Methodology
Web-based public health geographic information systems for resources-constrained environment using scalable vector graphics technology: a proof of concept applied to the expanded program on immunization data
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* Corresponding author: Raoul Kamadjeu RKamadjeu@cdc.gov
1 Pubic Health Informatics Fellow, Division of Public Health and Informatics, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
2 National Immunization Program, Global Immunization Division, Global Measles Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA
3 National Immunization Program, Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, Vaccine Safety Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
International Journal of Health Geographics 2006, 5:24 doi:10.1186/1476-072X-5-24
Published: 3 June 2006Abstract
Background
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful communication tools for public health. However, using GIS requires considerable skill and, for this reason, is sometimes limited to experts. Web-based GIS has emerged as a solution to allow a wider audience to have access to geospatial information. Unfortunately the cost of implementing proprietary solutions may be a limiting factor in the adoption of a public health GIS in a resource-constrained environment. Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is used to define vector-based graphics for the internet using XML (eXtensible Markup Language); it is an open, platform-independent standard maintained by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) since 2003. In this paper, we summarize our methodology and demonstrate the potential of this free and open standard to contribute to the dissemination of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) information by providing interactive maps to a wider audience through the Internet.
Results
We used SVG to develop a database driven web-based GIS applied to EPI data from three countries of WHO AFRO (World Health Organization – African Region). The system generates interactive district-level country immunization coverage maps and graphs. The approach we describe can be expanded to cover other public health GIS demanding activities, including the design of disease atlases in a resources-constrained environment.
Conclusion
Our system contributes to accumulating evidence demonstrating the potential of SVG technology to develop web-based public health GIS in resources-constrained settings.