Development of an approach to creating a spatial equity map of urban health and validation through Volunteered Geographic information (case study: District 6 of Tehran metropolis)

Spatial equity of urban health (USEH) is closely related to quality-of-life standards and urban development. Its evaluation is very important in the performance of public health and urban planning.  The aim of this research is to develop an approach to prepare and evaluate the USEH map using two data sets including reference location information and Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI).  To determine the accuracy of the maps obtained from both types of data sets. This research was carried out in district 6 of Tehran metropolis. In this research, the effective criteria of the amount of USEH were first determined. The criteria map was prepared with spatial analysis and multi-criteria decision-making, and the final USEH map was prepared by combining the criteria map. To validate the prepared map, the USEH map was again produced based on the VGI information provided by the citizens and compared with the map obtained from the reference data. The amount of USEH for citizens is classified into 5 levels, from very suitable to very unsuitable. Based on the USEH map obtained from the reference data, approximately 62% of the study area has good or very good spatial equity. Comparison of the VGI map with the reference map showed a 72% match. Determining and evaluating USEH for different regions using new methods and technologies is a fundamental step to help health decision-makers in order to manage and allocate resources. It is expected that the results of the present research will be considered an essential criterion for decision-making in the field of health and increasing spatial equity in citizens' enjoyment of health facilities and components.