Geospatial Technology for Human Well-Being and Health (eBook)

Over the last thirty years or so, there have been tremendous advancements in the area of geospatial health; however, somehow, two aspects have not received as much attention as they should have received. These are a) limitations of different spatial analytical tools and b) progress in making geospatial environmental exposure data available for advanced health science research and for medical practice. This edited volume addresses those two less explored areas of geospatial health with augmented discussions on the theories, methodologies and limitations of contemporary geospatial technologies in a wide range of applications related to human well-being and health.

In 20 chapters, readers are presented with an up-to-date assessment of geospatial technologies with an emphasis on understanding general geospatial principles and methodologies that are often overlooked in the research literature. As a result, this book will be of interest to both newcomers and experts in geospatial analysis and will appeal to students and researchers engaged in studying human well-being and health. 

Chapters are presenting new concepts, new analytical methods and contemporary applications within the framework of geospatial applications in human well-being and health. The topics addressed by the various chapter authors include analytical approaches, newer areas of geospatial health application, introduction to unique resources, geospatial modeling, and environmental pollution assessments for air, water and soil.

Dr. Fazlay Faruque is a Professor of Preventive Medicine and the founding Director of the GIS & Remote Sensing program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). He is also an adjunct Professor of Environmental Science at Jackson State University and Geological Engineering at the University of Mississippi. He has a BS and MS in Geology and Mining, and an MS and PhD in Geological Engineering. Dr. Faruque has been engaged in teaching and research in the areas of geospatial technology and environmental health for more than twenty five years. He has been funded for his research by several external sponsors including NASA and NIH, and has served as a guest editor of special issues on geospatial applications in health for three different journals. Dr. Faruque was the Chair of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)'s Working Group on Health from 2012 - 2016, and now serves as the Chair of its Inter-commission Working Group on Environment and Health.