The Keyhole Markup Language (KML) format has become a recognized standard for the distribution of geographic information system data. In most recent versions of the Real-Time and Outbreak Disease Surveillance (RODS) system, we standardized on KML as our mapping solution. This decision obviates the need for commercial GIS servers and clients, and permits users to easily overlay RODS map output with other websites and software that output KML, for example, EPA, NASA, and NOAA.
We quickly recognized that the mapping tools in RODS have broad applicability in public health and other domains where there is a requirement to display spatial temporal data as it relates to state, county, and zip code geographies. To facilitate these needs, we created the EpiScape map generation service for public use.
Objective
This paper describes EpiScape, our map generation service. It generates three-dimensional static or animated maps as KML files that can be used to display epidemiologic data over time and space using Google Earth or Google Maps software.