GIS and Public Health, First Edition

This clearly written resource provides a comprehensive introduction to the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in analyzing and addressing public health problems. The book guides the reader through basic GIS concepts and methods, with an emphasis on practical applications. Described are ways that GIS can be used to map health events, identify disease clusters, investigate environmental health problems, understand the spread of communicable and vector-borne infectious disease, and more. Numerous tables, figures, and concrete examples are included. The companion website features downloadable GIS databases that allow readers to practice a variety of spatial analytical techniques.

Ellen K. Cromley, PhD, is Professor of Geography at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, and is affiliated with the Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut. Her research is primarily concerned with geographical patterns of health and disease, health facility location, and GIS design to support public health surveillance and intervention programs. She has published in geography, epidemiology, public health, and health services journals.

Sara L. McLafferty, PhD, is Professor of Geography at the University of Illinois at Urbana/n-/Champaign, Urbana, Illinois. Her research explores the use of spatial analysis methods and GIS for health and social issues in cities, as well as gender and racial disparities in geographical access to services and employment opportunities. She has published in geography, epidemiology, and urban studies journals and serves on the editorial boards of <I>Economic Geography</I> and <I>Health and Place</I>.