What is the Interactive Atlas of Reproductive Health?

The Interactive Atlas of Reproductive Health is a web-based interactive geographic information system (GIS) dedicated to reproductive health issues such as infant mortality, fertility, and low birth weight.

The atlas provides viewers with access to a unique collection of geographic datasets that describe reproductive health indicators. Access to the reproductive health data is provided by an Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcIMS™ map server application developed at CDC. The GIS capabilities provided by the ESRI ArcIMS™application enable the viewer to reveal patterns in the reproductive health data that may not have been apparent otherwise.

The atlas project contributes to a CDC-wide initiative to promote geographic information science capabilities within public health. It will provide policymakers and service providers with easily obtainable spatially-based data for program support, as well as a starter set of shapefiles and reproductive health-related data. This data is compatible with locally developed databases that can be used to conduct additional investigations.

To learn more about GIS and how to use the interactive maps and tables, refer to the options located in the navigational menu on the right side of each page.

The interactive maps are visual representations of data based on their geographic location. This allows the viewer to easily recognize clusters and other spatial associations. An interactive table can be displayed in a separate window at the same time as an interactive map. Each window contains elements that can be manipulated independently; such as, sorting table columns or adding an additional layer outline to the map.

Atlas users should note this product uses data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The datasets used for the atlas provide a “snapshot” in time, and have been inputted and manipulated to eliminate identifiable information. Indicators derived from the Atlas may differ from those provided by a local or state health department or an analysis performed by other published health statistics sources. The Atlas allows for specific types of comparisons across time, geography, and population groups.

The Atlas strength lies in the richness of its dataset. An almost infinite choice of comparisons can be made between and among the risk and demographic characteristics. As the Atlas evolves, more information will be available on the Web site regarding updates, opportunities for data use, actual case studies, and technical notes.

For users who are not familiar with health statistics and surveillance reporting
The Atlas provides accurate reporting and comparisons of specific reproductive health indicators for given time periods. It is not intended to replace public health data or reports published by local or state jurisdictions for professionals and others involved in disease control and prevention. The Atlas helps programs and managers obtain data needed for decision making, especially when there is limited statistical or technological support.

Users familiar with health statistics and surveillance reporting
Datasets used for the Atlas may be subject to change as information is updated or better analytic methods are applied. The dynamic nature of health statistics reporting is reflected in this Atlas. A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found on the Atlas Web site should you have technical questions concerning the dataset, analysis, or methods used to develop the Atlas and its content.

The GIS Atlas webpages are specifically designed to be accessible for persons with a variety of disabilities. Please review our Web Accessibility Statement for additional and contact information.

Minimum System Requirements:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 (or later) or Netscape Navigator/Communicator 6 (or later) with Java and JavaScript enabled.
• Screen resolutions of 800x600 (or greater)
• 256 colors (or better)

This site is best viewed with screen resolutions of 1152x864 or greater and high color (16 bits) or better.

For users with anti-spam software installed: "Allow popup windows" must be enabled.

For Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) users: The interactive pages of the atlas may not work properly if the IE advanced options are set to run Java 2. To correct this problem

• On the IE menu bar, go to Tools, then Internet Options, then the Advanced tab.
• Scroll down to where it says Java (Sun) and uncheck Use Java 2 (Sun).
• Scroll down to where it says Microsoft VM and check all three options—Java console enabled, Java logging enabled, and JIT compiler for virtual machine enabled.

Page last reviewed: 7/28/08
Page last modified: 1/29/07
Content source: Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion