Disease is a spatially determined phenomenon. The correct identification of spatial risk factors and landscape definition plays a determinant role in prediction, prevention, and control of disease. Spatial heterogeneity in natural and human-dominated landscapes arises from abiotic and biotic conditions that can be delimited on models and maps. Taking into account these elements, assessments of contemporaneous risk and future change in risk should be possible. Classification of the different background landscapes in which human diseases occur is fundamental to understanding epidemiology and designing effective local control programs.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts to understand the spatial component on human diseases transmitted by vectors and their vectors, the development of models and statistical tools, and the use of this approach in control. We are particularly interested in articles describing the importance of the landscape component in vector-transmitted diseases, new theories, models and methods of analyses, and the impact of the spatial approach in control and public health. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Spatial patterns of risk of human exposure to vector-borne diseases
• Assessments of spatial risk of exposure to vector-borne pathogens that combine vector and human disease data
• Habitat classification using satellite imagery
• Development of spatial methods including statistical analysis tools
• Predictive spatial modeling
• Spatial aspects in surveillance and research
• Impact of spatial studies on public health applications

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jtm/guidelines.html. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: