What exactly is a GIS? Clarke (2003) contends that there is no single good definition of GIS; there are many. Various industries might be influenced by existing definitions, but below is a brief one proposed for those who are interested in applying GIS to health projects:
“GIS is a computer-based, dynamic mapping system with spatial data processing, querying, and sharing capabilities.”
Computer-based: Clearly, GIS is a computer technology. You will be using web technologies on your computer to learn GIS. Desktop and enterprise GIS applications are used for advanced functions.
Dynamic mapping system: A GIS is not a static map or picture, but a changeable system that you control. With a GIS, you can compose, view, and share your own maps. You change colors as you desire, zoom to get details, turn parts of the map on and off, get recorded data by clicking mapped features, and so forth.
Spatial data processing: You can create points on a map, such as a patient address or a clinic location. You can symbolise map features automatically using their accompanying data values. Map layers and geospatial data can be manipulated for advanced analysis.
Data and spatial queries: You can also perform data queries. For example, you might find and highlight patients with a particular disease. In addition, you can perform spatial queries such as the number of patients within a given proximity to a health center.
Sharing capabilities: Modern GIS applications allow you to not only create your own GIS maps but also share your maps with other colleagues, teams, or the public. You can also share your maps for use in other GIS applications, including stories, dashboards, or web applications.
Clarke, Keith C. (2003). Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems, 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. See pp. 2–6.
Excerpt From
GIS Jump Start for Health Professionals
Kristen S. Kurland (2021)
