Geographic Information Systems for Coronavirus Planning and Response
MARCH 2020 4
Geographic Information Systems
for Coronavirus Planning and
Response
Executive
Summary
Infectious disease experts have predicted a pandemic, saying it was
not a question of if but when.
Drawing on experiences with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), avian
influenza (H5N1), and novel influenza A (H1N1), the World Health Organization
(WHO) and other health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), urged nations and local governments to prepare pandemic
response plans.
Many ministries of health and subnational departments of health around the world
have activated those plans in response to coronavirus and are sharing data as
required by the updated International Health Regulations.
Esri's work with health organizations and government leaders has proven location
intelligence from geographic information system (GIS) technology and data to be
critical for the following:
• Assessing risk and evaluating threats
• Monitoring and tracking outbreaks
• Maintaining situational awareness
• Ensuring resource allocation
• Notifying agencies and communities
The current coronavirus disease pandemic presents an opportunity to build on the
experience and readiness of Esri's existing global user community in health and
human services. Through real-time maps, apps, and dashboards, GIS will also
facilitate a seamless flow of relevant data as a component of the response from local
to global levels. A compelling case exists for building on top of the public health GIS
foundation that is already in place both in the United States and around the world.
After reading this paper, leadership and senior staff should understand the
following:
• The necessity to apply location intelligence to public health processes in
coronavirus response
• How GIS can support immediate and long-term action
• What resources Esri provides its customers
