Introduction to Geographic Information Systems in Public Health, by Alan L. Melnick. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers; 2002. 300 pages, softcover, $69.00.
In Introduction to Geographic Information Systems in Public Health public health physician and researcher Dr. Alan Melnick discusses many of the potential uses and benefits of geographic information systems (GIS) technology.
His timely book adds understanding to a complex field. Melnick hopes that the textbook will inspire public health professionals to use GIS technology and to share this technology with their respective communities. In methodical fashion, Dr. Melnick examines GIS technology in relation to public health; he succeeds in unraveling some of the confusion in this relatively new field.
The book, in fact, does serve as a sort of GIS instruction manual, and can fairly be described as a seminal work in the growing field of modern GIS technology. It should spur interest in GIS technology in the public health community by meticulously explaining what GIS technology is and how it can be used effectively.
With a clear style of writing, Melnick, explains a highly complex subject in a helpful, interesting way. The book's 11 chapters include a brief and instructive, chapter review. A considerable number of well-designed tables and figures contribute to the book's scholarly value. A well-annotated glossary of key terms relevant to GIS technology is appended to the text. The large number of references may appeal especially to research-minded readers.
GIS, metaphorically, is a tool enabling public health professionals to see and explain the relation of geographic data to public health-related issues. Cartography, or map making, is an integral aspect of GIS technology. Through the mechanism of maps GIS technology changes complex, epidemiologic data into a perhaps more-understandable visual format. The core technologic basis and potential of GIS is explained. GIS is applied carefully by Melnick in the particular contexts of diverse issues and areas of pressing public health concern, including: environmental health, chronic disease and communicable disease prevention, and injuries.
Melnick further explains the GIS basics: of using the technology, the necessary hardware and software and the potential limitations of GIS technology. The concluding chapter comments on the future of GIS and public health.
This excellent book is timely because of the growing societal availability of technology pertinent to geographic analyses. Certainly, it is important for public health professionals to have some real knowledge and understanding of modern GIS technology. In that regard, this is a helpful, well-crafted book. At the same time, prospective readers should understand that modern GIS technology is still in an early stage of development Melnick makes clear that although the introduction of GIS data and methods into public health practice offers much promise, GIS technology has an uncertain future. Also, the increasing availability of GIS-relevant technology is a double-edged sword: as GIS technology becomes more widely available, the number of inexperienced and inadequately trained users may increase as well.
The distinct technical orientation of the book is not designed well for lay readers; nor is this orientation well suited for readers lacking at least some background knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics. With these warnings, the book is very highly recommended for professionals and students in public health and allied professions, including: public health care nurses and physicians, epidemiologists, environmental scientists, biostatisticians, and health care administrators.