Utilization of Google enterprise tools to georeference survey data among hard-to-reach groups: strategic application in international settings

Leo Beletsky,Jaime Arredondo,Kimberly C Brouwer,Dan Werb,Steffanie A Strathdee,Alicia Vera,Daniela Abramovitz,Joseph J Amon ,Tommi Gaines

doi:10.1186/s12942-016-0053-9

Abstract

BackgroundAs geospatial data have become increasingly integral to health and human rights research, their collection using formal address designations or paper maps has been complicated by numerous factors, including poor cartographic literacy, nomenclature imprecision, and human error. As part of a longitudinal study of people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico, respondents were prompted to georeference specific experiences.ResultsAt baseline, only about one third of the 737 participants were native to Tijuana, underscoring prevalence of migration/deportation experience. Areas frequented typically represented locations with no street address (e.g. informal encampments). Through web-based cartographic technology and participatory mapping, this study was able to overcome the use of vernacular names and difficulties mapping liminal spaces in generating georeferenced data points that were subsequently analyzed in other research.ConclusionIntegrating low-threshold virtual navigation as part of data collection can enhance investigations of mobile populations, informal settlements, and other locations in research into structural production of health at low- or no cost. However, further research into user experience is warranted.

Highlights

As geospatial data have become increasingly integral to health and human rights research, their collection using formal address designations or paper maps has been complicated by numerous factors, including poor cartographic literacy, nomenclature imprecision, and human error
Dating back to John Snow’s maps of cholera cases in London, the collection of geospatial data is foundational to epidemiology and public health research
In an effort to streamline and improve field-based data collection, we developed a novel methodology for the application of Google enterprise tools as part of a larger inquiry into the role of law and law enforcement in shaping infectious disease risk among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Mexico [21]

Summary

Introduction

As geospatial data have become increasingly integral to health and human rights research, their collection using formal address designations or paper maps has been complicated by numerous factors, including poor cartographic literacy, nomenclature imprecision, and human error. The advent of geographic information systems (GIS) technology and methodological tools has enabled remarkable advances in the scope, accuracy and power of multilevel analyses of such datasets This has coincided with the development of novel applications of geospatial analytic methods, including those used to better target programmatic interventions to key populations. Beletsky et al Int J Health Geogr (2016) 15:24 the significance of georeference data in public health and human rights research Despite these opportunities, there remain important challenges in collecting reliable geospatial information, especially in research on mobile and marginalized populations. Pervasive use of liminal spaces for residential, commercial, and other activity by under-served or criminalized groups (e.g. railroad tracks, canals, informal settlements, etc.) further complicates investigations of the environmental factors shaping their health

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