Learning from COVID-19: GIS for Pandemics

The health community is in a state of reflection, and it is time to put the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic into practice. Learning from COVID-19: GIS for Pandemics showcases best practices, key GIS capabilities, and lessons learned during the response that can help communities prepare for the next crisis. GIS has empowered organizations to use human mobility data, monitor healthcare systems capacity, site new resources, review case trends, and consider "back-to-the-workplace" plans.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 175 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: ESRI Press

As we reflect upon the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to consider how we can enhance our preparedness for future public health emergencies. Now is the opportune moment to revisit and reassess our strategies and plans for health preparedness. Moreover, it is essential to examine what worked effectively within the health community and identify ways to replicate these successes.

Learning from COVID-19: GIS for Pandemics offers valuable insights into the role of spatial thinking during the pandemic. The question of "where" became paramount, and the utilization of geographic information systems (GIS) for real-time surveillance transformed vast amounts of data into actionable location intelligence. This book, co-edited by Esri's chief medical officer, Dr. Este Geraghty, highlights best practices, key GIS capabilities, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 response. By leveraging GIS, organizations have been able to effectively employ human mobility data to estimate adherence to social distancing guidelines. Communities have utilized spatially enabled surge tools to monitor their healthcare systems' capacity, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation. Governments have employed location-allocation methods to strategically site new resources, such as testing sites and augmented care sites, considering the needs of at-risk and vulnerable populations. Furthermore, communities have leveraged maps and spatial analysis to review case trends at local levels, supporting the reopening of economies. Organizations have also embraced spatial thinking as they consider "back-to-the-workplace" plans, accounting for physical distancing and other safety measures.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with a unique opportunity to reflect upon and improve our health preparedness strategies. By leveraging GIS and spatial analysis, we can enhance our ability to respond effectively to future public health emergencies, protect the well-being of communities, and ensure a more resilient and responsive global health system.

Weight: 317g
Dimension: 203 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781589487116