OBJECTIVE: Innovatively apply geographic information system (GIS) software and spatial video cameras to examine hotspots of smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on a college campus. PARTICIPANTS: Pedestrians on a large public university in the United States. METHODS: Spatial video cameras mounted on bicycles and GIS software captured and analyzed smoking on campus. Data were collected during times of heavy pedestrian traffic. Hotspot locations with high concentrations of observed smoking were identified. RESULTS: Using this innovative methodology, several hotspots were identified on campus where SHS exposure occurs frequently. These hotspots were in areas of high pedestrian traffic, thus indicating a potential for SHS exposure to many students. CONCLUSIONS: This paper demonstrates an innovative application of GIS and spatial video technology to understand outdoor smoking patterns on campus. These techniques can aid in program planning, decision-making, policy development, and enforcement.
OBJECTIVE: Innovatively apply geographic information system (GIS) software and spatial video cameras to examine hotspots of smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on a college campus. PARTICIPANTS: Pedestrians on a large public university in the United States. METHODS: Spatial video cameras mounted on bicycles and GIS software captured and analyzed smoking on campus. Data were collected during times of heavy pedestrian traffic. Hotspot locations with high concentrations of observed smoking were identified. RESULTS: Using this innovative methodology, several hotspots were identified on campus where SHS exposure occurs frequently. These hotspots were in areas of high pedestrian traffic, thus indicating a potential for SHS exposure to many students. CONCLUSIONS: This paper demonstrates an innovative application of GIS and spatial video technology to understand outdoor smoking patterns on campus. These techniques can aid in program planning, decision-making, policy development, and enforcement.
Authors: Laura Schuch; Jacqueline W Curtis; Andrew Curtis; Courtney Hudson; Heather Wuensch; Malinda Sampsell; Erika Wiles; Mary Infantino; Andrew J Davis Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2016-02 Impact factor: 3.671