These are problems that GIS can help resolve with their spatial analysis tools. Maps produced by a GIS can also be used by health officials as a monitoring and evaluation tool, showing the spatial distribution and differential evolution of diseases. Monitoring and evaluation are essential parts of health programs, as well as other programs related to development. Closely linked to monitoring is evaluation. Evaluation is a process by which program inputs, activities, and results are analyzed and judged explicitly against stated norms.
Monitoring is an essential element.
By giving the managers, planners and policy-makers access to information on coverage, functioning and utilization of the Water and Sanitation facilities, operation and maintenance, funding, water quality and others, monitoring as a tool guides them in making important decisions. Similarly, worthwhile evaluation of water and sanitation, as a result of effective monitoring, is necessary in ensuring rational utilization of investments allocated for the sector. Monitoring and evaluation are essential parts of health programs and GIS, by showing the spatial distribution of diseases in space and time, facilitate the monitoring and appraisal of the effectiveness of health programs. GIS is a relatively recent and complex technology, which explains why it has not been used to its full potential, especially in the health domain where it is extremely promising. We are now to a point where the possibilities are more clearly seen.