ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to identify and discuss issues that influence indicator development, and the use of indicators for decision making. This is approached through the use of a case study. The case study in question is of a project that aimed to improve access to community health information. The project used an action research methodology. The chapter focuses on the development issues and user perspectives of the systems. Development of a meaningful system of environment and health indicators requires gathering data from a number of sources. Access to information is clearly important to enable individuals and communities to address health issues, but once accessed, information must be presented in a comprehensible manner that enables its use. Geographic information systems, and information systems in general, have the potential to be powerful resources for integrating and presenting health and environment indicators. The chapter concludes with some recommendations for the development of future systems of indicators.
