spotMapper

SpotMapper: developed within the VITALITY project (Spoke 6, WP1) is a Web-Based Tool for Geospatial Analysis of Local Services Distribution This presents SpotMapper, a novel web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) tool designed to analyze and visualize the spatial distribution of local services in urban environments. The tool integrates Google Places API with OpenStreetMap to provide real-time spatial data analysis capabilities. SpotMapper enables researchers and urban planners to conduct comprehensive geographical surveys by implementing an interactive area-selection mechanism and supporting over 30 service categories. The application employs a client-side architecture built on JavaScript, utilizing Leaflet.js for spatial operations and visualization. It addresses the growing need for accessible geospatial analysis tools in urban studies, particularly for examining service distribution patterns and accessibility. The tool's distinctive feature lies in its ability to perform rapid spatial queries within user-defined polygonal areas, while offering data export capabilities for further statistical analysis. Initial testing demonstrates the tool's effectiveness in mapping service clusters and identifying spatial patterns in urban environments. SpotMapper represents a significant contribution to the field of urban geography and planning, offering a user-friendly interface for both academic research and practical urban analysis applications. Keywords: GIS, spatial analysis, urban planning, web mapping, service distribution, Google Places API, OpenStreetMap