Address Geocoding Services in Geospatial-based Epidemiological Analysis: A Comparative Reliability for Domestic Disease Mapping

Abstract

Recently, geographical information system (GIS) has emerged as an important tool for many cases in epidemiology. Through the process, it begins with geocoding, i.e. assigning geographic coordinates to an address on a map. This process is a bridge between spatial information and its attribute data. Fortunately, some open geocoding services are available. The paper aims to examine the mapping reliability of some online geocoding services to map the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in Sarawak, Malaysia towards practical implementation in the domestic health department. The features examined the common platforms, namely QGIS, Google Map (API), and ArcGIS Online, were selected and explored in terms of the following variables; positional quality, speed, cost, and coverage. Based on our exploratory experiment, ArcGIS Online offers relevant mapping features for the local geocoding services of the TB locations compared to the other two platforms. But the chosen geocoding methods or services may depend on the nature of the project, cost restrictions, and the experience of an analyst. Comparison of the positional accuracy with manual reference methods (e.g GPS measurement and manual digitizing) could be further studied.