Emilia Avila Castro

Ms. Emilia Avila Castro


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 December 2024 in Urban Science
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SASusana Tatiana Astudillo-Ortega
Susana Tatiana Astudillo-Ortega
Vinicio Moya-AlmeidaVinicio Moya-Almeida
Vinicio Moya-Almeida
Francisco Cabrera-TorresFrancisco Cabrera-Torres
Francisco Cabrera-Torres
ECEmilia Avila Castro
Emilia Avila Castro
MHMarco Heredia-R
Marco Heredia-R
AHAntonio Vázquez Hoehne
Antonio Vázquez Hoehne
This article analyzes the service distribution imbalance within the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ) and its impact on urban mobility, aiming to propose strategies for more equitable territorial planning. The data were gathered from sources such as the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and OpenStreetMap. These data were integrated with GIS tools to model patterns of accessibility and mobility. Through a comprehensive approach, the study assessed education, banking services, employment, and healthcare, identifying how inequitable access to these services drives increased travel demand, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. In the education field, over 500 neighborhoods faced a shortage of institutions, compelling students to commute to other neighborhoods. For financial services, only 67% of neighborhoods had adequate access, with disparities across different socioeconomic zones. Additionally, employment-related mobility posed another challenge, with 88% of workers commuting outside their residential parish. Finally, access to healthcare was also unequal across the DMQ, particularly in peripheral areas where residents must travel long distances. In this context, it can be concluded that more efficient urban planning in the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ) is crucial to address imbalances in the distribution of services and enhance quality of life. Proposed strategies include establishing a land reserve, decentralizing services to underserved areas, integrating smart technologies, and promoting incentives for remote work, sustainable mobility, and public transport. These actions aim to foster greater territorial equity and accessibility.