CIETmap is free, user-friendly software linking maps with epidemiological analysis.
[Note: This software is under development. It is not yet available for downloading.]
While maps are great help to show data from research or from existing sources, CIETmap goes much further: Users can model and visually compare the possible impact of different actions based on that information–ie: how we can reduce the amount of people with a given disease in each place on the map.
We are currently testing CIETmap to make it freely available to communities and researchers. CIETmap is open source, which means that users will be able to define features and adapt it to their own needs.
Key features of CIETmap include:
▸ Epidemiological analysis
▸ Raster mapping
▸ Vector mapping
▸ Morph/animation module
▸ User defined features and training
Epidemiological analysis
CIETmap includes CIETanalysis, a tool for epidemiological analysis. It allows a range of uses, from basic frequencies (such as the proportion with a given disease) through to models of gains (such as the proportion that can be “saved” by a given intervention). Users can generate descriptive stats (ie: mean, standard deviation, standard error); odds ratios, risk difference, gains and confidence intervals. They can also import or read tables from other software such as SPSS, dBase or Excel.
Raster mapping
CIETmap creates full maps out of data from sample communities. These maps are known as “raster” maps. The software also adjusts for over- or under-representation in the sample communities. It then displays the different values or ranges with an associated legend. If they choose, users can see the maps in three dimensions and from different angles. CIETmap can import most raster formats. It can also export map images to JPG, GIF and PNG format.
Vector mapping
CIETmap can display administrative boundaries and geographic features, as well as pictorial symbols –what we usually see in “vector” maps. It also links data from research or other sources to those symbols and jurisdictions –ie: proportion of users of government health services in each place on the map. Users can import most vector formats to use them with CIETmap.
Morph/animation module
CIETmap can make predictions based on epidemiological risk analysis (such as the likely impact of an intervention), or show changes in a situation over time –ie: data from repeat surveys. It does this through animation, which makes it easier for viewers to follow the changes, as they happen –or would happen- in each place on the map. These “morph” maps can either be run from within CIETmap or exported to external animated gifs.
Evidence synthesis estimator
The estimator allows researchers to compare and combine their results with those from similar studies (such as a series of randomised controlled trials). It shows up-to-date information on preventive interventions, divided into primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. A visual graph allows users to see the impact of an intervention on each level of prevention.
User defined features and training
CIETmap users can customize the software to suit their own needs. User-friendly features allow them to change colour palettes, fonts, symbols, labels, working directories, etc. The software includes extensive help files and a set of tutorials for the main components.