Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a pivotal role in epidemiology by enabling the: 1. Visualization of Data: Creating maps and other visual tools to represent the spatial distribution of disease. 2. Spatial Analysis: Performing statistical analysis to identify patterns, clusters, and trends in disease occurrence. 3. Predictive Modeling: Using spatial data to predict future disease outbreaks and assess the potential impact of interventions. 4. Integration of Data Sources: Combining data from various sources, such as demographic information, environmental data, and health records, to provide a comprehensive understanding of health issues.