Title |
Introduction: Geographic Information Systems in Public Health and Medicine
|
---|---|
Published in |
Journal of Medical Systems, June 2004
|
DOI | 10.1023/b:joms.0000032972.29060.dd |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Ross M. Mullner, Kyusuk Chung, Kevin G. Croke, Edward K. Mensah |
Abstract |
Geographic information systems (GIS) are increasingly being used in public health and medicine. Advances in computer technology, the encouragement of its use by the federal government, and the wide availability of academic and commercial courses on GIS are responsible for its growth. Some view GIS as only a tool for spatial research and policy analysis, while others believe it is part of a larger emerging new science including geography, cartography, geodesy, and remote sensing. The specific advantages and problems of GIS are discussed. The greatest potential of GIS is its ability to clearly show the results of complex analyses through maps. Problems in using GIS include its costs, the need to adequately train staff, the use of appropriate spatial units, and the risk it poses to violating patient confidentiality. Lastly, the fourteen articles in this special issue devoted to GIS are introduced and briefly discussed. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Sweden | 1 | 1% |
Argentina | 1 | 1% |
Unknown | 72 | 97% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 14 | 19% |
Researcher | 11 | 15% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 8 | 11% |
Student > Bachelor | 6 | 8% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 5 | 7% |
Other | 16 | 22% |
Unknown | 14 | 19% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 14 | 19% |
Earth and Planetary Sciences | 9 | 12% |
Environmental Science | 8 | 11% |
Engineering | 7 | 9% |
Computer Science | 5 | 7% |
Other | 16 | 22% |
Unknown | 15 | 20% |