What is ISO 19115?
ISO 19115 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines how to describe
geographic information and associated services. It provides a comprehensive schema for describing, documenting, and managing spatial data, which is crucial for various fields, including
epidemiology.
Why is ISO 19115 Relevant to Epidemiology?
In the field of epidemiology, spatial data is essential for analyzing the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations. The use of ISO 19115 ensures that
spatial data related to epidemiological studies is well-documented, standardized, and interoperable. This enhances the ability of researchers and public health officials to share and utilize data effectively, leading to better-informed decisions and interventions.
How Does ISO 19115 Improve Data Management in Epidemiology?
ISO 19115 improves data management by providing a standardized framework for metadata, which includes information about the content, quality, condition, and other characteristics of the data. This standardization facilitates the following:
Data discovery: Researchers can easily find and access relevant spatial datasets.
Data sharing: Collaborations between different organizations are streamlined, as data is described using a common standard.
Data quality: Clear documentation of data sources, methodologies, and quality measures ensures the reliability and validity of the data.
Metadata creation: Develop detailed metadata for their spatial datasets using the ISO 19115 standard.
Use of tools: Utilize software tools and platforms that support ISO 19115 for metadata creation and management.
Training: Ensure that team members are trained in the principles and applications of ISO 19115.
Complexity: The standard can be complex and requires a learning curve. Solution: Provide adequate training and use simplified tools to create and manage metadata.
Consistency: Ensuring consistent application of the standard across different datasets and organizations. Solution: Develop clear guidelines and best practices for metadata creation.
Resource Intensive: Creating detailed metadata can be time-consuming. Solution: Automate metadata generation where possible.
Conclusion
ISO 19115 plays a critical role in enhancing the management and utilization of spatial data in epidemiology. By standardizing metadata, it ensures that data is discoverable, shareable, and of high quality, ultimately supporting better public health outcomes. Despite the challenges, the benefits of adopting ISO 19115 far outweigh the difficulties, making it an invaluable tool for epidemiologists.
