The process of assigning geographic information to a cancer patient record based on the place of usual residence is known as

• A. Mapping
• B. Spatial analysis
• C. Clustering
• D. Geocoding

Answer: (D)

Geocoding is the process of assigning geographic information to a cancer patient record by converting the place of usual residence into a geographic reference, such as coordinates or a standard geographic unit (like a census tract or county). This step is what lets each record be placed on a map and linked to the appropriate regional data for analysis. In cancer surveillance, geocoding enables accurate mapping of cases by neighborhood or region and supports spatial analyses to explore patterns or disparities across areas.

Mapping is the visualization of data on a map, which may use geocoded data but does not by itself perform the location assignment. Spatial analysis involves examining spatial relationships and patterns after data have been geocoded, while clustering refers to grouping nearby cases to identify clusters—these are analytic techniques that use geocoded data rather than the act of assigning location.