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Module 5

Module Sections:

  1. Introduction
  2. Tutorial/review of GIS
  3. Use of GIS in Public Health
  4. More Internet Resources
  5. Review questions

Introduction

What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)? Many sets of data are linked to a specific geographic location:

  • a topographic map displays the altitude of a specific location, longitude and latitude, surface contours, rivers, shorelines, roads, buildings, etc.
  • satellite data (infrared, groundcover, weather, etc.) a geological map displays the soil types
  • a map may show the extend of groundwater contamination originating at a HWS
  • demographic information can be displayed in a map: for example the population density, or census data on household income
  • epidemiological data: Breast cancer incidence (females) by ZIP code Suffolk county (western part), NY, 1993-1997

A GIS uses software and hardware to combine and visualize different sets of data, all of which are linked to a geographic location.

Some of these data sets are easily available (weather data, satellite pictures), others are more difficult to come by: data on local soil, water, air and biota contamination. Usually, census data (compiled in the US every 10 years, the last one on April 1, 2000) provides demographic data, which is necessary to find possibly exposed populations.

 

<< previous

Module 5

  1. Introduction
  2. Tutorial/review of GIS
  3. Use if GIS in Public Health
  4. More Internet Resources
  5. Review Questions