Computer Mapping of Family Planning Need and Services

Computers are being used to plot the spatial distribution of the population in need of services and those currently receiving services from Georgias family planning programs. A Fortran computer program costing about $400 uses 5 graduations of shading to show proportions of active contraceptors. Each user supplies a data deck with map coordinates which can be digitized for about $250 for a state with 100 counties. By calculating contraceptors monthly the program activity in each county can be determined to show areas of stable high performance and those areas which need to improve their family planning services. The spatial distribution according to services rendered can be mapped at intervals depending on frequency of data collection.