Geographic Information Systems for Risk Evaluation: Perspectives on Applications to Environmental Health

Abstract

Geographic information system (GIS) applications for risk evaluation concerning environmental and ecological health are appearing with greater frequency. In this paper, we devise a conceptual framework for risk evaluation that encompasses and synthesizes several component frameworks (including risk scoping, risk communication, risk assessment (risk analysis), risk management, and risk monitoring) concerning environmental health, and hence human and ecological impacts. The purpose of devising the framework was to understand better where, when, and how GIS might be used for risk evaluation, and to identify gaps in knowledge requiring further research. An examination of 40 publications shows that most of the research done on the use of GIS for risk evaluation concerned applications in risk assessment rather than risk scoping, management, and risk monitoring. A four-level risk assessment framework is proposed, and criteria for evaluating the work are used to clarify what has been accomplished overall and where research opportunities exist. Future directions for the application of GIS in risk evaluation are suggested.

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