Blue Raster is proud to share our collaboration with the Emory Rollins School of Public Health's Global Diabetes Research Center on the Atlanta Food Access Explorer, an interactive ArcGIS Online dashboard that visualizes healthy food access across the Atlanta metropolitan area. This powerful tool supports local public health initiatives by helping residents, researchers, and policymakers better understand-and act on-food accessibility challenges in the region.
Mapping Healthy Food Options
Working closely with Dr. Karen Siegel from Emory University, our team began by acquiring detailed food-related Points of Interest (POI) data from Data Axle. We focused on relevant food sources, mainly restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers markets. Each location was then assessed for healthfulness based on a variety of attributes, such as:
- Restaurant type (e.g., fast food vs. full-service)
- Cuisine categories
- Availability of fresh or healthy foods
Weighted Health Scores and the Atlanta Food Access Index
Blue Raster GIS Analyst Thai Pinkney developed a healthfulness score for each location to reflect its potential contribution to healthy eating within a given census tract. This score was visualized using customized symbology in an ArcGIS Online web map, forming the foundation of the Atlanta Food Access Explorer.
To provide a broader view of environmental and socioeconomic factors, Thai also compiled a suite of census tract-level data layers. Working in close partnership with Karen and co-investigators-the team developed a Food Access Index, which aggregates these multiple inputs into a composite measure of access to healthy food options. Detailed metadata on the index methodology is available within the dashboard itself.
Empowering Community Use with ArcGISÂ
To support community engagement and real-world application, the ArcGIS Dashboard integrates the ArcGIS Online Nearby Instant App. This feature allows users to:
- Center the map on their current location or type in an address
- Define a custom radius of interest
- View a list of nearby food establishments
- Discover healthier food options in their vicinity
This search functionality is particularly valuable for users seeking better dietary options and for organizations working to improve health outcomes at the neighborhood level.
The Atlanta Food Access Explorer demonstrates how data-driven mapping can strengthen collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and community members. By highlighting where healthy food access is limited, the tool sparks conversations and guides targeted interventions. As the region continues to grow, this resource can evolve to support long-term strategies for building healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.
Explore the Dashboard
We invite you to explore the Atlanta Food Access Explorer and learn more about this collaborative project aimed at addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier communities across Atlanta.
"The Blue Raster team transformed a large and complex database of food outlets into a user-friendly, interactive Food Access Map of Atlanta. Their technical expertise, creativity, and collaborative approach made the process smooth and enjoyable, and the final product is both visually engaging and impactful. This tool not only brings our work to life but also empowers communities and decision-makers across the city. Their work will continue to drive impact well beyond this project."Â -Dr. Karen Siegel, Emory Global Diabetes Research Center
At Blue Raster, we bring the power of GIS to public health by building tools that make complex data accessible and actionable. From food access and environmental health to disease surveillance and community engagement, our team helps organizations visualize challenges and identify solutions. Learn more about our Health GIS solutions and contact us to explore how we can support your initiatives.