Web-based and Context-sensitive, Mobile Geo-tools to Support Spatial Decision Making in Health and Emergency Management

The availability of reliable spatial information is often a prerequisite for rapid decision making in health-, and emergency management. Meanwhile, there are many variations of “Geographical Information Systems” (GIS) on the market, ranging from Desktop-GIS and Internet-based GI-services to various kinds of mobile applications, the latter often localizing themselves via the GPS. The different forms in which GIS occur can be used in various specific situations and for different problem-solving tasks. Some of these technologies are introduced briefly, based on concrete examples from a running research project, called “GeoToolsHarzAdvanced” (GOTHA). Some aspects that are worthwhile to be considered aiming at a better support for health and emergency management through the application of spatial technologies are highlighted.