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IntroductionGeographicInformation Systems (GIS) have been absolutely fundamental in revealingpatterns of inequalities in environmental exposures and mapping them. Manyadvances (GPS, remote sensing, open geographic data…) that have occurred in thepast 20 years have helped us to better understand the spatial and temporal dimensionsof exposures that are either harmful or beneficial for people’s health.Studentswill learn how to apply GIS principles and tools to create maps and conductbasic spatial analysis investigations in environmental health. UsingGoogleMaps, QGIS and a range of online geographic and environmental databases,students will learn how to create and manage spatial information. The modulewill introduce the best practices regarding cartographic principles andmanipulation of vector and raster layers to create powerful maps andvisualizations. Students will learn how to interpret and communicate resultsbased on maps. Finally, basic spatial analysis tools (buffers, kriging,distance and density measures) will be introduced to the audience. Whilecourse’s materials will be based on environmental health cases (i.e. planetaryhealth), the methods and tools covered can be applied to other areas (i.e.health services research).This module, while being open to any student, is a required introductionto the module 231 on Spatial Statistical Analysis (ISB Track).Learning ObjectivesAt the end of the module, the students should be able to:Investigate a public health issue using geographic information and spatial analysisCreate and manage geographic informationDesign, create and interpret maps as well as basic spatial analysis resultsReferencesCromley, E., McLafferty S.(2011) GIS and Public Health,Guilford Press