[Interactive mortality atlas in Andalusia, Spain (AIMA)]

Area of Science:

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Public Health
• Biostatistics

Context:

• Traditional mortality atlases are static, limiting the analysis of temporal changes and group-specific mortality rates.
• Existing methods using aggregated count data or standardized mortality rates have inherent biases and limitations for detailed analysis.
• The need for dynamic, interactive tools to explore complex spatio-temporal patterns in mortality data is evident.

Purpose:

• To introduce the Interactive Mortality Atlas in Andalusia (AIMA), a novel dynamic GIS for visualizing mortality data.
• To detail the methods, technical specifications, and interactive features of the AIMA system.
• To present the capabilities of AIMA in displaying the spatio-temporal distribution of mortality causes in Andalusia.

Summary:

• AIMA is a dynamic GIS featuring over 12,000 maps and 338 graphics on mortality in Andalusia since 1981.
• It utilizes Spatio-temporal Hierarchical Bayesian Models for statistical analysis, integrated via a PHP environment and dynamic Flash cartography.
• The system visualizes mortality data by cause, age, and sex, highlighting dynamic geographical and temporal variations.

Impact:

• AIMA provides a comprehensive, interactive platform for exploring population health trends in Andalusia.
• It enables a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of mortality distribution across different years, age groups, and sexes.
• The system serves as a valuable tool for public health research, policy-making, and reflecting on past, present, and future health landscapes.