Environmental information systems for the control of arthropod vectors of disease

Over the last decade, remote sensing technologies and geographical information systems have moved from the research arena into the hands of vector control specialists. This review explains remote sensing approaches and spatial information technologies used for investigations of arthropod pests and vectors of diseases affecting humans and livestock. Relevant applications are summarized with examples of studies on African horse sickness vector Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), malaria vector Anopheles and arbovirus vector culicine mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), leishmaniasis vector Phlebotomus sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae), trypanosomiasis vector tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae), loaiasis vector Chrysops (Diptera: Tabanidae), Lyme disease vector Ixodes and other ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Methods and their uses are tabulated and discussed with recommendations for efficiency, caution and progress in this burgeoning field.