This document discusses the use of geographical information systems (GIS) in public health. It provides background on GIS, including Dr. John Snow's use of maps to study the 1854 cholera outbreak in London. The document outlines key GIS concepts like geocoding, layers, and thematic mapping. It describes GIS functions such as data acquisition, storage, analysis, and presentation. Examples are given of how GIS can be used for tasks like calculating rates, measuring distances, and cluster analysis. Commonly used GIS software and advantages of GIS for public health are also summarized.