1. What is GIS?

Geographic Information System uses computers and software to explore

the fundamental principle of geography that location is important in peoples lives.
What are three uses of GIS?
GIS is used to Inventory, analyze and manage many aspects of the world.

How might GIS be used in solutions to problems?

A GIS is used by us in everyday usage such as flipping on a light switch or using a
GPS or map on the internet. It can also be used to better understand traffic accidents!
GIS provides location-based solutions.

2. Dr. Chetan Tiwari and Using Maps as Public Health Decision Support Tools
What examples did he use to demonstrate the use of GIS in health decision making?
The examples he gave were on differential health outcomes on HIV and AIDS across
the country. Using maps shows the differences over time and the diseases processes
which result in outcomes that are seen and experienced. This can help for better
decision making in the health field.

What are the concerns about the data?

Sometimes, the maps only present the data, and do not represent the processes.

3. Geographic Information Systems in Public Health - 4 points

Explain three (3) examples listed in this presentation about the use of GIS in public
health.
How neighborhood factors relate to chronic disease, diabetes & obesity.
1. Locations of Parks: Can people be physically active?
2. Fast Food Chains: Offers unhealthy food choices
3. Locations of Grocery Stores: Healthier food options however people dont
necessarily choose the healthier options.
4. Go to http://www.riversideca.gov/rpd/crstats/default.asp -6 points

What is the most frequently occurring issue in this area (see the Incident Layers to
understand the iconsnot everything is crimeATTENTION TO DETAIL)?
The most frequently occuring issue is the number of sex offenders.

Why is this type of map useful in public and community health? Justify your answer.
This is useful because knowing that there are sex offenders in the area, there is a
higher possibility of rape occurring, which could result in a higher risk of sexually
transmitted diseases and infection to that community.

5. Go to the following link: 6 points

What is the median household income?
The median household income was $40,910 in 2012.

Why is this useful in public health/why do we need to use median household

income when we decide populations at risk or in need of services?
Median household income is important to know because it shows that some people
may not be able to afford treatment or the medication that they need, which puts
that population at higher risk of infection and disease.

6. Using online GIS mapping software- 12 points

Go back to the browser window with the ZIP code and census tract map. Take a
screen shot that shows the map of food locations. Now, using the Measure tab
on the right side and the Measure function on the left side of the map you will
measure the distance from a location and the Stater Brothers grocery store.

For someone who lived at the corner of W. 17 th St and N. Perris St what is

the distance for them to walk to the Stater Brothers store? 1.1 miles
o Map that along the road using several points along the way to keep the
plotter on the road and take a screen shot.
o

o Use Google map in the browser where you have the address for the grocery
and use the street view icon to see what that road looks like. Why would
that be a difficult walk to the store?
It could be difficult because of all of the traffic. Especially once youre carrying
a bunch of groceries, it would make it difficult to carry your things around while
waiting to cross a bunch of streets or waiting for cars to pass. It could be very
tiresome.
What is screen shot?

Using Google street view follow the street down to 14 th and Massachusetts to see
the two grocery stores on that corner. Take a screen shot to use in your
presentation. What are the common ads on both markets?
They advertise bad habits such as drinking and smoking.

What are the causes of those diseases from a social standpoint for populations?
Beer and cigarrettes cause liver disease or lung diseases and cancers.

How would you make the association between death by ZIP code and the
availability of food in 92411?
Its highly possible that the deaths were caused by the bad habits made available
to people in these areas.

7. Go to http://www.walkscore.com/ 4 points
What is your walk score in your neighborhood?
The walk score in my neighborhood is a 5.

Do you think your neighborhood is walk-able meaning conducive to walking?

Yes, I do think my neighborhood is walk-able. I live on a main street, but there are
good and spacious sidewalks.

Give examples to provide specifics to support your argument.

I live on a main street, which some might see as a bit dangerous, however, there
are nice, spacious sidewalks in the area. I often see people walking their dogs or
with their families, as well as joggers and bikers passing by on a daily basis.