Application of remote sensing and GIS for the monitoring of diseases: A unique research agenda for geographers

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases are a heavy burden on the population of the world, especially for the poor people of developing countries. With traditional methods inadequate for control and eradication, remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) offer potential to combat these diseases through development of risk maps, that is, maps which show areas where human populations live in environmental conditions susceptible to disease infestation. However, appropriate application requires proper training of health scientists in these technologies and of geographers in the field of epidemiology and public health. To help achieve this goal, this paper provides: (a) a review of the impact of RS and GIS on the monitoring of vector-borne diseases, (b) an evaluation of the contribution of geographers, (c) an examination of the role and significance of geography in this area of research, and (d) a proposal for a research agenda for geographers in this growing field of inquiry.