John Snow's Map: A Retrospective Analysis of Decision-Making in the Face of Epidemics

John Snow's map of the 1854 cholera outbreak in London is widely recognized as a pioneering example of using spatial analysis to understand the spread of disease. In this retrospective analysis, we examine the role of Snow's map in informing decision-making during epidemics. Through a review of the literature and case studies, we assess the strengths and limitations of using Snow's map as a tool for decision-making during epidemics. Our analysis highlights the importance of spatial analysis in understanding and mitigating the spread of disease, as well as the need for ongoing development and refinement of such tools.