scholarly journals A review of spatial technologies with applications for malaria transmission modelling and control in Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Gebreslasie
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Geographic Information Systems ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Technology Applications ◽  
And Control ◽  
Spatial Technology

Spatial technologies, <em>i.e.</em> geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems, offer an opportunity for rapid assessment of malaria endemic areas. These technologies coupled with prevalence/incidence data can provide reliable estimates of population at risk, predict disease distributions in areas that lack baseline data and provide guidance for intervention strategies, so that scarce resources can be allocated in a cost-effective manner. This review focuses on the spatial technology applications that have been used in epidemiology and control of malaria in Africa. Peer-reviewed papers identified through a PubMed search using the following keywords: <em>geospatial technology</em> OR <em>Geographic Information Systems</em> OR <em>Remote Sensing</em> OR <em>Earth Observation</em> OR <em>Global Positioning Systems</em> OR <em>geospatial modelling</em> OR <em>malaria incidence</em> OR <em>malaria prevalence</em> OR <em>malaria risk prediction</em> OR <em>malaria mapping</em> AND <em>malaria</em> AND <em>Africa</em> were used. These included mapping malaria incidence and prevalence, assessing the relationship between malaria and environmental variables as well as applications for malaria early warning systems. The potential of new spatial technology applications utilising emerging satellite information, as they hold promise to further enhance infectious risk mapping and disease prediction, are outlined. We stress current research needs to overcome some of the remaining challenges of spatial technology applications for malaria so that further and sustainable progress can be made to control and eliminate this disease.

scholarly journals Application of geo-spatial technology in schistosomiasis modelling in Africa: a review

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tawanda Manyangadze ◽  
Moses John Chimbari ◽  
Michael Gebreslasie ◽  
Samson Mukaratirwa
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Geographic Information Systems ◽  
Predictive Models ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
Earth Observation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Host Snail ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Spatial Technology

Schistosomiasis continues to impact socio-economic development negatively in sub-Saharan Africa. The advent of spatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS), Earth observation (EO) and global positioning systems (GPS) assist modelling efforts. However, there is increasing concern regarding the accuracy and precision of the current spatial models. This paper reviews the literature regarding the progress and challenges in the development and utilization of spatial technology with special reference to predictive models for schistosomiasis in Africa. Peer-reviewed papers identified through a PubMed search using the following keywords: <em>geo-spatial analysis</em> OR <em>remote sensing</em> OR <em>modelling</em> OR <em>earth observation</em> OR <em>geographic information systems</em> OR <em>prediction</em> OR <em>mapping</em> AND <em>schistosomiasis</em> AND <em>Africa</em> were used. Statistical uncertainty, low spatial and temporal resolution satellite data and poor validation were identified as some of the factors that compromise the precision and accuracy of the existing predictive models. The need for high spatial resolution of remote sensing data in conjunction with ancillary data <em>viz.</em> ground-measured climatic and environmental information, local presence/absence intermediate host snail surveys as well as prevalence and intensity of human infection for model calibration and validation are discussed. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in developing robust, spatial data capturing, modelling techniques and products applicable in epidemiology is highlighted.

scholarly journals Applying Environmental Context to Rehabilitation Research Using Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems Geospatial Technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-50
Author(s):  
Dara V. Chan ◽  
Mann Adam ◽  
Gopal Sucharita
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Geographic Information Systems ◽  
Environmental Context ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Global Positioning Systems ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Rehabilitation Research ◽  
Global Positioning

BackgroundThe International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health includes important considerations of environmental context in understanding disability, but the environmental impact is often difficult to measure.PurposeDemonstrates the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in rehabilitation research in assessing accessibility and participation; describes how to use these methods, and presents several considerations in using GIS and GPS in research.MethodUsing methods from public health and medical geography, this article describes how to apply GIS and GPS technologies to rehabilitation research to measure community participation and accessibility to resources.FindingsDirections for using ArcGIS functions and case examples joining these mapping technologies with rehabilitation measures are provided.ConclusionsTogether with traditional measures, these technologies may provide rehabilitation researchers a more comprehensive approach to assessing accessibility and participation.

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