One-third of the catchment areas estimated for whites have ratios above 275 people per bed and one half of these are also above 550 persons per bed. The GIS analysis shows that open access to beds previously reserved for whites will make no difference to rural blacks, and almost none to urban blacks, because there were relatively few such beds, and they were concentrated in the cities. For the same reasons, the opening of private hospital beds would not alleviate the apparent bed shortages in priority areas. The spatial modeling capacities offered by GIS can help one understand the spatial variation in the incidence of disease, and its covariation with environmental factors and the health care system. These maps, showing location of houses by number and type, public and private buildings, water sources, sanitation, bridges, roads, social centres, neighbourhood boundaries, health centres, etc.
Maps can help discussion, analysis, decision-making, management and evaluation.
Fuerstein suggests that these maps be posted in a public place and updated as changes occur, providing a permanent record. GIS thus produce material that is both useful and conducive to public participation in community health projects. GIS can contribute to community development in general, by helping people understand their environment. Effects in the health domain are obvious. It is evident that many questions concerning the provision of health care are related to space.