This paper describes the spatiotemporal epistematics knowledge synthesis and graphical user interface (SEKS–GUI) framework
and its application in medical geography problems. Based on sound theoretical reasoning, the interactive software library
of SEKS–GUI explores heterogeneous (spatially non-homogeneous and temporally non-stationary) health attribute distributions
(disease incidence, mortality, human exposure, epidemic propagation etc.); expresses the health system’s dependence structure
using (ordinary and generalized) spatiotemporal covariance models; synthesizes core knowledge bases, empirical evidence and
multi-sourced system uncertainty; and generates a meaningful picture of the real-world system using space–time dependent probability
functions and associated maps of health attributes. The implementation stages of the SEKS–GUI library are described in considerable
detail using appropriate screens. The wide applicability of SEKS–GUI is demonstrated by reviewing a selection of real-world
case studies.
Keywords Medical geography - Health - Disease - Epidemic - Uncertainty - BME - Interdisciplinary
An erratum to this article can be found at
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00477-007-0172-8