Modernizing Data Systems in Environmental Public Health

Modernizing Data Systems in Environmental Public Health: A Blueprint for Action

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) In environmental health, GIS is a transformative technology that offers spatial visualization of hazards, inspections, populations, and environmental exposures. It supports crucial functions such as: • Hotspot identification for foodborne illness or lead exposure • Location mapping of vector breeding grounds

GIS in Emergency Response GIS plays a central role in emergency preparedness and coordination. In a wildfire or flood, agencies incorporate real-time data feeds on weather, fire perimeters, road closures, and power grid outages. This information helps staff prioritize in- spections, issue advisories, or deploy response teams to critical areas. Apps like Survey123 and Workforce for ArcGIS are often used together to assign tasks and collect field data during response operations. GIS and Remote Sensing EPH agencies increasingly rely on imagery analysis to detect conditions that require intervention. For example, by using drone or satellite imagery in con- junction with deep learning models, staff can identify green pools and potential mosquito breeding sites across broad geographic areas. These insights guide vector control strategies and reduce reliance on complaint-driven systems. GIS for Redistricting and Staffing In large jurisdictions, equitable and efficient staff deployment requires thought- ful geographic planning. In San Bernardino County, California, for example, some inspectors may travel up to 4 hours to reach the edge of their assigned district. Every few years, the agency uses ArcGIS Pro to redraw district boundaries based on changes in staffing, population, and inspection volume. This redistricting pro- cess helps optimize travel time, workload balance, and response coverage. Staff turnover and vacancies might also necessitate dynamic reassignment of district responsibilities, a challenge that GIS helps visualize and solve.

• Wildfire smoke, flood zone, and air quality monitoring • Visualization of permit and inspection coverage by region • Community planning based on onsite sewage management system inventories

GIS is foundational to modern environmental health practice. ArcGIS Pro, Esri’s flagship desktop application, supports advanced spatial analysis, geodatabase management, and cartographic design. For cloud-based collaboration, ArcGIS Online allows users to share interactive maps and data, often paired with ArcGIS Dashboards for real-time tracking or Experience Builder for dynamic web appli- cations that blend maps, statistics, and narrative context. In addition to Esri’s ecosystem, a variety of alternative GIS platforms can support EPH programs, especially those seeking low-cost, scalable, or specialized solu- tions. Table 8 highlights several commonly used platforms.

Table 8

TOOL

DESCRIPTION

ArcGIS Pro Esri’s flagship desktop application is used for advanced spatial analysis, geodatabase management, and cartographic design. ArcGIS Online (AGOL) Cloud-based platform for sharing maps and data, with companion apps for analysis, visualization, storytelling, and field collection. QGIS Free, open-source GIS solution that offers spatial analysis and mapping capabilities without licensing costs—ideal for resource-constrained agencies. Mapbox A developer-friendly platform is frequently used to create custom, web-embedded interactive maps. Google Earth Engine Cloud-based platform designed for large-scale remote sensing analysis using satellite data. CARTO Cloud-based GIS platform provides advanced mapping and analytics tools, suited for geospatial business intelligence applications.