Introduction To Geographic Information Systems In Public Health [Paperback]

Alan Melnick (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 083421878X | ISBN-13: 978-0834218789 | Publication Date: March 15, 2002 | Edition: 1st

This Clear And Accessible Text Helps Public Health Professionals Gain A Solid Understanding Of Geographic Information System Technology; What It Is, How It Works, And How It Shapes Their Careers. Using Examples Drawn From Public Health Practice, The Author Fully Explains This Exciting Technological Development.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 1st edition (March 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083421878X
• ISBN-13: 978-0834218789
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,778,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Public Health GIS by A Melnick, July 30, 2002

By 

Tom Engle (Beaverton, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction To Geographic Information Systems In Public Health (Paperback)

This is a serious book for the serious student of both public health and geographical information systems. Not difficult, but certainly serious. Dr. Melnick does an excellent job of introducing us to GIS and then walking us through the application of GIS to various public health areas (environmental health, communicable diseases, injuries, chronic diseases, and assessment). At each point he carefully notes the applicable principles, what the data and GIS application demonstrate, and the strengths and weaknesses of the GIS approach. This should become the standard learning tool for GIS and Health.

The book probably over references and over describes specific software programs and companies (e.g. see the discussion of Maptitude and Version 3.0 and 4.0 and HUD....) - these are outdated in 12 months.

Obviously, the book needs a CD-ROM (or web site) with data sets and the capacity to play with some of the data. The main point of the book is doing the picture and thinking about what you end up with. Without a CD-ROM or web site we are left short of really being able to get it.

In summary, despite some drawbacks this book is a winner. By the end you will not know how to do GIS, but you will know that you need to find a way to know it

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE best GIS related book focussing on Public Health, April 26, 2004

By 

Rajakumar Rajendiran - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction To Geographic Information Systems In Public Health (Paperback)

The scoop:
* Book consistently focuses on GIS usage in healthcare.
* Practically applicable ideas.
* Exhaustive and highly informative lessons learnt chapter.
* Very clear and crisp presentation.
* IT part needs better information.

I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Melnick at OHSU (top notch medical university) for my PSU MBA project. He is clearly a subject matter expert. Knows the micro and macro problems and opportunities in this field.

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely helpful, July 8, 2006

By 

V. Vasireddy "Passion in Life" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction To Geographic Information Systems In Public Health (Paperback)

I am using this book for a graduate level class on GIS applications in public health and it has proven to be tremendously helpful. I didn't know a thing about GIS before but, this book helps to provide the basics and clearly explains the applications of GIS in today's health systems.