Use of Geographical Information Systems in epidemiology

Abstract Geographical Information Systems (GISs) are the automated systems for the capture, storage, retrieval, analysis, and display of spatial data. These systems have significantly increased the ability of epidemiologists and public health specialists to work with spatial data. When GISs are combined with spatial analytical methods, the results could provide a helpful tool in the study of public health issues. Nevertheless, the users of GISs and the readers of the output should not study the attractive maps produced by the software uncritically, but should always remember the rules of good data management, analysis, presentation, and interpretation. The present article therefore, discusses the pros and cons of a GIS environment in public health and epidemiological studies.