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Geocoding health data with Geographic Information Systems: a pilot study in northeast Italy for developing a
T Baldovin1, D Zangrando1, P Casale2
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Hygiene, Laboratory of Public Health and Population Studies, University of Padua, Italy;
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
|January 21, 2016
Summary
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) improve public health analysis. This study details geocoding health data challenges and offers guidelines for better accuracy in environmental risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Informatics
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Background:
- GIS is crucial for analyzing public health data and environmental relationships.
- This study focuses on a Local Health Unit in northeastern Italy, aiming to set a benchmark for national data acquisition standards.
- It provides step-by-step instructions for manipulating address elements specific to Italian language and traditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline difficulties encountered in geocoding health data.
- To propose guidelines for facilitating the geocoding process and improving result quality.
- To draw attention to the issue of geocoding accuracy in health data for environmental risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Geocoding analysis performed on a health database of 268,517 records from 2001-2010.
- Utilized Environmental Research System Institute (ESRI) Map Service as reference data.
- Employed ArcMap 10.0 GIS software for the geocoding process.
Main Results:
- Initial geocoding yielded poor results, with only approximately 40% of addresses matched.
- A manual standardization procedure was implemented to enhance geocoding quality.
- Guidelines were developed for geocoding health data, emphasizing high-level detail for precise geographic representation.
Conclusions:
- The study identified challenges in geocoding health data and proposed guidelines for improvement.
- Public health informatics is an emerging field applying information science to public health.
- Accurate geocoding of health data is critical for effective environmental risk assessment.
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