Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Isfahan Medical School 1027-7595 29 164 2011 12 22 Application of GIS in Strategic Medical Research for Disease Prevention Application of GIS in Strategic Medical Research for Disease Prevention 2087 2093 13605 FA Abdollah Safe Assistant Professor, Department of Geomorphology, School of Geography, The University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Masoumeh Rashidi PhD Student, Department of Geomorphology, School of Geography, The University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Reza Rouzbahani Specialist in Community Medicine, Researcher, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Naghmeh Sadat Dehdashti Department of Health Treatment Services Management, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Parinaz Poursafa Environmental Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Farahnaz Rezaei Isfahan Health Center No.2, Isfahan Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2011 09 18 Background: Geographical information system (GIS) is a very easy-to-use software which makes simple use of descriptive and spatial data to create maps, charts and graphs possible. GIS provides necessary tools for search, data analysis and appropriate quality results. It features a database of and a great graphical user interface.Methods: This was a descriptive, analytical, empirical study. It aimed to introduce medical applications of GIS by using it in disease zoning.Findings: GIS is an application software through which spatial distribution pattern of some diseases can be presented. Thus, causes of each disease can be investigated and the qualitative and quantitative maps of spatial distribution pattern for each disease can be provided. Since not all diseases have infectious or genetic causes, GIS would be able to evaluate the associations between certain diseases and environmental factors.Conclusion: GIS is a useful software for zone classification of diseases. Spatial distribution of the diseases, provided by GIS, reveals remarkable results. For instance, finding the relations between particular diseases and environmental factors would pave the way for preventing and treating such diseases and reducing their health care costs. Background: Geographical information system (GIS) is a very easy-to-use software which makes simple use of descriptive and spatial data to create maps, charts and graphs possible. GIS provides necessary tools for search, data analysis and appropriate quality results. It features a database of and a great graphical user interface.Methods: This was a descriptive, analytical, empirical study. It aimed to introduce medical applications of GIS by using it in disease zoning.Findings: GIS is an application software through which spatial distribution pattern of some diseases can be presented. Thus, causes of each disease can be investigated and the qualitative and quantitative maps of spatial distribution pattern for each disease can be provided. Since not all diseases have infectious or genetic causes, GIS would be able to evaluate the associations between certain diseases and environmental factors.Conclusion: GIS is a useful software for zone classification of diseases. Spatial distribution of the diseases, provided by GIS, reveals remarkable results. For instance, finding the relations between particular diseases and environmental factors would pave the way for preventing and treating such diseases and reducing their health care costs. https://jims.mui.ac.ir/article_13605_f266449cd5af9f0a409d02703b414f94.pdf