Can integration of land-related information help with spatial epidemiology

In this paper spatial epidemiology is referring to analysis of epidemic diseases over space and to study their causes in relation to regional and urban development. Unfortunately, this kind of study is very difficult or sometime almost impossible to carry out because the needed spatial data are often lacking, incomplete or inconsistent with socioeconomic and health data. Integration of spatial data sources has been sought as ideally potential, but actual experiences failed to address diverse application domains and methods used in spatial epidemiology. The authors developed a model that provides a common ground for integrating various land-related information sources in an open framework. The model application in Ha Noi City enables identification of close relation between dengue hemorraghic fever and the specific type of old housing quarter. This result helps further investigation and preventive planning. The proposed model is potential for larger application in spatial epidemiology