Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104972

Desiree Goetze, MPH, CPP, Tobacco Retailer Inspection Program / Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Indiana University, 2735 E. 10th Street, Rm. 110, Bloomington, IN 47408, 812-855-1237, dgoetze@indiana.edu, Jennifer E. Kelley, MPH, CHES, CPP, Indiana University, Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana Prevention Resource Center, 2735 East Tenth Street, Creative Arts Room 110, Bloomington, IN 47408, and Barbara Seitz de Martinez, PhD, MLS, CPP, Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Indiana University, 2735 E. 10th Street, Rm 110., Bloomington, IN 47408.

Global Information System (GIS) mapping offers users the ability to demonstrate spatial relationships that exist among data sets for decision making purposes. GIS maps show the distribution of characteristics of interest, such as risk and protective factors visually. By viewing data at the zip code level, communities can have a targeted visual display of characteristics. Prevention professionals, law enforcement agencies, and governments have the opportunity to share data between agencies to create comprehensive maps, increasing benefits to public health. Health professionals have used spatial mapping for epidemiology, prevention planning, and census tracking. However, there is great potential for use by members of the community. Schools and parents will be better informed and able to initiate changes that will affect the health of the community by mapping risk and protective factors located in and around neighborhoods. By being aware of risk factors in the neighborhood, such as retail outlets that sell tobacco to minors, communities can apply social pressure to encourage change in current practices. Displaying assets in the community, such as after-school program locations, can serve to better inform parents of positive activities for youth involvement. GIS mapping allows different characteristics to be layered to create specific maps depending on the community's concerns. Some communities may be interested in locations of methamphetamine laboratories; others may be interested in crime data or gambling outlets. GIS gives communities the flexibility to choose the risk and protective factors that they deem relevant and important.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1.Articulate the ability of Global Information System (GIS) mapping to demonstrate spatial relationships that exist among data sets.
• Identify risk and protective factors through the use of Global Information System (GIS) mapping.
• Discuss the practical use of Global Information System (GIS) mapping to enact social change.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.