Technology that combines traditional manipulations with databases and complete visualization of geographic (spatial) analysis employing maps has been developed in order to explore the possibilities for Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to be used in sanitary and epidemiological surveillance system based on the analysis of morbidity and identification of influence of hazardous chemical environmental factors on human health. 

Geographic Information System (GIS) applications are increasingly being used for public health purposes. GIS technology provides visual tools – through the creation of computerized maps, graphs, and tables of geographic data – that can assist with problem solving and inform decision-making. PHIMS aims to enable visualization and spatial analysis of environmental data with underlying population based indicators.

Healthcare seeking behavior is important to understand when interpreting public health surveillance data, planning for healthcare utilization, or attempting to estimate or model consequences of an adverse event, such as widespread water contamination. Although there is evidence that factors such as perceived susceptibility and benefits affect healthcare seeking behavior, it is difficult to develop accurate assumptions due to a lack of published research on this topic. Current conceptual behavior models, such as the health belief model, are not easily translated into quantifiable terms.

CO poisoning is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in disaster and post-disaster situations, when widespread power outages most likely occur (1, 2). The NYSDOH Syndromic Surveillance System receives daily ED visit chief complaint data from 140 NYS (excluding New York City) hospitals. Daily power outage data are available from the NYS Department of Public Service (NYSDPS). These data can be used to estimate the risk of CO-EDs and provide useful information for public health situational awareness and emergency response management during disaster events.