ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the varying definitions of "big data," the applications across health and health geography and the challenges and opportunities associated with using big data. The definition of "big data" is not universally agreed upon. "Big data" traditionally applies to data of size beyond the capabilities of commonly used software within a tolerable time frame, with size constantly increasing with computing capacity. If big data was around in 1854 when cholera swept through London, John Snow could have used Global Positioning System (GPS) data, mortality records and environmental data to identify the disease vectors and implement a solution within hours. While the possibilities are wide-ranging for the applications of big data in health geography, chapter focus on a few examples to illustrate feasible opportunities within the field. One of the early promises of big data was the ability to connect multiple sources of information and combine their separate sources to create a comprehensive data resource.
