In this episode of 15 Minute Maps, I speak with David de Ridder, Senior Research Fellow at the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), who specializes in spatial epidemiology and digital public health.
David shares his dream map: a next-generation routing system that doesn’t optimize for speed, but for health.
Think: a navigation app that automatically guides you through routes with less air pollution, lower noise, fewer allergens, and greater safety — subtly improving your daily environment without adding friction to your life.
Together, we explore:
• How spatial data helped track and respond to COVID-19 in Geneva
• Why tiny differences between neighbourhoods matter for public health
• The concept of exposomics — the full range of environmental factors shaping our bodies
• The promise and challenges of “passive” digital health tools
• How smarter maps could reduce stress, prevent disease, and promote healthier cities
If you're curious about the future of mapping, digital health, or how your environment shapes your well-being, this episode is packed with insights.
