Environmental information systems for the control of arthropod vectors of disease

Over the last decade, remote sensing technologies and geographical informat ion systems have moved from the research arena into the hands of vector con trol specialists. This review explains remote sensing approaches and spatia l information technologies used for investigations of arthropod pests and v ectors of diseases affecting humans and livestock. Relevant applications ar e summarized with examples of studies on African horse sickness vector Culi coides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), malaria vector Anopheles and arbo virus vector culicine mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), leishmaniasis vector Phlebotomus sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae), trypanosomiasis vector tsets e (Diptera: Glossinidae), loaiasis vector Chrysops (Diptera: Tabanidae), Ly me disease vector Ixodes and other ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Methods their u ses are tabulated and discussed with recommendations for efficiency, cautio n and progress in this burgeoning field.