What are some GIS tools for supporting urban public health historic preservation initiatives?

2 Identifying historic assets

Another GIS tool that can support urban public health historic preservation initiatives is identifying historic assets. Historic assets are the tangible and intangible elements of the urban environment that have historical, cultural, or aesthetic significance. For example, historic assets can include buildings, structures, landscapes, monuments, artworks, traditions, events, or stories. By identifying historic assets, urban planners can document and inventory the heritage resources of a city or a community. Identifying historic assets can also help urban planners to protect and enhance the historic character, identity, and diversity of a place, which can contribute to the well-being, pride, and sense of belonging of its residents and visitors.

3 Assessing vulnerability and risk

A third GIS tool that can support urban public health historic preservation initiatives is assessing vulnerability and risk. Vulnerability and risk are the concepts that describe the potential exposure and harm of a system or a component to a hazard or a threat. For example, vulnerability and risk can refer to the susceptibility and impact of a historic building or a population group to natural disasters, climate change, urban development, or social unrest. By assessing vulnerability and risk, urban planners can evaluate and prioritize the needs and challenges of different areas or sectors in terms of public health and historic preservation. Assessing vulnerability and risk can also help urban planners to design and implement strategies and actions that can reduce or mitigate the negative effects of hazards or threats, such as strengthening the resilience, adaptability, and sustainability of historic buildings and communities.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?