Open source GIS for HIV/AIDS management

Abstract

Background: Reliable access to basic services can improve a community's resilience to HIV/AIDS. Accordingly, work is being done to upgrade the physical infrastructure in affected areas, often employing a strategy of decentralised service provision. Spatial characteristics are one of the major determinants in implementing services, even in the smaller municipal areas, and good quality spatial information is needed to inform decision making processes. However, limited funds, technical infrastructure and human resource capacity result in little or no access to spatial information for crucial infrastructure development decisions at local level.

Web GIS-Based Public Health Surveillance Systems: A Systematic Review

“…The increasing availability of browser-side APIs, such as ArcGIS API for Javascript, Flex, and Silverlight, has provided an easy and lightweight programming model for building geomashups, thus empowering non-technical experts to develop an effective WGPHSS and potentially reducing human resource costs. In contrast to the widespread use of geomashups, the open-source model is underutilized for WGPHSS development with only a few exceptions [17,102], probably because using open-source platform or software demands more advanced programming knowledge compared with building geomashups [103]. However, we believe this development model should be adopted more in the long run, as it maximizes the interoperability, reusability, and extensibility of the WGPHSSs in addition to greatly reducing licensing costs.…”

Application opportunities of geographic information systems analysis to support achievement of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets in South Africa

“…When implementing this technology in routine settings, it is firstly important to consider the choice of GIS software. Opensource, web based GIS systems can reduce obstacles to enduser access and display a high degree of learnability, [54] with webbased software that does not require specialised GIS skill having demonstrated potential for public health applications in LMICs. [55] Affordability has…”

“…Obtaining buyin from stakeholders may also be difficult where there are concerns regarding transition from paperbased systems, misuse of information or political interference. [54,58] It is important to address buyin from the start and to provide adequate training for capacity development of local staff to ensure sustainable systems. [56] Conclusions GIS has great potential to assist in achieving the 909090 targets in SA and other LMICs and is currently being underutilised for this purpose.…”

Lessons learnt from the adoption of open source GIS for quality control of the Hungarian LPIS

“…In recent years GIS specialists have begun to use Open Source software for their work in all fields of GIS, from geomorphologic mapping (Mantovani et al 2010) to health geography (Vanmeulebrouk et al 2008). The most commonly used OS GIS software are GRASS, Quantum GIS, gvSIG, SAGA or ILWIS.…”