About GIS
Neighborhood Characteristics
Characteristics of the neighborhoods in which people live, work, and go to school are an important element of spatial context. Neighborhoods can have a strong influence on people's ability to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including their ability to get adequate exercise, eat healthy foods, and avoid the use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.
- Exercise - Spatial context factors include neighborhood walkability and access to parks.
- Healthy Diet - Spatial context factors include access to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.
- Tobacco Use - Spatial context factors include the presence or absence of smoke free policies and the proximity of tobacco outlets to schools.
- Drug and Alcohol Use - Spatial context factors include crime rates and the prevalence of risky sexual behavior.