Exploring Open Source GIS for Drug Mapping and Analysis in Malaysia

Abstract

Drug addiction or drug abuse is a complex brain disease that will cause the addict is dependent on drugs. The addiction is one of the most major matters in Malaysia. The number of addiction is increasing every year that it will lead to commit a crime and therefore the issue need to develop a creative method to control this social problem. The aim of the study is to examine the capabilities of Open Source Geographical Information System (GIS) in mapping and analysing drug addiction cases in Klang, Selangor. The objectives are i) to create maps and database of the drug addiction, ii) to analyse the distribution pattern of the drug addicts, iii) and to produce a hotspot map of the drug addiction. The methodology consists of four phases; systematic review, data collection, data processing and data analysis. The mapping and analysis of the cases were processed using Nearest Neighbour Analysis tool, Mean Coordinate and population patterns in Quantum GIS (QGIS). The result showed that the pattern and hotspot area of the cases was clustered especially in populous (aged 21–30) urban areas such as rapid housing and road activities. QGIS has demonstrated its capabilities for general GIS operations and the hotspot maps could be utilised by the authority to control the cases at the risk areas of drug in Malaysia.