AN ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF TRAVELING ON COMMUTER’S HEALTH THROUGH GIS TECHNIQUES: A CASE-STUDY OF LAHORE-PAKISTAN

Abstract

Traveling isa pleasant activity for leisure time. In daily routine, it is cumbersome, tiring and badly affects the traveler’s health. The present study aimedto examine therole of long distance travelling on the health of the commuters working in Lahore Cityof Pakistanusing GIS techniques.Both Primary and secondary sources were used for data collection.Interpolation, weighted sum overlayanalysiswas performed through Arc Map 10.1. The results revealedthat52% of daily commutersspent 2 to 3 hours to reach their workplace.22.5 % commuters traveled for 21 to 30 kms and 4.6 % commuter traveled more than 70 kmsto reach their workplace. Most common health problems found among commuters were Respiratory97 %, Eye infections 86%, andcentral nervous system related problems69%. The studyconcluded that commuters from Patoki, Sheikhupura, Renala Khurd, Kasur, Muridke, and Okara werefacing more health issues than others. The studyrecommendedexamining the role of transport modes in the health deterioration of commuters.