Institute Puts Global Health in Motion with Time-Sequence Maps
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), a global research center based in Seattle, Washington, is utilizing GIS technology to make sense of the vast amounts of data from global health indicators. Established in 2007 with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the State of Washington, IHME’s mission is to improve population health worldwide by providing accessible and understandable health data.
Key Objectives:
IHME gathers and analyzes diverse data sources, such as census records, vital statistics, and surveys, to evaluate health conditions and the performance of health systems. This data-driven approach empowers policymakers, researchers, and health practitioners to make informed decisions that maximize health benefits. With nearly 20 research projects underway, including the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, IHME collaborates with over 800 global partners to estimate disease burdens and guide health policy.
Challenge: Making Data Accessible
IHME faced the challenge of making vast amounts of health data available in an accessible, user-friendly format. Peter Speyer, IHME’s Director of Data Development, sought a solution that would allow users to visualize and interact with the data in a meaningful way. After consulting various vendors, IHME selected GCS Research LLC, an ESRI business partner based in Missoula, Montana, to develop a custom web-based GIS application.
GCS Custom ESRI ArcGIS Server Application
GCS delivered a custom ESRI ArcGIS Server application that enables users to explore global health data through interactive time-sequence maps. This solution allows for the visualization of health statistics over time, making it easier to understand trends and make data-driven decisions. The application was developed using the ArcGIS API for Flex, paired with Microsoft SQL Server to handle large datasets and complex spatial queries.
Features of the IHME GIS Tool:
- Dynamic Map Layers: Users can explore multiple health metrics, including:
- Neonatal Mortality
- Post-Natal Mortality
- Under-5 Mortality
- Foreign Health Aid
- Immunization Rates (DTP)
- Interactive Data Exploration: The application provides tools for selecting and combining datasets by location and year, offering a global view as well as national-level details.
- Time-Series Tools: A built-in timeline allows users to view data across different years, enabling a comprehensive analysis of changes over time.
- Rich Internet Application (RIA): The GIS tool operates as a Rich Internet Application, providing an engaging user experience through a web browser, using the ArcGIS Flex API and Adobe Flex SDK.
- Custom Web Service: GCS built a custom web service using Microsoft .NET WCF to handle data retrieval and geoprocessing tasks efficiently, ensuring a fast and responsive user experience.
Future Enhancements:
GCS and IHME plan to continue enhancing the application by adding new health data, enabling data downloads, and allowing users to upload and analyze their own datasets. These future updates will expand the tool’s functionality and further its role as a critical resource for global health education.
Conclusion
The IHME GIS tool developed by GCS Research demonstrates how GIS technology can be leveraged to make complex health data accessible and actionable. By integrating ESRI ArcGIS Server with cutting-edge tools like Flex, SQL Server, and WCF, IHME is able to share vital health information with a global audience, supporting the creation of more effective health policies.
About Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is an independent population health research organization based at the University of Washington School of Medicine. IHME collaborates with global partners to produce timely, relevant, and scientifically valid evidence that highlights health conditions worldwide.
Our Mission
At IHME, our mission is to make comprehensive health research accessible and understandable to inform health policy and practice. We strive to illuminate the state of health globally and pursue our vision of ensuring that all people live long, healthy lives.
Key Areas of Focus
- Population Health Research: We conduct rigorous studies to analyze health metrics and trends, contributing to a better understanding of global health challenges.
- Global Collaboration: By working with researchers, policymakers, and organizations worldwide, we aim to address critical health issues and promote effective health interventions.
- Accessible Research: IHME is committed to making our findings available to a diverse audience, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions based on reliable health data.
Vision for the Future
Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals, health officials, and governments with the knowledge necessary to improve health outcomes globally. Through our research initiatives, we aim to foster informed health policies that enhance the quality of life for populations everywhere.
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