Enabling web based mapping for public health in resource constrained environments: Bootstrapping implementations by leveraging platform generativity

Abstract

Due to digitization of data and its access through Internet, the web based mapping applications are also increasing rapidly. Moreover, the thematic mapping adds more value to the mapping applications, which helps to express natural and socio-economic phenomena in the map. This could be further useful to provide support in planning, analysis, and decision-making of any organization. Some of the examples of mapping applications include ArcGIS, and Google Map. Web based mapping is also important in public health sector and some of the related applications are namely accessing health facility placement, early warning of emergency diseases, and respond to health emergency. Although, web mapping is a useful tool, it is time consuming to add and access data through Web in resource constrained environments. Moreover, resource constrained environments may lack experts and the people over there may not be able to use the system if it is technical. Taking a case of DHIS2, a health information management system, there are series of technical steps that has to be followed in order to configure the system for its mapping features. These processes can be very difficult to be followed in resource constrained environments. Considering the easiness for users to import mapping data into the system in resource constrained environments, an app (alpha and beta versions) has been developed by following the ADR (Action Design Research) methodology, and the concept of bootstrappig and platform generativity to make the platform more generative. The alpha version of the app integrates all the required tools into one solution and beta version improves the user interface, and functionality to provide more features to the users while importing coordinates into the system. In this thesis, the potential to integrate all the required steps to configure web thematic mapping has been identified by analyzing the DHIS2 platform. Moreover, a method to leverage platform itself to make it more generative has been identified by developing an app for the import functionality of a mapping application

Due to digitization of data and its access through Internet, the web based mapping applications are also increasing rapidly. Moreover, the thematic mapping adds more value to the mapping applications, which helps to express natural and socio-economic phenomena in the map. This could be further useful to provide support in planning, analysis, and decision-making of any organization. Some of the examples of mapping applications include ArcGIS, and Google Map. Web based mapping is also important in public health sector and some of the related applications are namely accessing health facility placement, early warning of emergency diseases, and respond to health emergency. Although, web mapping is a useful tool, it is time consuming to add and access data through Web in resource constrained environments. Moreover, resource constrained environments may lack experts and the people over there may not be able to use the system if it is technical. Taking a case of DHIS2, a health information management system, there are series of technical steps that has to be followed in order to configure the system for its mapping features. These processes can be very difficult to be followed in resource constrained environments. Considering the easiness for users to import mapping data into the system in resource constrained environments, an app (alpha and beta versions) has been developed by following the ADR (Action Design Research) methodology, and the concept of bootstrappig and platform generativity to make the platform more generative. The alpha version of the app integrates all the required tools into one solution and beta version improves the user interface, and functionality to provide more features to the users while importing coordinates into the system. In this thesis, the potential to integrate all the required steps to configure web thematic mapping has been identified by analyzing the DHIS2 platform. Moreover, a method to leverage platform itself to make it more generative has been identified by developing an app for the import functionality of a mapping application