An integrated Web-GIS approach for indicating risky places for children: a case of Mid-town Toronto

Approximately one third of deaths among children between the ages of 1 and 14 years are related to unintentional injuries. Studies are commonly aimed at examining the health (physical and mental) and family factors that place children of this age group at risk; other risk factors that relate to the spatial environment in which children play tend to be overlooked. In view of this, this paper addresses four critical spatial risk factors: traffic, slope, water bodies and crime. The relationship of these four risk factors is studied and an index model is derived. Based on this model a GIS- based risk analysis of a study area is carried out and analysed. In addition, as it is argued that the potential impact of such a model could be realized by making risk-related information available to the public, the emphasis is put on providing parents with this information via the Internet. Using an advanced Web GIS system, this information could be displayed using a simple web browser; thus, parents can assess the risks children are likely to face in their playgrounds. Consequently, such information can help people to avoid hazardous areas and lead to a reduction in the rate of unintentional injuries.