Application of geographic information systems to the study of the ecology of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases

Abstract

Geographic information systems (GIS) are powerful computer mapping and analysis systems for studying spatial patterns and processes; they are applicable to numerous disciplines, including the study of mosquito ecology. The distribution of mosquitoes is largely dependent upon the spatial distribution of their larval breeding sites, their flight range and the spatial distribution of their preferred hosts. These are all heterogeneous in space and time and GIS therefore has many potential applications to the study of mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. GIS may be used to map and analyse the spatial distribution of mosquitoes and to assess the ecological factors that contribute to observed distributions. A detailed understanding of what drives heterogeneities in the distribution of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases can help to design better, more efficient control programmes that maximize the use of limited resources