establishment surveys, and identification of various land use parcels in the study region are accomplished. The land prices are collected from recently sold parcels in each of the zones in the study region. A negative and significant correlation is observed between land price and distance to the CBD. Positive correlations are observed between land price and other factors considered, such as road density, availability of educational facilities, employment opportunities, and the extent of commercial and residential land use areas. A non-linear regression model is developed that can predict land price depending on the significant parameters.

Post-Tsunami Shoreline Changes in Parts of Palu Bay

This research was conducted in part of Palu Bay which is included in the administrative area of Palu City. The problems in this study are: (1) How is the change of coastline in some parts of Palu Bay? (2) How much area was affected by the Tsunami in parts of Palu Bay? This study aims to: (1) To know the changes of coastline in some parts of Palu Bay. (2) Know the area affected by the Tsunami in part of Palu Bay. This type of research is quantitative descriptive research. The method used to obtain data is by using Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis with overlay techniques. The results showed that there were changes in the coastline in the form of abrasion or loss of land with a total area of 61.53 hectares and additional land (accretion) with a total area of 5.1 hectares. The total area affected by the tsunami in parts of Palu Bay amounted to 622.83 hectares. The sub-districts that experienced the largest tsunami impact were the Tawaeli district with an area of 169.96 hectares, Mantikulore sub-district with an area of 145.55 hectares, the North Palu sub-district with an area of 116.25 hectares, the Ulujadi sub-district with an area of 104.66 hectares, the West Palu sub-district with an area of 58.39 hectares, while East Palu sub-district was the smallest tsunami impacted area with an area of 28.02 hectares.

Delineation of groundwater potential zones in coastal alluvial region using remote sensing, geographic information system and analytical hierarchy process techniques

Delineation of groundwater potential zone in coastal region is a challenging task. One of the reasons for that is lack of understanding of the geogenic factors in the coastal alluvial areas such as geomorphology, lithology etc. These factors can influence the locations of the groundwater potential zones over the coastal alluvial terrains. The present study is an attempt to analyse the multiple factors to delineate groundwater potential zones in the coastal region of Contai Sub-division, West Bengal, India. In this study, remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques have been utilized to delineate the groundwater potential zones. Weights were assigned to the parameters using the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and different classes within each parameter have been ranked on the basis of their relative importance regarding groundwater potentiality. The results of the study were validated by water yield data, water level fluctuation data and geophysical survey. The outcome of validation reveals that a strong correlation (80%) exists between water yield data and groundwater potential zones. Similarly, a good relation occurs for the water level fluctuation data and groundwater potential zones, where the overall accuracy and kappa coefficients are 84.2% and 0.76 respectively. The output of the study reveals that geomorphologically older deltaic plain, older alluvial plain and older coastal plain are good indicators of high groundwater potential regions. Furthermore, the outcome of the study also unveils that lithologically the well sorted medium grained sand is important feature to delineate high groundwater potential regions in coastal alluvial areas. The findings, thus, could establish that present methodology using GIS and AHP techniques has a better potential to identify and map the groundwater potential zones more realistically and can be applied for future planning of groundwater resource management and groundwater exploration in wider coastal alluvial terrain.

Resident demand-oriented selection and spatial layout strategy for public sports facilities

In response to elevated living standards and evolving recreational values, public sports facilities have become a focal point. This study, targeting the central districts of Yiyang City across 17 neighborhoods, integrates questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and geographic information system analysis to address the diversified needs in sports infrastructure. It reveals a discrepancy characterised by uniform facility types and flawed layouts, notably in Heshan and Ziyang, that fail to satisfy the diversified demands of residents. Consequently, the research introduces a bottom-up strategy, emphasising the need for facility selections and spatial layouts informed by community needs. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of demographic factors such as age, income, and education in guiding facility placement strategies to accommodate a broad spectrum of users. By doing so, the study contributes a novel, resident-focused framework to the discourse on public sports facilities, promoting sustainable and inclusive urban sports environment development.