A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool that organizes and displays data. In the health organization, GIS provides powerful tools for geographic and spatial analysis, and it allows you to visualize data that may have gone unseen in spreadsheets, charts, and other reports.
GIS puts information at your fingertips, allowing you to obtain accurate information quickly. By integrating database operations, such as query and statistical analysis, with geographical and spatial visualization, you are able to predict, plan, and recommend interventions and strategies with confidence.
What is GIS doing for Health Organization Today?
GIS technology is powerful and affordable. Its strengths lie in its ability to create, access, integrate, and publish large amounts of geographically relevant information. Here are just a few of the ways GIS is working in health organizations today:
• Track infectious diseases and identify gaps in child immunizations.
• Conduct market studies and document health care needs of a community.
• Manage materials, supplies, human resources, and logistics.
• Maintain locational inventories of health care facilities, providers, and vendors.
• Route health care workers, equipment, and supplies to service locations.
• Publish health care information using maps on the Internet.
• Manage patient care environments and clinical resources.
• Distribute clinical data in a visual and geographic form.
• Locate the nearest health care facility or health care provider on the Web.
