Visual Basic time-space query modeling for geovisualization of life paths

The origins and incidence of many health problems are related to geographical circumstances. To be able understanding the underlying contributing factors requires conceptualizing the problem in geographical terms. A temporal dataset of individuals\u27 locations was acquired from an annual census taken in Sweden. A space-time query model was constructed to explore associations between an individual\u27s residential locations for given periods of time to those of other individuals with similar heath, or health related factors. The space-time query model was created in the Visual Basic extension of ArcGIS 8.3. Results were in the form of selections that could be exported into a 3D space-time aquarium for geovisualization in ArcScene. This query model has the potential to be a very powerful tool with which the possible causal factors of many health-related issued can be explored, as well as the prediction of future health issues based on exposures to pathogens at given times and places