Identification and Mapping of Dengue Epidemics using GISBased Multi-Criteria Decision Making.The Case of Delhi, India

Abstract

The identification and mapping ofdengue epidemics is one of the critical issues in providing better health services and policy development. In this process, multiple physiographic and socio-economic criteria have been taken into consideration. The proposed approach of this paper is to provide a framework for integrating the strengths of Geographic Information System (GIS) based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) to reach the most appropriate spatial solutions for the decision-makers. In this paper, the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi was considered for mapping the potential sites for the development of dengue epidemics. For this purpose, various thematic layers were prepared using QGIS software. Five parameters (spatial analysis of Dengue Cases, land surface temperature, landfill sites, water logging, land use/land cover) were examined for mapping dengue epidemics vulnerable zones. The final dengue epidemics vulnerability assessment map reveals that the study area was divided into three different vulnerability regions namely high vulnerable regions - 326.24 sq.km (20.55%), moderate vulnerable regions - 674.25 sq.km (42.48%) and low vulnerable regions - 586.56 sq.km (36.95%). In this paper, the integrated approach of GIS based MCDM is showcased as a major contribution towards the development of effective health care management system (HCMS). This study also provides a new approach for decision-makers in order to decrease the spatial extent of this chronic disease and also reduce the human health hazard.