Application of GIS technology in public health: successes and challenges

Abstract

The uptake and acceptance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has increased since the early 1990s and public health applications are rapidly expanding. In this paper, we summarize the common uses of GIS technology in the public health sector, emphasizing applications related to mapping and understanding of parasitic diseases. We also present some of the success stories, and discuss the challenges that still prevent a full scope application of GIS technology in the public health context. Geographical analysis has allowed researchers to interlink health, population and environmental data, thus enabling them to evaluate and quantify relationships between health-related variables and environmental risk factors at different geographical scales. The ability to access, share and utilize satellite and remote-sensing data has made possible even wider understanding of disease processes and of their links to the environment, an important consideration in the study of parasitic diseases. For example, disease prevention and control strategies resulting from investigations conducted in a GIS environment have been applied in many areas, particularly in Africa. However, there remain several challenges to a more widespread use of GIS technology, such as: limited access to GIS infrastructure, inadequate technical and analytical skills, and uneven data availability. Opportunities exist for international collaboration to address these limitations through knowledge sharing and governance.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Contamination of Agricultural Soils and Related Effect on Population Health—A Case Study for East River Basin in China

“…Geographical information system (GIS) has been increasingly used to monitor and simulate the migration of heavy metals in the environment and their effects on population health. In addition, GIS was also used for the exploration and identification of heavy metal pollution sources [4,6], the assessment of the risk of heavy metal pollution [7], and the studies on heavy metal pollution-mediated both carcinogenic [8,9] and non-carcinogenic effects [10][11][12][13].…”

Using GIS for Determining Variations in Health Access in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

“…Geographical Information Systems (GIS) play a major role in health care, surveillance of infectious diseases, and mapping and monitoring of the spatial and temporal distributions of vectors of infection, hence allowing researchers to study the relationships between spatial and temporal trends and risks, and between environmental factors and health, at all scales [1]. Using GIS for the spatial representation of health issues helps professionals arrive at conclusions faster and reach better decisions related to deferent public health planning issues [2].…”

“…Geographic information systems (GIS) can be defined as computer-based systems for integrating and analyzing geographical data. Fletcher-Lartey and Caprarelli (2016) [1] reviewed applications of the GIS technology in public health and identified its successes and challenges. They summarized the common uses of GIS technology in the public health sector, emphasizing applications related to mapping and the understanding of parasitic diseases.…”

Spatial Distribution of Pemphigus Occurrence over Five Decades in Southeastern Brazil

“…In environmental health, geographic information systems (GIS) provide maps with a symbolic representation of the role of environmental variables in determining health status, elucidating the spatial relationships among relevant biophysical measurements, environmental exposure, and chronic diseases. 1,2 This study is the first to geo-reference endemic pemphigus cases in Brazil using GIS.…”