Mapping Made Easy

This guide is designed to assist those who create or use maps in the HIV prevention or AIDS care and mitigation fields. It provides advice and case studies demonstrating how to use maps to communicate and analyse the spatial components of HIV vulnerability. By understanding the spatial distribution of the sources of vulnerability, the authors argue we can not only better understand the personal and societal stressors, but can use that knowledge to better focus intervention programmes.

This guide discuses not only the more technical Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methodologies, but also of how to use simpler low-cost alternatives, such as hand-drawn maps or modifications to existing maps. The resource section includes a list of base map sources which map makers can use as a starting point for their own mapping projects.

The guide takes users through a step-by-step approach, covering the following aspects of map production:

1. Identifying the target mapping regions or areas
2. Choosing or creating a base map
3. Collecting and organising thematic data
4. Designing the map and legend
5. Presenting the map (hard copy or digital products as well as person-to-person presentations of these products)
6. Reviewing and updating maps as needed for currency

The authors provide three case studies to illustrate the use of this mapping methodology:

• Case 1: HIV Vulnerability Mapping, Highway One, Viet Nam
• Case 2: Mapping HIV Vulnerability along Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Odor Meanchey and Preah Vihear, Cambodia
• Case 3: Mapping in the Mekong Region