Community Expansion and Infrastructure Development: Implications for Human Health and Environmental Quality in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador

Citation

Walsh, Stephen J.; McCleary, Amy L.; Heumann, Benjamin W.; Brewington, Laura; Raczkowski, Evan J.; & Mena, Carlos F. (2010). Community Expansion and Infrastructure Development: Implications for Human Health and Environmental Quality in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador. Journal of Latin American Geography, 9(3), 137-159.

Abstract

This study investigates the community of Puerto Villamil, located on Isabela Island in the western portion of the Galápagos archipelago. Urban development and human-environment interactions are examined through a geographic information science perspective by (1) constructing a time-series of aerial photographs and satellite images, (2) mapping the current water and sewage infrastructure in the community using GPS and digitized analog maps, (3) assessment of the current urban setting within the context of community growth, with special reference to water quality measures at locations within and adjacent to the community, interviews and focus group discussions with health officials and local residents about water-borne disease and human health, and an analysis of the proximity of the community and its water and sewage infrastructure to the surrounding environment.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/lag.2010.0024

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2010

Journal Title

Journal of Latin American Geography

Author(s)

Walsh, Stephen J.
McCleary, Amy L.
Heumann, Benjamin W.
Brewington, Laura
Raczkowski, Evan J.
Mena, Carlos F.

ORCiD

Walsh, S - 0000-0001-6274-9381