Final answer:
The process of assigning geographic information to a cancer patient's address, such as latitude/longitude and census tract numbers, is known as geocoding. This process is pivotal in medical geography to study the environmental impacts on health and healthcare equity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of assigning geographic information like latitude/longitude and census tract or block number to a cancer patient's address involves a technique called geocoding. Geocoding transforms a physical address into a geographic location that can be mapped. This process is essential in the field of medical geography, especially when examining the relationship between environmental factors and cancer incidences.
With the increased prevalence of GPS and advanced mapping technologies, researchers are now able to pinpoint the absolute location of a patient's residence. These locations are used to study patterns, such as cancer clusters, which can be essential for understanding environmental impacts on health. The significance of such detailed mapping enables healthcare professionals and researchers to address concerns about the quality of health care and access to medical facilities, as seen in the historical example of South Central Los Angeles.
Health geographers may also use satellite images, topographic maps, and other cartographic resources to study spatial patterns of disease and treatment. The analysis can reveal whether healthcare provisions are following medical guidelines or are influenced by geographical disparities, which can lead to critical improvements in public health strategies and health care equity.