Implementation of Web Based GIS Application for Mapping of Health Facilities, Services and Providers in Malaysia
Background: This study is to design, develop, create, deploy, test and deliver, together with documentation, help manual and training for web based GIS application of health facilities and services under Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Methods: The system is web-based mapping and navigation can be used with Internet such as Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. The development of web mapping system was programmed by using Arc GIS Server. Tools and GIS software functions will be simplified to allow the search and analysis process can be done more easily. Results: There are four modules in the system created. First module is view for display list of health facilities in the system. Second module is search to obtain information on health facilities, services, providers and specialty. Third module is analysis for gathered an area of geographic information, get ratios facilities, services, and providers of services to the population, analysis of the buffer zone (buffer) to find coverage of a health facility for a certain distance and other geo statistical analysis. Last module is tools for issue the results of the analysis in the form of tables, graphs and maps that can be stored or printed. The system is controlled by the administrator where users need to request to use this application. Discussions: Web mapping can be expanding by using smart phones and tablet that supports Android, iOS and Windows phone. This system can also know the distribution of the disease in real time by appropriate user can update through online. Web mapping application enables user to use the GIS database has information facilities, services and service providers without having to have a deep knowledge in the field of GIS or using GIS software. Conclusions: This system assists stakeholders in the Ministry of Health in planning and developing facilities and services in Malaysia. It also to reducing the use of human resources especially in monitoring and providing health services information and
