Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
-Describe the basic concepts of Scalable Vector Graphics
-Explain the benefits of integrating SVG technology in web-based immunization information systems to visualize immunization data.



Background:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are useful for visually analyzing epidemiological data and to reveal trends and relationships that may be hidden in a tabular form view. GIS tools are been widely used to visually compare immunization data across communities, regions and countries. The many GIS tools range from simple free mapping software to highly sophisticated applications. These GIS tools are bound to the specification of their respective vendors or developers and have inherent limitations. To try to overcome some of these limitations, the World Wide Wed Consortium (W3C) maintains an open, platform-independent standard, scalable vector graphics (SVG) technology. SVG is used to define vector-based graphics for the internet using XML (Extensible Markup Language). It can be an interesting technology to make immunization information accessible to a wider audience with limited computer or GIS knowledge.


Setting:
NA


Population:
NA


Project Description:
This WHO AFRO EPI (World Health Organization-African Region, Expanded Program of Immunization) web-based prototype shows the linking of SVG maps with country EPI coverage data to generate an interactive database driven GIS for immunization. The different phases of the process will be reviewed: conversion of shape files into SVG files, dynamic linkage of SVG files to the immunization coverage database, inclusion of additional data visualization tools like graphs


Results/Lessons Learned:
SVG is an open, platform-independent W3C standard for graphic visualization. The adoption of this freely available technology by the immunization information system designers will result in the increased availability of interactive maps of high quality to the entire immunization community.