Outbreak Surveillance Toolbox - Maps

A map showing the area of an outbreak should be included in the surveillance plan; it is recommended to put this in the Introduction section or in an appendix. Maps also help clarify the delineation of various areas/zones that will be described in the surveillance plan.

Resources for creating maps

VS employees in need of GIS and mapping assistance should consult the VS Online Mapping Service for specific map requests or the GIS Sharepoint site for general GIS information.

For those external to VS, contact the VS GIS Team (to ensure the message is received, email all members):

VS GIS informational sheets:

• Mapping Disease Investigation Sites- recommended steps in collecting geographic coordinates for investigation sites and how to create circular zones around point locations.
• VS Premises Data Collection Instructions- intended for the initial responders to an animal health incident before a GIS professional is consulted. Additionally, this document only addresses data collection for premises represented by points.
• Use of a standard GPS receiver to determine latitude and longitude coordinates- easy instructions on how to use the Garmin eTrex Legend H, currently the standard GPS receiver recommended for use by Veterinary Services and partner organizations.