Leveraging geographic information systems (GIS) in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) research: a systematic review of applications and challenges

• Published in: Spatial information research (Online) Vol. 33; no. 2; p. 11
• Main Authors: Pradhan, Sojen, Pradhan, Biswajeet, Joshi, Abhasha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.04.2025; 대한공간정보학회
• Subjects: Database Management; Earth and Environmental Science; Geographical Information Systems/Cartography; Geography; Remote Sensing/Photogrammetry; Review; 공학일반; GIS; Water; Sustainable development goal; Sanitation; WASH
• ISSN: 2366-3286; 2366-3294
• DOI: 10.1007/s41324-025-00613-4

Safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are essential for the health, well-being, and socio-economic development of communities. Despite global efforts, the challenge of providing safe access to WASH service persists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a pivotal role in understanding and addressing these challenges by enabling the monitoring, mapping, and analysis of WASH facilities and their impacts. This systematic literature review aims to comprehensively understand how GIS is being used in WASH research. The review reveals that GIS is being used in various aspects of WASH, including mapping and monitoring of WASH facilities, spatial analysis of WASH-related health outcomes, and planning. The review also highlights the challenges of using GIS in WASH, such as data availability and quality, integration of technological advancement and adoption of a comprehensive approach. The review provides valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of WASH.