Utilizing Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Video to Analyze Patterns of Secondhand Smoke Exposure on College Campuses.

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.