Abstract
BackgroundHousehold-level geographic information systems (GIS) database are usually constructed using the geographic positioning system (GPS). In some research settings, GPS receivers may fail to capture accurate readings due to structural barriers such as tall buildings. We faced this problem when constructing a household GIS database for research sites in Karachi, Pakistan because the sites are comprised of congested groups of multi-storied building and narrow lanes. In order to overcome this problem, we used high resolution satellite imagery (IKONOS) to extract relevant geographic information.ResultsThe use of IKONOS satellite imagery allowed us to construct an accurate household GIS database, which included the size and orientation of the houses. The GIS database was then merged with health data, and spatial analysis of health was possible.ConclusionsThe methodological issues introduced in this paper provide solutions to the technical barriers in constructing household GIS database in a heavily populated urban setting.
Highlights
Geographic data are increasingly being employed in health studies [1]
Such understanding may help the formulation of need based healthcare systems and health intervention programs
This paper describes the methods used to construct the household geographic information systems (GIS) database and the technical barriers one might encounter during the construction of a database
Summary
Use of satellite imagery in constructing a household GIS database for health studies in Karachi, Pakistan. Mohammad Ali*1, Shahid Rasool, Jin-Kyung Park, Shamoon Saeed, Rion Leon Ochiai, Qamaruddin Nizami, Camilo J Acosta and Zulfiqar Bhutta. Address: 1International Vaccine Institute, SNU Research Park, San 4–8 Bongcheon-7 dong, Kwanak-gu, Seoul, Korea, 2Aga Khan University, Pediatric Department, Karachi, Pakistan and 3Techno-Consult International, Karachi, Pakistan. Published: 28 September 2004 International Journal of Health Geographics 2004, 3:20 doi:10.1186/1476-072X-3-20.
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