The use of GIS and indicators to monitor intra-urban inequalities. A case study in Rosario, Argentina

This article presents a methodology that combines the use of urban indicators and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as a valid diagnostic and prescriptive tool to generate policy relevant information on the complex and multidimensional aspects of spatial inequalities. This methodology allows the systematic monitoring of the most relevant aspects of intra-urban inequalities through an indicator matrix and an approach to incorporate a geographical component into the participatory budget allocation. GIS-based indicators are constructed combining different data Sources such as census and administrative data. This methodology is applied in a case study in Rosario (Argentina) and demonstrates how urban indicators and GIS combined are a valuable tool to describe and monitor inequality aspects such as quality-of-life conditions and access to services in order to better target resources. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.