Geographic Information Systems for Coronavirus Planning and Response
MARCH 2020 12
weather forecasts, and 911 call data. Some systems have more advanced analysis
and modeling capabilities.
Through maps, apps, and dashboards, GIS can assist communication efforts,
ranging from sharing a situation assessment with the media and the public to helping
the public locate health-care facilities. Through data visualization and narrative, story
maps contextualize important factors such as age and social vulnerability. Many local
governments are producing story maps to show residents what's happening in their
area.
GIS maps also communicate emergency information regarding school closures,
public meeting cancellations, and other community disease containment measures.
Accurate public information is critical for risk communication and behavior changes
including appropriate hygiene and social distancing recommendations. GIS
technology is also now a standard component of mass notification systems, enabling
community leaders to send out messages to staff, partners, or the public based on
appropriate geographic boundaries.
Note: The GIS capabilities mentioned above are helpful not only for pandemic
planning and response but also for other public health emergencies, including natural
and human-made disasters.
While this white paper focuses on the health-oriented response to pandemic
influenza, GIS is also an effective tool for managing the economic/business
disruption that occurs under emergency circumstances.
Esri has developed a solution to support business continuity. This collection of maps
and apps is designed to help businesses, utilities, and government agencies gain a
better understanding of operational workforce capacity, monitor the status of facilities,
and communicate disruptions to customers and stakeholders as needed.
How to Get
Started
Organizations in need of software, support, training, or consulting can contact their
account manager or local Esri distributor. As the situation surrounding coronavirus
continues to evolve, Esri remains committed to our founding mission: to help solve
some of the world's most difficult problems. In this, we support GIS users who work
every day to respond to challenges, and we provide tools that empower intelligent,
data-driven responses.
In addition to Esri's COVID-19 GIS Hub—a carefully curated collection of datasets,
applications, and other useful content—Esri provides help through its Disaster
Response Program. For more than 25 years, Esri has supported active emergency
response and relief efforts with GIS technology and subject matter expertise. When
organizations need help quickly, Esri provides data, software, configurable
applications, and technical support for GIS operations.
