Abstract

PARRA-HENAO, GABRIEL. Geographic information systems and remote sensing. Applications in vector-borne diseases. CES Med. [online]. 2010, vol.24, n.2, pp.75-89. ISSN 0120-8705.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) are powerful tools for the study of actual distribution and to predict risk areas for insect vectors of diseases. Both have been using increasingly to target prevention and control actions. The use of these techniques in research about vector-borne tropical diseases is growing in the last years; however its application in official control programs has been limited. This paper briefly reviews the use of spatial analysis, Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in different vector species and deal with the future challenges for the potential application of these techniques in official control programs in Colombia. Finally, to advance in vectorborne control programs, training of researchers and decision makers in these tools are recommended. The increase of collaboration between institutions and the collection of information about the distribution of vector species in a standardized way and the development of a common data platform is recommended too.

Keywords : Geographic Information Systems; Remote Sensing; Vector-Borne diseases; Spatial analysis.

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