Geographic Information System Mapping Research Articles

Geotechnical mapping of lateritic gravels for efficient road construction in Cameroon’s intertropical zone

The study shows that the effective and timely construction of roads in the intertropical zone is hindered by the lack of geospatial data on the distribution of lateritic gravels (LG). This study uses a multicriteria geographic information system (GIS) mapping of elevations, relief curvature, slope classes, and rock types to determine the distribution of LG north of Mount Bangou in Cameroon. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR), maximum dry density, fines content, and plasticity index are used to assess the geotechnical quality of these materials, with CBR values ranging from 17 to 32%. LG with good geotechnical characteristics covers an area of 50 km2 north of Mount Bangou, with a CBR ≥ 30%, maximum dry density > 1.80, gravel content exceeding 64%, fines content < 30%, and plasticity indices < 30%. LG with moderately good geotechnical characteristics cover an area of 79 km2, with a 25 ≤ CBR < 30% and a gravel content between 53 and 59%. LG with poor geotechnical characteristics cover an area of 61 km2, with CBR values below 25%, gravel content between 38 and 50%, maximum dry density < 1.80, gravel content exceeding 64%, fines content > 30%, and plasticity indices > 25%. Altitude has the greatest influence on the spatial distribution of LG in the landscape. The LG with good geotechnical characteristics were found in areas with high slopes of ≥7° and at altitudes of ≥1700 m. Those with moderately good geotechnical characteristics are located in areas with average slopes of 5° and at average altitudes of 1570 m. LG with poor geotechnical characteristics are observed in areas of low slopes of ≤3° and at altitudes of ≤1600 m. These soils can be used in road layers, especially in foundations and sub-base layers, particularly for very low to moderate traffic. The application of an integrated GIS approach for geotechnical mapping of LG, taking into account genetic and geoenvironmental constraints, is promising. This method can be used to assess larger-scale studies on the spatial distribution of lateritic soils for road construction in the intertropical zone.

Geographic information system mapping and predictors of glycemic control in children and youth with type 1 diabetes: a study from Western India.

Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, is a novel way to provide insights into spatial distribution of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and associations between T1D outcomes and potential predictors. We aimed to explore GIS in children with T1D, and identify predictors of poor glycemic control. Design: Cross-sectional; Participants: 402 children and youth (187 boys) with T1D. Place of residence (coordinates) of participants were geocoded in GIS. They were divided into two groups living in urban or peri-urban areas using ArcGIS Pro. The characteristics of urban/peri-urban living were linked to sociodemographic and biochemical data and spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed. Association between glycemic control and distance to our unit was studied. Mean age was 13.2±4.7 years; 196 children were living in urban areas, 206 in peri-urban areas. There was significant difference in HbA1c between groups (Urban 9.9 (9.7, 10.2) %, Peri-urban 10.5 (10.1, 10.8) %) (p=0.004); mean difference 0.5 (0.1, 1.0) with poorer glycemic control and higher prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency in peri-urban and higher prevalence of hypothyroidism in urban areas. There was significant correlation between glycemic control (HbA1c) and distance to our unit r=0.108 (0.023, 0.218) (p=0.031). Individuals with an HbA1c≥9.5 were residing farther away (58.9 (49.4, 68.5) km) as compared to those with HbA1c <9.5 (44.5 (35.1, 53.9) km) (p<0.05). Children with T1D when grouped using GIS had differences in glycemic control and comorbidities; peri-urban participants and those residing further away from our unit had poorer glycemic control. Future efforts may be aimed at identifying centers and channelizing resources towards children showing poor glycemic control, thus optimizing disease management.

Geographic Information System of Early Childhood School Mapping Using Android-Based Dijkstra Algorithm

Geographic Information System of Early Childhood School Mapping Using Android-Based Dijkstra Algorithm

Scoping Review of Indices to Measure a Community's Health Status.

Composite health indicators are valuable tools to assess population health over time and identify areas for intervention. This scoping review (ScR) aimed to map the literature describing comprehensive health-related metrics used to assess community health. The Arksey and O'Malley framework was used to conduct the ScR, using the following steps: identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, charting the data, collating and reporting results. United States-based studies that developed/utilized a composite health index using geographic information system (GIS) mapping capabilities to assess community health at the county level or more granular were identified through literature searches conducted in PubMed and EMBASE databases. Literature searches identified 5112 articles; of these, 8 studies describing composite health indices were included. The number of indicators used in each index ranged from 4 to 75 (median: 22). Health outcomes, health behaviors, education, and economics were incorporated into most indices. High school graduation rate (n = 6 indices), health insurance status (n = 5), commute time, median household income, unemployment, and obesity rates (n = 4 each) were the most common indicators across indices. All indicators were derived from publicly available data sources, such as the American Community Survey and US Census Bureau. Although a limited number of community health indices were identified in the ScR, the indices included a broad range of indicators covering both health outcomes and factors contributing to health vulnerabilities. The public data sources and GIS integration of the indices provide potential for broad, insightful applications to various contexts across the United States.

GIS-Based Spatial Analysis and Strategic Placement of Fine Dust Alert Systems for Vulnerable Populations in Gangseo District

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM), poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Understanding the spatial distribution of these populations and their access to air quality information is crucial for effective interventions. In urban areas like Gangseo District, the distribution of essential facilities and accessibility varies greatly. While studies have highlighted the health impacts of PM, research on optimizing air quality monitoring for at-risk groups remains limited. This study aims to identify optimal locations for air quality monitoring by analyzing the spatial distribution of vulnerable populations and facility accessibility. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and isochrone maps, we identified areas with high concentrations of vulnerable groups and poor access to healthcare facilities. Our findings revealed significant disparities in access to air quality information, with some high-risk areas underserved by current monitoring systems. This study integrated demographic data and spatial analysis to propose strategic monitoring placements. The methodology can be applied to other urban settings and offers a framework for improving air quality management. This study underscores the importance of targeted air quality monitoring to protect vulnerable populations and suggests practical steps for policymakers to enhance public health.

Quantifying supply and demand of cultural ecosystem services from a dynamic perspective

This study introduces a dynamic perspective to assess Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) supply and demand, addressing the limitations of previous research. We take a park as a case study, paying special attention to key CES types such as aesthetics, recreation, social relations, and education. We employed various data acquisition methods, including behavioral observations, and public participatory Geographic Information System mapping to collect data. Our research revealed that the park primarily offers aesthetics and recreational services, while the provision of social relations and educational services is relatively limited. This emphasizes the need for urban park planning to address a wider range of diverse needs, including social relations and educational activities. Furthermore, the study uncovers how the supply-demand ratios of different CES types vary throughout the day, offering valuable insights for the effective allocation of resources and their rational arrangement. The broad applicability and dynamic perspective of this method open up new possibilities for CES assessment in various contexts. This innovative method provides fresh perspectives and tools for urban planning and environmental management, allowing decision-makers to better meet the diverse CES needs of human societies.

Examining the e-cigarette scenario based on distribution, availability, marketing, and banning: A GIS-Based qualitative study in Bangladesh.

Globally, over 81 million people use e-cigarettes, and the majority of them are young adults. Using e-cigarettes causes different types of adverse health effects both in adults and elderly people. Over time, using e-cigarettes has detrimental consequences on lung function, brain development and numerous other illnesses. This study employed a mixed-methods conducted between June and September 2023, comprising two phases: Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping of available e-cigarette point-of-sale (POS) locations and conducting 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with e-cigarette retailers, along with 5 key informant interviews (KIIs) involving tobacco control activists and policy experts. ArcGIS was employed for spatial analysis, creating distribution and type maps, and buffer and multi-buffer ring analyses were conducted to assess proximity to hospitals and academic institutions. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics for GIS mapping and qualitative analysis for interview transcripts, utilizing a priori codebook and thematic analysis. A total of 276 POS were mapped in the entire Dhaka city. About 55 POS were found within 100m distance from academic institutions in Dhaka city, which offers the easy accessibility of young generations to e-cigarettes. The younger generation is becoming the major target for e-cigarettes because of their alluring flavors, appealing looks, and variation in flavors. Sellers have been using different marketing tactics such as postering, offering discounts and using internet marketing on social media. Moreover, they try to convince the customers by saying that e-cigarettes are 'not harmful' or 'less harmful'. However, retailers were mostly taking e-cigarettes from local wholesalers or distributors. Customers buy these products both from in-store and online services. Due to the absence of laws and regulations on e-cigarettes in Bangladesh, the availability, marketing, and selling of e-cigarettes are increasing alarmingly. E-cigarette retail shops are mostly surrounded by academic institutions, and it is expanding. Besides, frequent exposure, easy accessibility, and tactful promotion encourage the younger generations to consume e-cigarettes. The government should take necessary control measures on manufacturing, storage, advertising, promotion, sponsorship, marketing, distribution, sale, import, and export in order to safeguard the health and safety of young and future generations.

Deploying a user-friendly GIS mapping tool in post-earthquake Turkey and Syria

Background The February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria exposed significant gaps in healthcare information systems, which severely hampered communication, coordination, and the overall public health response. These disruptions were primarily due to the lack of real-time, accessible data on healthcare facilities. Methods In response, an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) tool, coupled with an integrated WhatsApp chatbot, was developed under the platform Afetsaglikharitasi.org. This system enabled real-time mapping and updates on the status of healthcare services, even in areas with limited internet connectivity, facilitating more efficient resource coordination during the disaster response. Results By March 30, 2023, the disaster health map included data from 537 health centers and had reached over 800,000 individuals via social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The platform attracted over 3,500 unique users, with most accessing it via mobile devices to locate healthcare services. Additionally, shortcomings in the Turkey National Disaster Response Plan (Türkiye Afet Müdahale Planı – TAMP) were identified, particularly the lack of integration of digital health technologies, which hindered resource allocation during the earthquake response and underscored the need for their inclusion in disaster management strategies. Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness of digital health tools in enhancing disaster response and underscores the importance of integrating user-centered, deployable technologies to improve healthcare delivery in emergency settings.

Enhancing sustainability through GIS mapping for groundwater quality analysis

Abstract The current study attempts to develop sustainability by utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology by examining groundwater quality in Rajahmundry by dividing the region into 1 km × 1 km grids, resulting in 45 different areas. The grids are thoroughly dispersed, and groundwater samples have been collected from a variety of sources, including open wells, hand pumps, and bore wells, in each grid in order to assess water quality. The evaluation includes a physico-chemical parameter namely, pH, total alkalinity, TDS, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, chloride, nitrates, and sulphates. The purpose of this study is to create a map of the spatial distribution of these groundwater qualities using GIS in order to obtain a general understanding of the current state of the entire valorisation of groundwater resources. The current approach is novel in that it not only allows detecting the issues affecting water quality but also enables developing specific approaches for the sustainable management and protection of groundwater in Rajahmundry. Overall, through GIS mapping and conclusive water quality assessment, the study provides a significant input into the field of environmental science in terms of enhancing water sustainability practices.

URBAN HEAT ISLAND ANALYSIS USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING IN KOSHOFE LAGOS STATE

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are a significant concern in urban areas, particularly in tropical regions like Lagos, Nigeria. This study employs geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (rs) techniques to analyze the urban heat island effect in Koshofe, a rapidly urbanizing area in Lagos. The research aims to identify the spatial distribution, intensity, and factors influencing UHI in koshofe. Using Landsat 8 and sentinel-2 satellite imagery, land surface temperature (LST) was retrieved and analyzed. GIS spatial analysis and mapping techniques were applied to examine the relationship between lst, land use/land cover (LULC), population density, and urban morphology. The study also investigated the impact of urban planning strategies on UHI mitigation. Results show that Koshofe experiences significant UHI effects, with lst varying between 28°c and 38°c. Built-up areas, particularly commercial and industrial zones, exhibited higher (LST) values compared to vegetated areas. Population density and urban density were found to be positively correlated with (LST). The study identified areas with high UHI risk, including major road networks and informal settlements.

Integrating Geospatial and Real Time Technologies for Risk zone monitoring in Periyar Tiger Reserve, India.

There are numerous monitoring technologies available today, owing to the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing demand for safety and security in forests. Real-time monitoring with AI cameras, which are commonly utilized for creating and updating real-time features through surveillance, stands out as one of the most effective monitoring solutions. The objective of this current research is to monitor various risk zones within the Periyar Tiger Reserve by integrating real-time AI camera with geographic data. AI cameras were strategically placed using spatial analysis techniques. Leveraging Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the system facilitates the spatiotemporal management of multiple cameras and their associated data. The spatial distribution and monitoring range of the AI cameras are depicted on the GIS map, along with the layout densities of the cameras and other pertinent information stored in a geospatial database. Additionally, merging various risk areas identified from past incidents with the camera locations enhances the system's capability to establish accurate topological connections between cameras and other points of interest. The results revealed that only 13% of the risk zone was observable from the nine available Real Time Monitoring towers. However, with the addition of 51 more towers, the visibility of the risk zone would increase to 40%. The remaining 15% of the risk zones were not visible through the existing infrastructure. To address this visibility gap, if permitted by the Wildlife Protection Act, wired communication may need to be implemented instead of wireless for monitoring these areas.

Urgent Need for Real Time Web Mapping GIS Applications to Dengue Surveillance for Epidemic Control and Management in India

Dengue epidemics has been increased both horizontal and vertical structure across the country since 2006, and hence, urgent need for GIS based dengue surveillance for epidemic control and management in the nation. The dengue epidemic cases and the mortality caused by dengue has become essentially public health important in India, and the situation has become worse since 2006. Dengue cases were clinically confirmed with thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths annually. The report of dengue epidemics is becoming daily news nowadays and it was reported from 24 states and Union Territories in India. The spatial and seasonal occurrence of dengue epidemics were reported across the country during the period of April to November annually, however, the vulnerability of epidemics was reported between the periods of mid-July to mid-November of every year. The geo-environmental and climate variables are fuelling to create a conducive environment for profusion of dengue vector mosquitoes Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. Albopictus). The information relevant to the geographical site specification of dengue vectors breeding habitats, vector abundance, vector density, etc., could be collected using global positioning systems (GPS), and these information are mapped and overlay on the thematic layers of climate variables (Temperature, relative humidity, saturation deficiency and Rainfall) under the geographical information systems (GIS) software platform for spatial analysis (cluster analysis, nearest neighborhood analysis, fussy analysis, probability of maximum and minimum likelihood analysis etc.,) for spatial risk prediction. The Google based internet GIS mapping could be used to embedded web mapping real time situation and updating the information with online data base connectivity (ODBC) within the GIS spatial engine for providing the real time information relevant to the dengue epidemics, and hence, the appropriate precaution measures could be taken to control dengue epidemics in the nation early in advance.

Tracing the Historical Roots of Urban Transformation: The Case of Portoviejo, Ecuador

This paper examines the historical trajectory of Portoviejo, Ecuador, to address how urban planning often overlooks the significance of historical processes, leading to fragmentation and neglect of culturally important spaces. While urban transformation literature has explored the socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural drivers of change, a gap remains in understanding the specific historical contexts that shape cities in developing countries. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring key moments in Portoviejo’s development, including its colonial foundation, natural disasters, and modernization efforts, and how they have shaped its urban form. Using a mixed-methods qualitative approach, the research analyses 63 historical documents and local archives, combined with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to trace urban growth and spatial reorganization. The findings reveal that Portoviejo’s development has been shaped by colonial policies, infrastructural changes such as the introduction of the railway, and natural disasters that led to urban fragmentation and informal settlements. The study highlights that understanding the historical trajectory of cities is essential for developing urban planning strategies that are resilient and contextually grounded. For practitioners, this research underscores the importance of integrating historical insights into planning processes to ensure development aligns with the socio-cultural identity and long-term resilience of cities.

Integrated geochemical analysis of urban and peri-urban soils: a case study of Lamia City, Greece.

The occurrence of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) and other chemical elements in urban and peri-urban soils impacts human health and quality of life, posing a challenge for geoscientists. This study investigated the soil geochemistry of Lamia City, focusing on identifying the geogenic and anthropogenic origins of elements. A total of 168 topsoil samples (0-10cm) were collected in April 2023, and the analysis included the near-total concentrations of 51 elements. Descriptive, correlation, multivariate statistics (i.e., Factor Analysis-FA and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis-HCA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, and mineralogical analysis were employed to identify potential element sources. The results indicated that the elements in soils originated from geogenic, anthropogenic, and mixed sources. Geogenic origins are associated with ultramafic rocks (e.g., Mg, Cr, Ni, Co, Fe, Sc, Mn), carbonate rocks (e.g., Ca, Sr), and Quaternary sediments (e.g., K, Na, Ba, Tl, Be, Rb, Ti, V, Ga, and Rare Earth Elements-REEs); associations are linked to specific identified minerals. All applied statistical analyses reveal that the mobility of chemical elements in the urban and peri-urban soils of Lamia city is primarily affected by geochemical processes such as element substitution, chemical weathering, pedogenesis, adsorption, precipitation, evaporation, and organic matter presence. The P, Ag, Hg, Pb, Sn, Zn, Sb, Cd, Cu, and U were associated with anthropogenic influences, particularly in areas with high population density, heavy vehicle traffic, and intensive agricultural practices. Additionally, some elements (e.g., Ca, Cd, Cu, Mo, Mn, and Li) exhibited mixed origins. This integrated approach offers valuable insights into the spatial distribution and sources of PTEs in urban and peri-urban environments, providing critical information for environmental management and public health protection strategies.

Perceived tourism implicit conflict among community residents and its spatial variation

This study explores tourism implicit conflict and its spatial dynamics in rural China. It proposes that residents in different spatial structures within tourism communities perceive implicit conflicts differently. Data were collected through public participatory geographic information system (PPGIS) mapping and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that conflict perceptions vary by residential structures. Residents in core and peripheral areas experienced heightened economic and cultural conflicts. In contrast, those in expanded areas were more concerned with issues of tourism governance. The study also highlights two key spatial aspects of perceived conflict: internality, the overlap within their residential areas, and significant externality, which spreads across the entire ancient town. From a combined spatial and psychological perspective, this study proposes the concept of spatial relative deprivation to explain resident’s perceived tourism implicit conflict. This study affirms that qualitative-spatial analysis sheds light on socio-cultural phenomena, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the underlying conflict mechanisms in a spatially explicit manner. The findings suggest that tourism planning should consider the intrinsic and micro-values of communities.

A study on ecological sustainable cities based on LCA-emergy-carbon footprint and geographic information system (GIS) approach

ABSTRACT Sustainable cities, as an effective response to global climate aberrations, have increasingly garnered the attention of researchers. However, due to the wide range of interpretations and applications associated with sustainable cities, diverse methodologies can yield starkly contrasting results. This paper adopts ecological and low-carbon perspectives to evaluate and discuss urban sustainability. The core of this investigation involves quantitatively measuring a city’s sustainability based on the lifecycle metrics of emergy and carbon footprint. The findings reveal that Yangzhou, recognized as a model ecological city by authorities, exhibits an emergy sustainability index below the standard benchmark (ESI = 0.02 < 1). GIS mapping reveals that the city’s largest ecological service system is situated in the northwest water region. Both the emergy and carbon footprint analyses indicate that urbanized areas exert a detrimental influence on the city’s overall sustainability. Additionally, the administrative authorities in Yangzhou have implemented proactive measures to transition the city towards sustainability. Currently, the impacts of clean energy adoption and urban wetland restoration are particularly pronounced. The application of lifecycle emergy and carbon footprint methods offers a holistic approach for urban managers, enabling sustainable urban planning that harmoniously integrates ecological emergy and low-carbon considerations. This approach is instrumental in the realization of sustainable cities.

Undrained Shear Strength Mapping of Al-Khalis Districts: A Geotechnical GIS Approach

A geographic information system is an integrated collection of computer applications and materials that it is employed to assess geographic relationships, model spatial processes, and analyze and arrange geographic data. The gathering, organizing, and analysis of geographic data are made easier with the use of a geographic information system (GIS). Information systems pertaining to geography Thus, it is employed in the gathering, examination, assessment, updating, and presentation of geographic data. This study dealt with Al-Khalis District, one of the five districts of Diyala Governorate. Al-Khalis District is in the western part of Diyala Governorate and the northern part of the capital, Baghdad, about 55 km north of the capital, Baghdad. 227 boreholes were collected for the entire governorate. The soil was classified, its properties were taken, and they were collected in an Excel sheet. After that, this data was entered into geographic information systems to produce clay shear strength maps. A very helpful soil map that can be used in all aspects through structural and engineering simulation is produced when GIS is used in conjunction with physical and strong geotechnical qualities. Building engineering facilities, roadways, and industrial structures may be made easier with the use of a GIS map. Additionally, it offers a strong tool for extrapolating developed regions. GIS soil maps are anticipated to positively influence the next geotechnical work. The results revealed a significant variance in shear resistance across the depths of the Khalis area, with the soil's strength ranging from weak to medium in the first layer and increasing downward with depth. So, we recommend not going for more than three multi-story buildings unless doing site investigation on the site and making sure it is suitable for that or using a pile foundation. This study aims to give geotechnical engineers and designers a first impression of the type of soil and help them quickly make decisions in terms of the type of foundations and the number of floors for multi-story buildings

A comprehensive decision-making approach for the application of biochar in agriculture to enhance water security: A GIS-AHP based approach

In the context of climate change, biochar application is a promising approach to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. However, the selection of suitable biochar produced from food waste and optimization of loading rates to improve soil quality remains a significant challenge. This study explores the potential impact of biochar application using an integrated analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geographical information system (GIS) approach. The study first aims to develop an AHP model to prioritize the appropriate biochar source and dosage for soil amendment. The different biochar sources considered are: peas pod shell, pistachio shell, and mixed vegetable waste. The AHP design evaluated the weight percentage of different types of biochar amendments ranging from 0 % to 8 % based on soil quality, nutrient analysis and water retention capacity. Furthermore, an integrated spatial analysis case study was conducted for fodder farms across Qatar using GIS mapping with seasonal variation to evaluate the impact of biochar on water management. According to the AHP decision making, 2 % mixed vegetable waste biochar achieved the goal with the highest priority score, with a value of 0.29, followed by 2 % pistachio shell biochar with a score of 0.22. This is attributed to the high water retention rate determined from the experimental study. The 2% biochar amendment retained 20 % more water compared to the 0 % biochar. Results from the GIS mapping identified priority areas for improving water retention and soil quality. The evapotranspiration maps for winter and summer generated using GIS provide valuable insights into the spatial disributio of biochar application across Qatar fodder farms. The outcomes may encourage policymakers and stakeholders to consider valorizing food waste into biochar.

Spatiotemporal trends and geographic disparities in spatial accessibility to maternal and child health services in Nanning, China: impact of two-child policies

BackgroundChina’s family planning policies have experienced stages of one-child policy, partial two-child policy, and universal two-child policy. However, the impact of these policy shifts on the spatial accessibility to maternal and child health (MCH) services for women and children remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the spatiotemporal trends and geographic disparities in spatial accessibility to MCH services in the context of two-child polices.MethodsThis study was conducted in Nanning prefecture, China, from 2013 to 2019. Data on the transportation networks, MCH institutes, the annual number of newborns, and the annual number of pregnant women in Nanning prefecture were collected. Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (Ga2SFCA) method was employed to measure the spatial accessibility to MCH services at county, township, and village levels. Temporal trends in spatial accessibility were analyzed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Geographic disparities in spatial accessibility were identified using geographic information system (GIS) mapping techniques.ResultsOverall, the spatial accessibility to MCH services showed an upward trend from 2013 to 2019 at county, town, and village levels, with the average annual percent change (AAPC) being 5.04, 4.73, and 5.39, respectively. Specifically, the spatial accessibility experienced a slight downward trend during the period of partial two-child policy for both parents only children (i.e., 2013–2014), a slight upward trend during the period of partial two-child policy for either parent only child (i.e., 2014–2016) and the early stages of universal two-child policy (i.e., 2016–2018), and a large upward trend in the later stages of universal two-child policy (i.e., 2018–2019). Spatial accessibility to MCH services gradually decreased from central urban areas to surrounding rural areas. Regions with low spatial accessibility were predominantly located in remote rural areas.ConclusionWith the gradual opening of the two-child policies, the spatial accessibility to MCH services for women and children has generally improved. However, significant geographic disparities have persisted throughout the stages of the two-child policies. Comprehensive measures should be considered to improve equity in MCH services for women and children.

Heavy metals pollution characteristics, source analysis, and risk assessment in soil based on Geographic Information System: A case study of a typical area in Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, China

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, which was listed as World Natural Heritage, was suffering from increasingly serious heavy metal pollution. However, the existing research on heavy metal pollution in the area was almost blank. This study collected 115 surface soil samples from the local area and used inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to determine the content of local 12 kinds of heavy metals. Results indicated that mining the tungsten-beryllium mine has caused serious heavy metal pollution to the soil in nature reserves. It poses risks to ecology and human health that cannot be ignored. There was severe pollution of tungsten (W) (Igeo = 8.30) and beryllium (Be) (Igeo = 1.92) in the topsoil. Subsequently, applied the pollution index assessment, potential ecological risk assessment (PERI), human health risk assessment (HHRA), and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models in conjunction with geographic information system (GIS) mapping to systematically evaluate the potential hazards of heavy metals in an abandoned tungsten-beryllium, where located in Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve that’s the core area of “Three Parallel Rivers”. The PMF model and GIS mapping identified four factors, nature, transportation, mining, and miners living, as the main sources of local heavy metals. The HHRA results indicated no health risks in the study area, but the GIS mapping identified areas where there are. It is the gaps in the systematic study of heavy metal pollution in the core area of the “Three Parallel Rivers” that the results of the study supplement and provide reference data for controlling soil heavy metal pollution in tungsten-beryllium mining areas and valuable information for managers to develop pollution control and risk management strategies.