Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a Social Work Tool

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An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts and tools.

Social Work Sample Articles

Batsche, C. J., & Reader, S. (2012). Using GIS to enhance programs serving emancipated youth leaving foster care. Evaluation and Program Planning, 35(1), 25-33.
Cardazone, G., Sy, A., Chik, I., & Corlew, L. K. (2014). Mapping one strong 'Ohana: Using network analysis and GIS to enhance the effectiveness of a statewide coalition to prevent child abuse and neglect. American Journal of Community Psychology, 53(3-4),
Coulton, C., Chan, T., & Mikelbank, K. (2011). Finding place in community change initiatives: Using GIS to uncover resident perceptions of their neighborhoods. Journal of Community Practice, 19(1), 10-28.
Coulton, Claudia (2005) The Place of Community in Social Work Practice Research: Conceptual and Methodological Developments. Social Work Research, 29 (2), p73
Gjesfjeld, C. D., & Jung, J. (2011). How far? using geographical information systems (GIS) to examine maternity care access for expectant mothers in a rural state. Social Work in Health Care, 50(9), 682-693.
Han, M., & Stone, S. (2007). Access to psycho-social services among pregnant and parenting teens: Generating questions using youth reports and GIS mapping techniques. Child & Youth Care Forum, 36(5-6), 213-224.
Hillier, Amy, E. (2007). Why Social Work Needs Mapping
Kim, C. K., Hong, P. Y. P., Treering, D. J., & Sim, K. (2012). The changing map of characteristics and service needs among korean american immigrants in chicago: A GIS-based exploratory study. Journal of Poverty, 16(1), 48-71.
Rine, Christine M; Morales, Jocelyn; Vanyukevych, Anastasiya B; Durand, Emily G; Schroeder, Kurt A. ( 2012) Using GIS Mapping to Assess Foster Care: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words. Journal of Family Social Work15(5), 375-388.

Additional Reading

Key Databases

We recommend these databases if you are looking for articles on how social workers can potentially use GIS.

Social Services Abstracts This link opens in a new window
An excellent database for finding journal literature on how social workers use GIS to assess the needs of a community.
PAIS International This link opens in a new window
Excellent sources of articles on how policy makers use GIS.
CINAHL This link opens in a new window
Source of articles on how GIS can be used from a public health perspective
Academic OneFile This link opens in a new window
An interdisciplinary database that covers articles on how GIS is used by different types of professionals, including social workers.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a Social Work Tool

Find Articles

Social Work Sample Articles

Additional Reading

Key Databases