Overview

Physical environments influence human behaviors in ways that directly affect community safety and wellness. Geospatial data analysis offers insights to improve public health and reduce risks. This interactive symposium highlights the innovative and cutting-edge research utilizing Risk Terrain Modeling (RTM) analysis to advance public health policies and programs in communities throughout the United States. This contemporary work by scholars and practitioners is driving actions to make our world safer and healthier. Attendees will learn to apply the theories, principles and techniques of RTM and evidence-based practices to analyze dynamic interactions of people at places. Going beyond personal characteristics of individuals -- so often the sole focus of public safety and health professionals, we will explore how their spatial experiences form health, safety and wellness profiles in the community landscapes they live, work or travel through. Researchers and practitioners will discuss how the RTM approaches to analytics becomes a key contribution to place-based public health programming and precision medicine.