ArcGIS Survey123: A Case Study Using Spatial Technology to Examine Food Access

Abstract

Geospatial technologies have seen increased utilization in the social work profession for a variety of topics. Most of this usage has centered around the creation of digital maps to visualize social issues and/or affected populations. Innovative technology allows for the collection of field data resulting in real-time creation of such maps. ArcGIS Survey123 is a mobile app that allows for traditional survey data collection to be conducted digitally in the field, while also providing the ability to obtain photos and spatial coordinates. Resultant outputs can include traditional tabular datasets, photo arrays, and digital maps. A pilot project using ArcGIS Survey123 as the data collection tool was conducted in a rural area of Southwest Florida to examine access to food by establishment type as well as to expose social work students to a novel data collection technique. The result of the project was a comprehensive food system map that provided data on availability of certain food products as well as anecdotal data on the relationship between housing locations and food prices. Given the ease with which surveys could be employed for data collection purposes, it is recommended that ArcGIS Survey123 be considered for inclusion in research curricula in academic social work programs.

Keywords:

• Geographic information systems (GIS)
• food insecurity
• needs assessment

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the students from the University of Michigan School of Information & the University of Michigan School of Social Work who participated in the pilot project as part of an alternative Spring Break project. Their input to the project and commitment to conducting the survey is greatly appreciated.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.