Digital administrative maps - A tool for visualization of epidemiological data

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study is to present the methods for visualization of epidemiological data using digital contour maps that take into account administrative division of Poland. Materials and Methods: The possibility of epidemiological data visualization in a geographical order, limited to the administrative level of the country, voivodeships and poviats (counties), are presented. They are crucial for the process of identifying and undertaking adequate prophylactic activities directed towards decreasing the risk and improving the population's health. This paper presents tools and techniques available in Geographic Information System ArcGIS and statistical software package R. Results: The work includes our own data reflecting: 1) the values of specific mortality rates due to respiratory diseases, Poland, 2010, based on the Central Statistical Office data, using the R statistical software package; 2) the averaged registered incidence rates of sarcoidosis in 2006-2010 for the population aged 19+ in the Silesian voivodeship, using Geographic Information System ArcGIS; and 3) the number of children with diagnosed respiratory diseases in the city of Legnica in 2009, taking into account their place of residence, using layered maps in Geographic Information System ArcGIS. Conclusions: The tools presented and described in this paper make it possible to visualize the results of research, to increase attractiveness of courses for students, as well as to enhance the skills and competence of students and participants of courses.