Mapping the Human Body: A GIS Perspective

This chapter describes a novel application and interpretation of geography and mapping, applying the concepts and technology of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the scale of the human body. We also explore the use of spatial statistics as an adjunct to GIS to gain further understanding of the patterns found in maps. Despite the technical computational challenges, there are several reasons why a spatial or “geographic” perspective in this context is particularly useful. The concept of spatial contiguity is central to our understanding of disease. Different body systems, like the gastrointestinal, nervous or cardiovascular system, have a spatial organization. Disease in one region often spreads outward to neighboring regions, or along networks like the lymphatic system or vascular system. The spatial location of disease affects the ability to detect and treat it. Exploring and analyzing the particular effect of location on clinical outcomes thus becomes a crucial tool in understanding the disease process and improving diagnosis and treatment. The examples given and issues raised will hopefully stimulate further inquiry, and generate additional solutions to the challenge of representing and analyzing the human anatomy from a spatial perspective.