From urban planning and emergency training to Pokémon Go: applications of virtual reality GIS (VRGIS) and augmented reality GIS (ARGIS) in personal, public and environmental health

• Main Authors: Maged N. Kamel Boulos, Zhihan Lu, Paul Guerrero, Charlene Jennett, Anthony Steed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2017-02-01
• Series: International Journal of Health Geographics
• Subjects: VRGIS (virtual reality GIS); ARGIS (augmented reality GIS); Urban planning; Environmental planning; Smart cities; Emergency training
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12942-017-0081-0
• ISSN: 1476-072X

Abstract The latest generation of virtual and mixed reality hardware has rekindled interest in virtual reality GIS (VRGIS) and augmented reality GIS (ARGIS) applications in health, and opened up new and exciting opportunities and possibilities for using these technologies in the personal and public health arenas. From smart urban planning and emergency training to Pokémon Go, this article offers a snapshot of some of the most remarkable VRGIS and ARGIS solutions for tackling public and environmental health problems, and bringing about safer and healthier living options to individuals and communities. The article also covers the main technical foundations and issues underpinning these solutions.