Information technology. Geographic information systems and public health: mapping the future

This information technology review provides thoughts about current trends and future directions for geographic information systems (GIS) technology in public health and the challenges to institutionalizing this technology as a standard part of public health planning and practice by the Year 2010. Topics include: current trends; epidemiology and GIS technology; definition; advantages of GIS technology; current limitations of GIS technology; anticipated developments in the near future; and anticipated developments in 5-10 years. Two reports of GIS mapping applications also are included: Mapping Rodent Complaints by Neil M. Casey, Jack Smith, and C. William Keck, Akron Health Department, Ohio; and Women with Localized Breast Cancer Selecting Mastectomy Treatment, Iowa, 1991-1996 by Gerard Rushton and Michele West, Department of Geography, University of Iowa. The review concludes that public health applications of GIS technology in 1999 are still in the early stages. Many challenges remain that will need to be addressed before the full potential of GIS technology can be realized for public health practice, planning, and research. One of the greatest challenges will be to incorporate epidemiologic principles and methods into the analysis to be mapped. Another major challenge will be to develop methods and procedures to assure the confidentiality of individuals and individual households. Geographic Information Systems and Public Health: