Spatial Health Lab

We seek to apply innovative study designs, new technologies, and geospatial data science approaches to understand how environmental conditions influence human health and translate this information into effective policy and prevention activities.

The Spatial Health Lab specializes in the following areas

Human and Planetary Health

Our research in Human and Planetary Health focuses on understanding the complex connections between human health and wellness and the health of our planet.

Colorful abstract map with geometric shapes and lines.

Environmental Exposure Science

A primary goal of our research is to develop innovative exposure assessment methods by integrating advanced geospatial analysis, data science, and interdisciplinary study designs.

Aerial view of a residential neighborhood with houses, roads, and trees.

Healthy Built Environments

The Spatial Health Lab specializes in identifying and measuring the key characteristics of cities, communities, and neighborhoods that influence individual health behaviors and outcomes.

Aerial view of a city skyline in hazy, smoggy conditions.

Air Pollution

We are conducting a series of research studies across the United States and globally that assess air pollution exposures and examine their associations with both acute and chronic health impacts.

A complex network diagram with various nodes and connections.

Social Media Analytics for Environmental Health

We are developing data science methods and AI tools to use social media data to measure environmental exposures, perceptions, behaviors and health-related outcomes.

A portable air filter unit with a digital display and control buttons.

Environmental Health Accountability Studies

We assess the effectiveness of environmental regulations, such as traffic emission controls and free portable air conditioner and air filter programs, in improving health outcomes.

Updates and news

October 8, 2024
New paper published in Lancet Global Health assessing the built environment through photographs and its association with obesity in 21 countries
First study to assess built environment characteristics through photographs in diverse global communities to examine… Read more
September 25, 2024
$600K grant to further climate-health research
This research will assess climate-driven exposures for PURE communities using state-of-the-art geospatial assessment… Read more
September 3, 2024
NIEHS R56 Award to Develop Climate-Health Study in Global Cohort
The National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS) awarded a R56 grant to Dr. Hystad (PI) and Dr. Larkin (… Read more

Recent publications

See more publications

2025

Oje, O., Amram, O., Hystad, P., Gebremedhin, A.H., Monsivais, P. (2025) Use of individual Google Location History data to identify consumer encounters with food outlets International Journal of Health Geographics 24(1)

Hystad, P., Hill, E.L., Larkin, A., Schrank, D., Harleman, M., Volkin, E.T., Campbell, E.J., Molitor, J., Harris, L., Ritz, B.R., Willis, M.D. (2025) Changes in traffic-related air pollution exposures and associations with adverse birth outcomes over 20 years in Texas International Journal of Epidemiology 54(1)

2024

Stieb, D., Chen, L., Hystad, P., Rittmaster, R., Lavigne, E. (2024) Outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposure and longitudinal health status trajectory in the Canadian National Population Health Survey Scientific Reports 14

Amram, O., Oje, O., Larkin, A., Boakye, K.A., Avery, A.R., Gebremedhin, A.H., Williams, B., Duncan, G.E., Hystad, P. (2024) Smartphone Google Location History: A Novel Approach to Outdoor Physical Activity Research Journal of Physical Activity & Health

Yi, L., Harnois-Leblanc, S., Rifas-Shiman, S.L., Suel, E., Pescador Jimenez, M., Lin, P.I., Hystad, P., Hankey, S., Zhang, W., Hivert, M., Oken, E., Aris, I.M., James, P. (2024) Satellite-Based and Street-View Green Space and Adiposity in US Children JAMA Network Open 7(12)