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

Abstract

Traveling is a pleasant activity for leisure time. In daily routine, it is cumbersome,
tiring and badly affects the traveler’s health. The present study aimed to examine the role of long
distance travelling on the health of the commuters working in Lahore City of Pakistan using GIS
techniques. Both Primary and secondary sources were used for data collection. Interpolation, weighted
sum overlay analysis was performed through Arc Map 10.1. The results revealed that 52% of daily
commuters spent 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 kms to reach their workplace. Most common health
problems found among commuters were Respiratory 97 %, Eye infections 86%, and central nervous
system related problems 69%. The study concluded that commuters from Patoki, Sheikhupura, Renala
Khurd, Kasur, Muridke, and Okara were facing more health issues than others. The study
recommended examining the role of transport modes in the health deterioration of commuters