About US

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) field is in the forefront of addressing healthcare issues and challenges of many types throughout society. By using innovative and advanced technologies and tools with GIS concepts for interactive mapping, breakthrough insights and applications can transform all aspects of healthcare. Understanding the spatial relationships involved in healthcare outcomes and disparities provides the key to sound decisions and effective strategies. Resources for health delivery can be deployed locally, nationally and globally in highly data-driven ways across the spectrum of the health services ecosystem.

Mission Statement

The Center for Applied Geospatial Technology for Public Health uses applied, community-based GIS design, to coalesce public health leadership, technology, and civic engagement to address the needs and challenges in community health. Through participation in research inquiry and design processes, interdisciplinary communities can use their lived experiences to develop narrative-based, scientifically rigorous visuals that inform public policy while engage those communities.

Staff

Director

Dr. Wansoo Im

Dr. Im has been a leader in geospatial research in global public health for over 25 years. He specializes in community-based participatory research using interactive, web/mobile-based Geographic Information Systems. With a strong focus on public participatory approach and interoperability, Dr. Im has consulted for numerous national and global non-profit and governmental agencies in creating and integrating geospatial solutions that address business and community issues. Dr. Im brings a multi-decade, in-depth expertise in spatial analysis in the fields of public health and health planning. He serves as Assistant Professor in Public Health Informatics in the Department of Family and Community Medicine for the National Health Disparities Research Center of Excellence at Meharry Medical College. Previously, Dr. Im served as Visiting Faculty at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. Dr. Im founded Vertices, a geospatial analysis organization that continues to explore and expand the boundaries of geospatial analysis and display for healthcare needs.

Associates

T. Kim, PhD, Senior Data Scientist

David Park, Senior Applications Developer

Garrett Harper, MPH, PhD, Research Collaborations

Esarrah Hopkins (MSPH II)

Kirstyn George (MSPH II)

Ashley Leon (MSPH II)

Past Associates

Kenrick (MSPH II)

Briana, MSPH

Chris Sohn

Clients and Achievements

• Funded project for 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics

• Support from City of Seoul

• Project Center for Disaster Management

Superstorm Sandy, 2012. Dr. Wansoo Im developed an innovative interactive map in the immediate aftermath of this event, highlighting gas stations open and available for residents. This critical resource, developed through crowdsource technologies was used as a primary information source by FEMA and the White House for planning and program outreach. Engagement with local public schools comprised a key element of the community-enhanced GIS platform.

South Korea, Earthquake 2017. A rapid deployment crowdsourced mapping website (http://www.mapplerk3.com/earthquake) was provided relative to damage resulting from a major 5.6 earthquake. Online mapping resources was developed and available to residents within two hours of the earthquake, allowing for critical, rapid identification of persons trapped in elevators, buildings and other locations.

Nepal

Nashville, Tornado 2020. A geo-database of Davidson County properties impacted by the destructive E3 tornado in March, 2020 allowed the Center to assist local efforts to conduct key follow-up canvassing for information and resource planning.

Organizational collaborations with geospatial work of the Center

Vertices, LLC

A geospatial technology firm based in New Jersey. VERTICES developed and supports Mappler, an internationally-used community mapping platform.

Community Mapping Center

A non-profit technology organization based in Seoul, South Korea, focused on advanced techniques and methods for community participatory mapping.

Contact Us

Wansoo Im, Ph.D

Email: wim@mmc.edu