1. Session 3.7: Implementing the geospatial data management cycle (Part 6): Data distribution, use, and update
MODULE 3: GEOSPATIAL DATA MANAGEMENT
Session 3.7: Implementing the geospatial data management cycle (Part 6): Data distribution, use, and update
To better understand this session, particularly on how to use the data by creating thematic maps, you are encouraged to read Health GeoLab Collaborative Guidance Document Part Creating good thematic maps using desktop GIS software:

2. Key terms used in this session
Common geo-registry: IT solution that allows the simultaneous hosting, management, regular update and sharing of the authoritative lists for the geographic objects core to public health.
Data: Facts and statistics collected for reference or analysis
Geospatial data: Also referred to as spatial data, information about the locations and shapes of geographic features and the relationships between them, usually stored as coordinates and topology.
Statistical data: Also attribute data. Nonspatial information about a geographic feature, usually stored in a table that can be attached to a geographic object through the use of unique identifier or ID
Here are the key terms that will be used in this session.

3. Distributing and using the data
Once all the data has been cleaned, validated, and documented, it is now ready for distribution and use.
The data may be distributed as ‘raw’ data, or as data products after it has been used to generate maps, graphs, or charts.
Distributing and using the data
(Refer to slide) 3

4. Distributing and using the data
The cleaned and validated data can now be used and distributed.
Create maps
Share with other
institutions/
individuals
Cleaned and validated
Geospatial and Statistical Data
Distributing and using the data
The cleaned and validated data can now be used and distributed.
These are ideally good quality data (if the data specification has been followed) and can then be used to produce good quality maps, tables, and graphs as well as be used in doing spatial analyses and modelling. These products can be helpful in solving the public health concerns identified at the origin of the process.
Do spatial analyses and modelling
Create tables/graphs 4

5. Distributing and using the data
Caveat
Always be mindful of restrictions when using and/or distributing data. It is important to remember that only data that does not have use or redistribution restrictions should be shared.
Not all data can be used or distributed further than you or your institution!
Distributing and using the data
(Refer to slide)
When in doubt about the restrictions of the data, always check its metadata for that information.
Adhering to these restrictions, when present, can prevent problems down the line.
You do not want to be in the position wherein you used data for a map to be published publicly without checking the use or redistribution restrictions only to be contacted by the data owner saying that his data is not for public consumption. This will result in you having to discard your map and having to look for other data source. 5

6. Using the data Creating thematic maps
One of the ways to use the collected data is to create thematic maps.
Using the data
One of the ways to use the collected data is to create thematic maps.
Module 5 is dedicated wholly to creating good thematic maps.
This topic is discussed in more details in Module 5. 6

7. Updating the data
The next step in the geospatial data management cycle is updating the data.
Updating the data
The next step in the geospatial data management cycle is updating the data.
This step has been mostly overlooked particularly once the data has been used and/or distributed. This is can be due lack of data management skill of the people responsible for the data or the lack of resources to update the data. 7

8. We live in a constantly changing world
Updating the data
We live in a constantly changing world
Geospatial data is like a picture
By the time you “develop” the picture the view has already changed
Needs to be regularly updated in order to be representative of the evolution of the situation and take informed decision
Updating the data
It is integral to regularly update the data being used to produce data/information products. Otherwise, these data/information products won’t be useful in making timely informed decisions.
Having a database that is regularly updated will allow you to continuously create data products without delay (needed for collecting new data) and that are up-to-date.
Updating mechanisms will need to be put in place for both the master list and the attributes 8

9. Updating the data
The common geo-registry is a technological solution that can simultaneously host, maintain, update, and openly share master lists of geographic objects core to public health and relationships, together with their associated data, including geography stored in a GIS readable format.
Pending the realization of a fully working common geo-registry, other mechanism can be used such as Google Sheets.
Updating the data
The concept of common geo-registry is already being incorporated into a number of different software/tools but pending the realization of a fully working common geo-registry, other mechanism can be used such as Google Sheets.
Guidance on the establishment of common geo-registry: 9

10. Updating the data Updating the data
Diagram presenting the generic data flow for the common geo-registry.
This diagram is explained in detail in Section 6 of the HIS geo-enabling: Guidance on the establishment of a common geo-registry for the simultaneous hosting, maintenance, update and sharing of master lists core to public health: 10

11. Updating the data
Along with geospatial data, statistical data should also be updated.
Data that are collected regularly like routine health data are easier to update
Data that are collected through field survey or census takes longer time and uses more resources are usually updated only every few years (5 to 10 years)
Updating the data
Along with geospatial data, statistical data should also be updated.
Data that are collected regularly like routine health data are easier to update
Data that are collected through field survey or census takes longer time and uses more resources are usually updated only every few years (5 to 10 years) 11

12. Continue your learning
You have now learned the different steps in the geospatial data management cycle.
The succeeding modules will teach you more about geospatial technologies such as GNSS and GIS software (Module 4) and how to create good thematic maps (Module 5)
You have now learned the different steps in the geospatial data management cycle.
To further your learning on HIS geo-enabling, you may continue with the succeeding modules in this course. 12