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Christina Ramos

HSCI 273
October 19, 2015
1. What is GIS? - 4 points
What are three uses of GIS? How might GIS be used in solutions to problems?
GIS stands for Geographic information system. It can be used for many thing we
use on a daily bases. They help manage signs, power electricity and shows locational
information on a map. Without GIS we wouldnt be able to have construction signs or
street lights. A GIS can help solve problems by pin pointing locations where we are
looking for data. It will show the exact area that needs the most help by making graphs
with darker shading in the area.
2. Dr. Chetan Tiwari and Using Maps as Public Health Decision Support Tools- 4
points
What examples did he use to demonstrate the use of GIS in health decision
making? What are the concerns about the data?
Chetan Tiwari used many examples the best one was a map by Jon Snow in
1854 that located where the Cholera outbreak was coming from in London. He also
used a map about cancer, TB and HIV. All these maps help by bringing data together.
The only problem is some maps can be meaningful and others defeat the process. If
you dont put the data in correctly you could end up with different maps. This is a big
concern because without the correct data you wouldnt be making the right health
decisions.

3. Geographic Information Systems in Public Health - 4 points


Explain three examples listed in this presentation about the use of GIS in public
health
While using the GIS system to find out information about Obesity there are many
different processes you have to go through to find what you are looking for. For one you
could see how much fast food chains or grocery stores are located around the darker
shaded areas. You could also look at the poverty status of each area and locate where
the lowest level are. Having a low poverty status would show higher levels of obesity
because less healthy food is eaten. When you find all the data you need and modify it
your search for information would be easier to understand.
4. Go to http://www.riversideca.gov/rpd/crstats/default.asp-6 points
A. What is the most frequently occurring issue in this area?
The most frequent occurring issue in Moreno Valley is theft. In the month of
August there was 8 different occasions.
B. Why is this type of map useful in public and community health? Justify your
answer.
This map can be very useful in public and community health because it shows us
how common a crime is committed. If we are trying to decrease crime rates in certain
communities we have to know where they are commonly happening and what is most
popular. For example near the shopping center there is 3 different occasions of theft. In
Moreno valley we see that theft is most common so we can help by sending more
patrols in the areas or we can raise money to put in cameras.

5.
A. What is the median household income?
The median house hold income in San Bernardino County is $53,364 in 2012. That
is 6 percent above U.S. average.
B. Why is this useful in public health/why do we need to use median
household income when we decide populations at risk or in need of
services??
San Bernardino Countys median income is 6 percent above average. In health care
this is important to know because it helps us establish if the population is in need of
services. Since San Bernardino is 6 percent above average we would know that they
arent as much in need of other counties. When we see a populations median income
low. We would further our search and see exactly what type of health services we could
offer such as getting medical attention or if theres a certain outbreak we could prevent.
6. Using online GIS mapping software 12 points
C. Go back to the browser window with the ZIP code and census tract map.
Take a screen shot that shows the map of food locations. Now using the
Measure tab on the right side and the Measure function on the left side of
the map you will measure the distance from a location and the Stater Bros
grocer. For someone who lived at the corner of W. 17 th St and N. Perris St
what is the distance for them to walk to the Stater Brothers store? Map that
along the road using several points along the way to keep the plotter on the
road and take a screen shot. Use Google map in the browser where you have

the address for the grocery and use the street view icon to see what that road
looks like. Why would that be a difficult walk to the store?
In the San Bernardino area it would be very difficult to walk to the store for many
reasons. The first is there sidewalks arent fully done so in some places there is no
sidewalk. The second difficulty is having little or no crosswalks in different areas. You
simply have to just cross anywhere unaware of the dangers. This is a hazard for
anyone trying to walk to the store. The last problem is the stores arent very close
you would be walking a few miles there and back. This could be a number one
reason why you wouldnt want to walk to the store because of the distance.

d. Using Google street view follow the street down to 14th and Massachusetts
to see the two grocery stores on that corner. Take a screen shot to use in
your presentation. What are the common ads on both markets?
In San Bernardino both markets have many ads but they do have a few in
common. They advertise beer & wine, EBT and ATM.

e. Think about the Excel assignment and the diseases you have been investigating.
What are the causes of those diseases from a social standpoint for populations?
How would you make the association between death by ZIP code and the availability
of food in 92411?
In the 92411 area I believe the causes of diseases would be because it has a
low poverty status. There is no sidewalks, crosswalks and the closest market doesnt

have all the essentials needed. Without having the proper food or exercise your
body cant function the way its suppose to. If your body doesnt function right and
you dont see a doctor thats when disease can spread. When there is an unhealthy
diet it could increase the death rates.
7. Go to http://www.walkscore.com/ 4 points
a. What is your walk score?
My walking score is 29
b. Do you think your neighborhood is walkable meaning conducive to walking?
I believe my neighborhood is walkable. The closest grocery store and fast food
place is about a mile away.
c. Give examples to provide specifics to support your argument.
Fontana CA area is a walkable residency. We have sidewalks, crosswalks, and
speed bumps. Its one of the safest areas in Fontana. In this area we have security/cops
patrolling occasionally checking to make sure its safe. Kids have access to many
different parks and we also have a community center where they have many activities.

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