Customer Reviews

Introduction To Geographic Information Systems In Public Health

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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 - these are outdated in 12 months.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

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.

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.

Dr. Melnick's years' of experience praciticing and teaching public health tactics and strategies come through in this comprehensive overview of geographic information systems for public health. A valuable, understandable reference for the novice or professional. It should be part of every public health training program and on the reference shelf of every health department in the country. Dr. Melnick's book is also facinating reading for anyone interested in learning more about the public health world.