Author
Barnard, Donald |
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2006 Publication Date: 1/30/2006 Citation: Barnard, D.R. 2006. Use of global information technology for the development of mosquito vector surveillance systems. Meeting Abstract. Interpretive Summary: None. Technical Abstract: Global information technology comprises geo-referencing of an object on a map, using (1) a GIS to capture, store, analyze, and display map data, (2) GPS to determine the position of an object on earth's surface, and (3) remote sensing to acquire information about an object from a distance. ARS scientists seek to design and validate a sampling and global information technology-driven system that can be used for mosquito detection and trap deployment, to estimate mosquito species composition and distribution in space and time, and for the targeting and evaluation of mosquito controls. This effort is based on knowledge of the relationship between patterns of activity in mosquitoes and the characteristics of their habitat (topology), which is required for effective trap deployment and maximum sensitivity in mosquito detection systems. Many of the feature class data required for the research already exist and are available for incorporation into a GIS topology. Others, such as feature class data for the composition, extent, and activity of mosquito populations must be developed. The latter objective requires the use of multiple sampling approaches to characterize airborne and resting mosquito populations and the development of unbiased estimators for adult mosquito population density. These data will allow us to define mosquito populations and to create a GIS geodatabase that can be used to develop statistical eco-GIS model(s). Such models will be used to identify and test schemes for the deployment of mosquito traps, to forecast mosquito distributions, and to identify zones for, and evaluate the effectiveness of, mosquito control. |