Using GPS to measure the interaction between individuals and their neighbourhood

Abstract

Studying the interaction between individual health and their neighbourhood characteristics has become increasingly popular. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are increasingly used to assess the exact location of neighbourhood residents and the level of exposure to neighbourhood characteristics. This chapter provides the reader with a theoretical background and practical advice for GPS application in research and describes what a GPS device is and how GPS data can be processed. Furthermore, it uses examples to describe how GPS can be used in studies on the relationship between neighbourhood and health. The chapter ends with an overview of advantages and considerations.