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Published in: Journal of Trauma Management & Outcomes 1/2007

Open Access 01-12-2007 | Research

A geographic information system to study trauma epidemiology in India

Authors: Vaibhav Bagaria, Saurabh Bagaria

Published in: Journal of Trauma Management & Outcomes | Issue 1/2007

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Abstract

Background

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) describe the topography and chronology of events in a defined vector space. GIS may also be used for an integrated analysis of environmental and road-related risk factors for traffic accidents.

Methods

In a retrospective study, various features of 165 road crashes were linked to a GIS-generated digital map of an area close to a national highway in India. By overlay tools, clusters of accidents were identified, and color-coded according to accident mechanisms and injury patterns.

Results

Spatial analysis revealed a cluster with a high incidence of motorbike injuries resulting in fractures. Examination of the spot demonstrated the risky combination of a speed breaker and a broken traffic light. After fixing the light, no further accidents occurred at the site.

Conclusion

GIS is a promising technology for geo-referencing accident data, and may be a valuable tool to identify areas of priority for injury prevention in India.
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Metadata
Title
A geographic information system to study trauma epidemiology in India
Authors
Vaibhav Bagaria
Saurabh Bagaria
Publication date
01-12-2007
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Trauma Management & Outcomes / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1752-2897
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-2897-1-3

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