Using Geographic Information System Technology to Map and Identify Vacant Properties and Their Proximity to Elementary Schools

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Abstract

Scholars have known for some time that vacant properties are unsafe and pose a potential health risk to city residents especially school aged children. This study employs GIS technology to identify the location of vacant properties as well as their proximity to three k-5 public elementary schools located in Trenton, NJ. Drawing on critical race theory as a framework, the results from this examination suggest that the number and disbursement of vacant homes varies from one neighborhood and that these structures are surprisingly close to schools. The extent to which children encounter these structures may largely depend on their residential location.

Author

• Marc James Freeman, Temple University