Malaria Control Mechanisms for Effective Healthcare Delivery in Ghana: The Use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Malaria is a major health problem facing many tropical countries, including Ghana. The use of modern mechanisms to study environmental factors in malaria occurrence is imperative in malaria control efforts. The aim of this research is to investigate how malaria occurrence is influenced by environmental factors and how Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can be used as a mechanism for improving malaria control in healthcare delivery in Ghana. Environmental factors, elevation, daily temperature and daily rainfall were plotted against prevalence of M and S forms of mosquitoes using ArcGIS 10.1. Prevalence of Anopheles gambiae M was the highest at elevations of 0 m to 200 m and that of S was the highest at elevations between 200 m and 500 m. Prevalence of M was the highest at temperatures between 26.1&degC - 27.6&degC whilst that of S was the highest at temperatures of between 24.5&degC and 26.0&degC. Prevalence of M was the highest at rainfall between 10 mm and 35 mm and S was the highest at rainfall between 26 mm and 36 mm and beyond. M form was positively correlated with temperature and negatively with elevation and humidity. The S form was negatively associated with temperature and positively with elevation and rainfall. GIS models can combine with environmental data to estimate vector prevalence under environmental conditions and therefore its use is recommended in Ghana.

Distribution area demarcation for logistic centers under geographical information system decision support system

Demarcating distribution area of goods is often guided by the rule of thumb by business proprietors. However, this method seems to be unsuitable when the demand points increase to a certain large extent. The present work attempted to convert the problem of distribution area demarcation into a localized problem of warehouseing and networking, and tried to establish district-based planning mode based on location based heuristic (LBH). Two methods were used in this study: 1) the manual method to construct the mathematical model and conduct simulation; 2) the automatic method using TransCAD software of geographical information system (GIS) for simulation. By comparing the effects of the two methods, the research provides theoretical support for business proprietors to demarcate the distribution area rationally with the application of GIS system. The results show that GIS has very good graphics construction function to replace complex text, and the automatic demarcating mode with human-machine interaction provides a good business decision-making support.

Mapping of Soil Properties Using Geographical Information System (GIS): A Case Study of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic

GIS relates and integrates spatial data from various sources, for storage, retrieval, analyses and display. This paper presents the analysis and mapping of Geotechnical data using natural neighbour interpolation tool of GIS. The Campus of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic Nigeria was as the study area, and Arc GIS 10.2.1 was used to perform the analyses. The study used soils samples from ten trial pit distributed within the study area and subjected to various laboratory tests. Index and engineering properties of the samples were determined. Map database developed in a GIS environment and the result of the laboratory tests stored, were analysed and displayed using GIS. The research results show maps of various soil properties. The research result provides estimated data for preliminary designing of engineering infrastructures in the area.

Water Runoff Estimation Using Geographical Information System (GIS) for Alrakhmah Basin Valley Northeast of Iraq

The lack of water resources in many regions is the main challenge for the human being and to extended investigations. Water resources controlling and management is essential in the areas depending on the seasonal rainfall. This research aims to estimate the surface water runoff for Basin of Alrakhmah Valley located in the southwestern part of Kirkuk Province in northeastern of Iraq. Analyzing of Spatial data and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data has been conducted using Geographic Information System (GIS) to estimate the hydrological properties for the watershed valley with 158.5 km2 surface area. The results showed that watershed valley type is from the fifth rank with a longitudinal shape and topography percentage of 0.568. The watershed textures found to be 3.24 and the drain density 1.5 at 3.49 river branching. Finally, the annual estimated surface water retreat according to the morpho-hydro climatic elements found to be 0.01286233 milliard cubic meter.

Geographical Information System-Based Assessment of Ecological Security in Changbai Mountain Region

Ecological security defined as the creation of a condition where the physical surroundings of a community provide for the needs of its inhabitants without diminishing its natural stock,which is important for regional security and social stability.In recent years,land use patterns in the Changbai Mountain region have changed significantly with intensive human activities,and consequently led to increasing problems in regional ecological security.Based on the Pressure-State-Impact-Response(PSIR) model and the mathematical method of catastrophe progression supported by geographical information system(GIS),the ecological security situation of the study area under land use and cover change(LUCC) was evaluated.The results indicated that the ecological security in Changbai Mountain region varied nonlinearly,which got better from 1990 to 2000 but became worse from 2000 to 2007,the ecological security levels in Changbai Mountain region were mainly medium and medium to low during the past 17 years,with higher values of Ecological Security Index(ESI) in the central region and lower values in the east and west,the ecological security situation was more serious in the settlements and river valleys,where the LUCC was most remarkable.

The Development of a Geographic Information System(GIS) Database for Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve and Its Application

The objective of this paper is to develop a GIS(Geographic Information System) database for Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve(Jiuzhaigou,hereafter) in China and demonstrate its application as a research tool.A cost-effective procedure was developed to compile a variety of geographical and biological data of the study area in terms of popular GIS format such as shape files.These files were further calibrated and validated using field surveys data.The developed GIS database was used to quantify the distributions of the wildlife(amphibians,mammals,and birds) using the distances of the wildlife to the centerline of the bus-tour routes.The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to quantify the correlation in space between pairs of different wildlife using the number of habitats for given space contexts.An ArcObject-based macro was developed to perform the analysis.The results showed the majority of the habitats of wildlife are located in the proximity of the tour-bus routes with an average distance ranging from 564 to 894 m depending on types of wildlife.This indicates a possibility of the disturbance to the wildlife by human activities.The correlation coefficient of the wildlife ranged from 0.36 to 0.64 depending on pairs of wildlife,indicating some correlations in space.However,due to the limited sample size,the statistical significances need to be further investigated.This paper has successfully demonstrated the use of the GIS-based database as a research tool for environmental study.

Marine Engineering Geological Exploration Information System(MEGEIS):A GIS-based Application to Marine Resources Exploitation

Based on the ArcGIS geographic information system and the ORACLE database management system,this paper reports our studies on the technology of Marine Engineering Geological Exploration Information System(MEGEIS). By analyzing system structure,designing function modules and discussing data management,this paper systematically proposes a framework of technol-ogy to integrate,manage,and analyze the seabed information comprehensively. Then,the technology is applied to the design and development of the Bohai Sea Oilfield Paradigm Area Information System. The system can not only meet the practical demands of marine resources exploration and exploitation in the Bohai Sea oilfield,but also serve as a preparatory work in theory and technology for the realization of the 'Digital Seabed'.

THE MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

Based on the combination of Geographical information system(GIS)with the research ofToponymy,some foundational problems of the Geographical Name Information System(GINS)are discussed in this paper.The present situation of Toponymical research is anal-ysed and the necessity of introducing the GIS tools to the research of Toponymy is demon-strated.The conceptual model of the GNIS and the structure of Geographical name Database(GND)are discussed.The basic functions of the GNIS software for management and re-search of geographical name are suggested.Some issues are stated such as the applicationand potential of the combination of GIS with CAD in the management and research of To-ponymy,the combination of GNIS with other spatial information system and sharing the in-formation with each other,the research and development of GNIS, etc.

GIS Platform-based Multi-source Information System for Evaluation of Cu, W and Au Resources in the Northern Qilian, China

Based on the information of geology, geochemistry, geophysics and remote sensing, the GIS of multi-source information is used to evaluate Cu, W and Au mineral resources in Northern Qilian, China. As the GIS evaluation system works out in the thinking of geological prospecting, its functions include file management, graph edition, database maintenance, information inquiry and comprehensive spatial analysis as well as prospecting target prognosis. Accordingly, the GIS evaluation system can be used directly and conveniently for inquiry and analysis of visual graphs or images.

The Overall Design of Land-Use Information System Based on GIS

The land-use information system (LUIS) is a special geographical information system developed under the support of the geographical information system (GIS). It effectively combines the quantitative analysis with space analysis, mixes the feature of the land-use data and figure de scription, achieves the mutual transfer of the data and figure, and provides some effective methods for the quantitative research and space analysis. The targets, methods and procedures of the overall design of LUIS and its structure function and characteristic are presented in this paper. It pro vides the guide and references for developing the special GIS suitable for the demand of land-use management.

Integration technology research on marine geographical information system

It is urgent and necessary to integrate a marine geographical information system （MGIS） with marine remote sensing detection modules. On the basis of the current technology and features of applications, an open three-layer integration framework is designed. At the data layer, a two-level three-base integration mechanism based on the plug-in technology is applied; At the function layer, an integration mode based on API, DLL, EXE and COM is discussed; and at the application layer, a sharing mechanism based on the clients/service is adopted. As an example, the remote sensing integrated application information system of China＇s coastal zone and offshore （MaXplorer1. 0） with muhiecology remote sensing fusion and assimilation module, surge detection module as well as eight other thematic application modules is integrated, and the key technology of integration is discussed at different layers and in different modules. The result shows that it is possible to realize the conformity of technology and resources and to provide the incorporate technology platform for marine information operational functioning after applying the integration framework.

GIS-Based Highway Geological Hazard Information Management and Decision Support System

Based on the practical application of Geology Information System（GIS） throughout the world, combined with the characters of road＇s geological hazard and it＇s supervision, the paper introduces on the importance of the research on road＇s geological hazards information management and decision-making support system. The paper also analyzes the system＇s target, the principles and key techniques in developing the system. In the research, we developed the GIS-based road＇s geological hazard information management and decision-making support system and applied it to one speedway in the west of China where contains typical geological hazards. The system based on the database of road＇s geological hazard on the grounds of spatial graphic information and attribute information. By virtue of the scientific assessment and prediction mathematical model, integrating the GIS＇s strongpoint on spatial analyzing, the system is capable of visualizing the regionalization of road according to the geological hazards it contains, and accurately assessing and predicting geological hazards, thus efficiently assists the road construction and management units in the decision making on controlling the geological hazards and reducing the related loss.

Application of geographical information system technology to epidemiological surveillance and prevention and cure decision-making for SARS

Objective:To expound geographical information system (GIS) technology is a very important tool when it was employed to assist to present the distribution by time and place and the model of transmission of infectious disease. Methods: We illustrated the assistant decision-making support function of GIS with an example of the spatial decision support system for SARS controlling in Shaanxi province of China which was developed by us. Results: The spatial decision support system established by applying GIS technology fulfilled the needs of real-time collection and management and dissemination SARS information and of surveillance and analysis the epidemic situation of SARS. Conclusion: Occurrence and epidemic of diseases, implement prevention and intervention measures and collocation hygienic resources are all with the characteristic of the variation of time and space, therefore, GIS technology has become a powerful tool for identifying risk factors of diseases, providing clues of causation of diseases , evaluating the effects of intervention measures and drawing a health management plan.

The Application of Geographic Information System(GIS) to the Study of Chinese History

Historical geographic information system construction echoes the call of academic development in the information era and demonstrates the in-depth advancement of history studies. In recent years, an increasing number of data platforms have been built to facilitate historical information storage, display, management and analysis. In such a context, the geographic information system(GIS) begins to contribute to the study of Chinese history. Its contribution is highlighted in nine areas: historical climate, fluvial landforms, town economies, rural settlements, hydraulic societies, environmental changes, ancient cities, ancient maps and HGIS-enabled research methods. The application of GIS to the study of Chinese history initiates a reform in research methods and at the same time upgrades the philosophy of history studies, facilitating the utilization of a diversity of historical data(documents, ancient maps, remote-sensing images, archaeological information, etc.) for dynamic tracing and multi-factor comprehensive research. At present, restricted by traditional disciplinary boundaries, the construction of HGIS platforms remains slow and insufficient, making it difficult to extensively apply GIS to the study of Chinese history.

The Demographic Impact on Credit Scores＂ Evidence From Statistical Methods and Geographic Information Systems （GIS） Mapping

Average credit scores for people in the United States （US） differ from state to state. Some states have high, and some states have low average credit scores. Since lenders and employers use credit scores to make loan and employment decisions, people living in states where average credit scores are high should experience the benefits of living where credit scores tend to allow more favorable loan and employment decisions. Although credit scores are the direct result of credit histories, credit histories may be impacted by demographic factors. If the demographic factors that impact credit histories are identified, ways to improve credit scores are likely to be discovered and available to people and state government policymakers. This study looks for demographic factors to indirectly explain the average credit scores for people living in each state of the US. The methodology includes statistical analyses and geographic information systems （GIS） mapping. Statistical analyses provide evidence to suggest that state average credit scores are explained by the demographic factors of education, family, income, and health. GIS mapping reveals clusters of states with similar demographics and credit scores.

Coalmine Safety Assurance Information System Based on GIS

The mine ventilation and safety is one of the most important factors to influence on the coal production.More attention has been paid to manage safety information in scientific, efficient, and real-time way. Therefore, it is important to develop a practical mine safety assurance information system (CSAIS). Based on analyzing the actual management mode for ventilation and safety on mine, the paper studies the structure and function of the mine safety assurance information system based on GIS in detail. Moreover, it also suggests some applications and solutions. By combining with the practical situation, the paper realizes the whole function of the present system.

Information system for emergence decision on the protection against earthquake and disaster reduction in Shanghai City──Application of GIS

For meeting the need of rapid development of economy in Shanghai and the protection against earthquake and disaster reduction in the mega city, it is necessary to build a information system for emergence decision on the protection against earthquake and disaster reduction in the city. In this paper, GIS is applied to 'the information system for emergence decision on the protection against earthquake and disaster reduction in Shanghai City (Baoshan experiment region)'. We introduce to the structure and effect of each functional module in this information system. This information system consists of 7 functional modules:background information of seismology and geology, subsystem for rapid evaluation of damage loss from earthquake, subsystem for the decisive information on earthquake emergence, information query, maintenance and management of system, help, quit. The key parts of this information system are the subsystem for rapid evaluation of damage loss from earthquake and the subsystem for the decisive information on earthquake emergence. Also, this paper introduces to the application of technology of color infra-red aerial photograph remote sensing to this information system.

Research and Development of Enterprise Information Visual Management System Based on GIS

Aiming at managing enterprise information,we have done research and development on enterprise information visual management system based on geographic information system (GIS). In this paper,basis function,design scheme and implement are introduced. Space data and attribute data are supervised with a database. And the functions of GIS,such as display,edit and print,are utilized. The map information and the enterprise information are visually managed and integrally supervised.

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Targeted National Recruitment of Community-Dwelling Caregivers Managing Dementia-Related Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: A Recruitment Approach for a Randomized Clinical Trial

Over 16 million caregivers of people living with dementia require support in a range of issues, including self-care, disease education, and guidance for how to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Non-pharmacological interventions are needed to address these areas, and online applications have been shown to be safe and effective. To ensure the efficacy of such interventions, racially, ethnically, geographically, and socioeconomically diverse participants must be recruited to increase the generalizability of study outcomes. This protocol paper describes a recruitment plan using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to reach a representative sample of caregivers across the United States for a national Phase III clinical study. Using publicly available census data from the American Community Survey (ACS), combined with location data for local aging resources such as Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), recruitment will be derived from data analysis conducted in ESRI ArcGIS v10.7.1. Datasets including age, gender, income, and education will be assessed nationally at the county and census tract spatial scale in a nine-step process to develop recruitment priority areas containing high concentrations of eligible participants living in the community. Overall, the current protocol will demonstrate the value of GIS in tailoring targeted outreach strategies to recruit community-dwelling populations through local resource institutions. This novel approach may have far-reaching implications in future recruitment initiatives and help to secure racially/ethnically diverse samples.

The Second International Workshop on Geographical Information System Held in Beijing,August 9-11,1990

TheThe Second International Workshop on Geographical Information System(2nd IWGIS Beijing’90)was held recently in Beijing under the auspices of the Laboratory of Resources and Environment Information System(LREIS)and cosponsorship of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,National Natural Science Foundation of China,National Remote Sensing Centre of China,Geographical Society of China,and International Development Research Centre of Canada(IDRC).