A geographic information system (GIS) is a system built to analyze, display, manage, and store spatial data. Spatial, or location data, is data that includes geographical location information that can be displayed on a map. The strength of a GIS is in the connection of descriptive information with these spatial features, linking what things are with where they are. Knowing where things are located allows for a deeper analysis of the data to answer different questions, make spatially aware decisions, and visually represent the data in a more relatable way. Online GIS analysis and visualization capabilities also enables many different industries, including public health, to quickly and efficiently communicate spatial information to the communities they serve.
The Stark County Health Department has been using GIS in some capacity for close to 20 years. The Environmental Health Service area started using GIS in the early 2000s as a tool to help with inspections and later to provide the public with information using online maps and apps. More recently, the Health Department has expanded the use of GIS to help with the Communicable Disease program, Public Health Promotion and Education, and providing information/locations for needed services available throughout Stark County.
Locator Map How-To
Watch the YouTube video for a tutorial on the Esri locator maps.
Resource locators, as used by the Stark County Health Department, are location centric apps that help users find tailored services, providers, organizations, agencies, etc. found within a certain radius of an entered address. Users search for an address or location on the map and the locator shows all the available resources close to that address. The locator also includes information about each resource, such as address, phone number, website, and hours.