Heat mapping health information
Mentor 1
Jacques Du Plessis
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
5-4-2019 1:30 PM
End Date
5-4-2019 3:30 PM
Description
In the United States, we are given access to results of water quality tests, however, the information is hardly utilized for the following reasons:
-
it is dispersed among multiple sources, mainly targeted to professionals in the field
-
the data represents many variables tested for and to the uninitiated consumer of this information, it is too complex to be meaningful.
Through this research, we look to develop an interface on web and mobile platforms, directed at all water consumers. The objective is present the most current critical information that matters to health.
The app will use GIS technology and express heat mapping to virtually illustrate water systems depending on the access location. We are exploring the illustration of flagging contaminants, heavy metals, and water-borne pathogens. In a broader scope, and at a more advanced iteration of this development, this technology could also implement data on other health and safety related contexts such as to heat map air quality to populations affected by the flu virus or coping with asthma etc. We are hoping this app will strengthen the reasons for the open data initiative, and as a result we will see a change in population habits due to increased awareness of their environment.
What is of interest to us, is through the rendering the most current data to all consumers, to then bring an improved understanding of water safety factors to the general population. This could inform the population about where water is safe to drink, and it could impact the choice to refill versus the option to purchase bottled water. In cases where there are elevated levels of contaminants, the significant difference will be that with this information consumed by many in the general population, it will elevate the need to address the cause of contamination, and thus greatly support the mission of those in government trying to ensure safe water in our water supply, as well as in our rivers and lakes.
Heat mapping health information
Union Wisconsin Room
In the United States, we are given access to results of water quality tests, however, the information is hardly utilized for the following reasons:
-
it is dispersed among multiple sources, mainly targeted to professionals in the field
-
the data represents many variables tested for and to the uninitiated consumer of this information, it is too complex to be meaningful.
Through this research, we look to develop an interface on web and mobile platforms, directed at all water consumers. The objective is present the most current critical information that matters to health.
The app will use GIS technology and express heat mapping to virtually illustrate water systems depending on the access location. We are exploring the illustration of flagging contaminants, heavy metals, and water-borne pathogens. In a broader scope, and at a more advanced iteration of this development, this technology could also implement data on other health and safety related contexts such as to heat map air quality to populations affected by the flu virus or coping with asthma etc. We are hoping this app will strengthen the reasons for the open data initiative, and as a result we will see a change in population habits due to increased awareness of their environment.
What is of interest to us, is through the rendering the most current data to all consumers, to then bring an improved understanding of water safety factors to the general population. This could inform the population about where water is safe to drink, and it could impact the choice to refill versus the option to purchase bottled water. In cases where there are elevated levels of contaminants, the significant difference will be that with this information consumed by many in the general population, it will elevate the need to address the cause of contamination, and thus greatly support the mission of those in government trying to ensure safe water in our water supply, as well as in our rivers and lakes.
