Public Health has a long history of using geographic information to
investigate and control public health incidents such as disease outbreaks
and environmental events. The Los Angeles County (LAC) Department of
Public Health (DPH) recognizes that geographic information can be extremely
useful when managing larger scale public health emergencies. These benefits
include the ability to:
- Assess the scope and scale of an incident
- Direct and manage key resources
- Improved ability to communicate results of analyses
- Provide a system for managing data for decision making
- Maintain a record of departmental effort
Emergency Preparedness and Response Program (EPRP) is prepared to
manage and implement GIS for the department during emergencies
requiring a public health response. During an emergency requiring
the activation the DPH Department Operations Center (DOC), the EPRP
will be responsible for staffing and maintaining the Planning Section. In
this role, EPRP will be responsible for all incident-related data
gathering and analysis activities. GIS systems will significantly
improve the ability of EPRP to successfully perform the following
key functions:
- Gathering spatial data specific to incident operations
- Integrate and analyze data from multiple sources
- Development of alternative response options for tactical operations,
conduct of planning meetings, and preparation of the Incident Action
- Plan for each operational period.
Objectives for GIS Implementation:
- Implement GIS technology that is easy to use, serves a tactical purpose,
and is sustainable independent of year-to-year funding constraints.
- Maximize number of users, while minimizing the amount of training required.
- Ensure consistency and compatibility with other systems utilized in the
Department, other County agencies, and other emergency response agencies.
- Support the timely development of advanced maps and other spatial data
files likely to be required for emergency response.
