Geographic Information Systems for the Public Health: A proposal for a research agenda

Abstract

Geographic information systems (GIS)are increasingly being used worldwide for the monitoring of important public health issues, proving its potential as a powerful tool in decision making. Studies on GIS in epidemiological studies for large areas is well documented, while other GIS in health applications are restrained due to a current lack of coordination and communication within public health authorities and research networks. To overcome the mentioned constraint, the project described in this paper aims to establish a research agenda for the use of GIS in public health, in the Australian context.