Walkability of Local Communities: Using Geographic Information Systems to Objectively Assess Relevant Environmental Attributes

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to objectively measure features of the built environment that may influence adults' physical activity, which is an important determinant of chronic disease. We describe how a previously developed index of walkability was operationalised in an Australian context, using available spatial data. The index was used to generate a stratified sampling frame for the selection of households from 32 communities for the PLACE (Physical Activity in Localities and Community Environments) study. GIS data have the potential to be used to construct measures of environmental attributes and to develop indices of walkability for cities, regions or local communities.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13538292
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier
• Authors:
  • Leslie, Eva
  • Coffee, Neil
  • Frank, Lawrence
  • Owen, Neville
  • Bauman, Adrian
  • Hugo, Graeme
• Publication Date: 2007-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 111-122
• Serial:
  • Health & Place
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 1353-8292
  • EISSN: 1873-2054
  • Serial URL: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/health-and-place/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Built environment; Communities; Geographic information systems; Pedestrian areas; Pedestrians; Public health; Walkability
• Identifier Terms: Physical Activity in Localities and Community Environments
• Uncontrolled Terms: Physical activity
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Society; I10: Economics and Administration; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01105304
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 30 2008 8:10AM