title: Using Geographic Information Systems to measure retail food environments: Discussion of methodological considerations and a proposed reporting checklist (Geo-FERN).
abstract: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are widely used to measure retail food environments. However the methods used are hetrogeneous, limiting collation and interpretation of evidence. This problem is amplified by unclear and incomplete reporting of methods. This discussion (i) identifies common dimensions of methodological diversity across GIS-based food environment research (data sources, data extraction methods, food outlet construct definitions, geocoding methods, and access metrics), (ii) reviews the impact of different methodological choices, and (iii) highlights areas where reporting is insufficient. On the basis of this discussion, the Geo-FERN reporting checklist is proposed to support methodological reporting and interpretation.
authors.affiliation: Carnegie, Leeds Beckett University, Headingley Campus, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3QS, UK. Electronic address: e.wilkins@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Emma L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Wilkins
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
authors.forename: Michelle A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: Carnegie, Leeds Beckett University, Headingley Campus, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3QS, UK.
authors.forename: Duncan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Radley
authors.affiliation: Carnegie, Leeds Beckett University, Headingley Campus, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3QS, UK.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Griffiths
mesh_terms: D057189:Checklist / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003132:Commerce; D004777:Environment; D005502:Food; D005523:Food Supply; D040362:Geographic Information Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012147:Restaurants
keywords: Community nutrition environment; Food access; GIS; Obesogenic environment; Reporting framework; Secondary data