Characteristic | Description | Most common method | Less common methods |
---|---|---|---|
Spatial data management | GIS based management systems that can organize and analyze spatial data | Unspecified (n = 4) | ArcGIS, Google maps, OpenLayers, QGIS, PostgreSQL, hBase, MySQL |
Visualization | Visualization through maps, graphs, tables | Choropleth (n = 12) | Point layers, count overlays, panels, buttons, data entry fields, menu |
Reports | Summary of scenario or analytical process, may be graphical, maps etc. | Mapping (n = 12) | Map, table, chart, statistic summary, network graph |
Interactive problem solving | Environment which allows the user to explore the possible solution space for a given problem, allowing interaction within the problem-solving environment | Select area of study(n = 6) | Select species, timeframe, covariates, color theme, graph views, radius selection, query fields |
Spatial modeling capability | Availability of spatial/non-spatial modeling packages | Clustering(n = 5) | Clustering, risk mapping, anomaly mapping, disease spatial distribution, networks of disease |
Semi structured problem solving | Problems that are ill defined, but can accommodate imposed restrictions and user preferences | Adjust analysis parameters (n = 12) | Explore disease network, choose summary statistic, user selection of model parameters |
Scenario evaluation | Decision support utilities that allow scenario analyses through iterative analyses | Adjust distribution display (n = 12) | Track different species, transmission route or outbreak simulation, generation of actionable suggestion, distribution of cases/clusters |
Easy User interface | Interfaces that engage the user, and allow easy interaction | Usability testing (n = 5) | Design consultation, mental mapping of tasks, feedback surveys, pilot study, usability, and usefulness testing |