Substance misuse prevention work is inherently concerned with place. As we work to prevent substance-related harms, the community context is an important consideration when deciding where to implement prevention strategies. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) allows users to focus on the community context with a robust set of tools supporting data visualization and analysis. The Geospatial Academy for Prevention Professionals (GAPP) will provide you the skills necessary to implement geospatial analyses of community data to communicate work to key stakeholders, assess community need, and evidence the impact of prevention initiatives.

This is part 1 of a 3 part training series that will introduce you to the Quantum GIS software package, culminating in producing maps and analyses to support substance misuse prevention work in your community. Each part of the online training series is self-paced and supported by individual technical assistance.

1. GAPP I: Introduction to GIS
2. GAPP II: Creating a Basic Map
3. GAPP III: Using Local Data to Support Prevention Goals 

This 2.5 hour self-paced course will introduce participants to GIS and a free software application to implement GIS in your prevention work.

This course requires you to download a free software package. Please see our disclaimer. 

This course was developed by the Northeast & Caribbean PTTC located at the Center for Prevention Science in Rutgers University’s School of Social Work. This work was supported by  grant 5H79SP081033-04 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Certificate of Completion

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