PhD ThesisThe aim of this research was to evaluate a relatively young technology, Geographical
Information Systems (GIS), in a specific applications environment. The application
adopted was that of searching for environmental causes of childhood cancer, in
particular that of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), in Northern England. It is
also relevant in terms of the WHO's intention to develop a Health and Environment
GIS, and therefore the research aims to satisfy their recommendations for pilot
studies.
The subject matter of this thesis therefore covers two very high profile topics, which it
is believed will mutually benefit from the research carried out. Firstly, very little is
known about the aetiology of ALL, and thus any new methodology which is
introduced to help analyse sensitive issues of causation is welcomed not only by those
in the medical field but also the public. The application was made possible with the
provision of detailed cancer data for Northern England and a weak but interesting
hypothesis that environmental factors may be an attributable mechanism for
causation. Key questions which are asked include; Where are incidences of ALL
located? Why are they there? Is there a cluster? and What could be the cause?
Secondly a Geographical Information System, in this case the proprietary software
package ARC/INFO, was considered an excellent medium for tackling this spatial
epidemiological problem. Especially with its capability to store large volumes of
diverse data, and its inherent flexibility to deal with spatial information pertaining to
health and environmental factors. More importantly the application itself offered a
means of evaluating the implementation of a GIS. Establishing the advantages and
pitfalls which accompany all stages of 'The GIS Process' and an invaluable
documentation of the experiences acquired as an initiator, developer and implementor
of this new technology.
In addition, this research offers fresh ideas and techniques for improving those areas
of the technology which appear to be lacking in these early phases of its development.
The problems of spatial analysis in GIS and the provision of useful tools such as
'pattern spotters', 'relationship seekers' and 'error handlers' are discussed as alternative
techniques. To ensure an exciting future for GIS technology in application
environments the latter and other key areas of research which should be persued are
highlighted in this thesis