Spatial Turn in Health Research (Geographic Information)

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Science        
22 March 2013 vol 339, issue 6126, pages 1349-1476
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

Perspective – Medicine
Spatial Turn in Health Research
Douglas B. Richardson1, Nora D. Volkow2, Mei-Po Kwan3, Robert M. Kaplan4, Michael F. Goodchild5, Robert T. Croyle6
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/339/6126/1390.summary

Summary
Spatial analysis using maps to associate geographic information with disease can be traced as far back as the 17th century. Today, recent developments and the widespread diffusion of geospatial data acquisition technologies are enabling creation of highly accurate spatial (and temporal) data relevant to health research. This has the potential to increase our understanding of the prevalence, etiology, transmission, and treatment of many diseases.