Abstract |
The objective of this chapter is to develop a quality of life (QOL) index at community level in the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) area, which could describe the spatial patterns of QOL. Using remote sensing, census and other spatial data, a factor analysis was carried out to develop the different dimensions of QOL. Three principal factors were extracted from the analysis: environmental, economic and demographic. These three factors were then combined in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment to construct a synthetic QOL for the study area. The results were subsequently validated using regression analysis, which revealed a better prediction of QOL based on environmental and socioeconomic variables. Interestingly, only a small portion of the population (1.4 %) in the study area was shown to have good QOL. As higher urban growth driven by rapid rural-urban migration is expected in Dhaka in the coming years, this study will be of substantial help for urban planners and policymakers in formulating related policies to ensure a better living environment for its inhabitants. |