ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews how geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis are used in the substance use field to enhance community practice and understand changes in substance-related policies. Moving to two specific examples in social work, this chapter describes how GIS is used to map substance use environments and spatial analysis to understand how those environments affect social problems and social work clients. We conclude with recommendations for social work education, research, and practice concerning how to integrate these skills and concepts across all levels of our profession. In particular, we propose that both GIS and spatial analysis are important, underutilized skills that could move our field forward more quickly if we were to better incorporate these skills.
