dccps logo
Geographic Information System
for Breast Cancer Studies on Long Island (LI GIS)

Interactive Maps

The LI GIS contains interactive maps that display information about relative breast cancer incidence by ZIP Code in Nassau and Suffolk counties (Long Island), NY, on which users can superimpose data about relevant environmental exposures.

For example, information about inactive and active hazardous waste sites on Long Island and detections of pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) in water supply wells in Suffolk County can be displayed along with breast cancer relative incidence by ZIP Code. The interactive nature of these maps enables users to visualize relative breast cancer incidence and clusters, and to examine possible relationships between exposures coinciding with disease incidence.

The preconstructed, interactive maps are for illustrative purposes only; map observations alone cannot prove cancer causation. Proximity to hazardous waste sites and pesticides have NOT been found to be associated with risk of breast cancer on Long Island. These maps cannot provide insight on an individual's risk for breast cancer.

Approved researchers are able to access additional data which can be used to explore possible relationships between environmental exposures and disease incidence, such as topographic data, including locations of roads and water features that serve as reference points; demographic data, including the age, race, sex, and income of the population; health outcome data, including relative breast cancer incidence and health facilities data; environmental data, including land use and cover; water use and potential sources of water pollution; chemical releases into water, air, and soil; information on toxic chemicals and hazardous and municipal waste; and radiation.

How to Use the Interactive Maps

The interactive maps have a standard set of tools that allows the user to alter the look of the map or query the data associated with it. The best way to learn how to work with the maps is to:

  • Review basic GIS map terminology
  • Access the interactive maps
    • Those who are new to the LI GIS interactive maps should start by looking at the “Getting Started” tab at the top of the page to view descriptions of the various tabs and buttons associated with the maps.
    • Click the “Select Map” tab to choose one of the three preconstructed maps to view.
    • Experiment! Use the various tabs and buttons to, for example, learn more about risk, display the various layers of information associated with each map, zoom in and out, move around the map, and view data associated with various locations.

Descriptions of the Interactive Maps