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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection - West Nile Virus Program

The project collects information on WNV infected birds, mosquitoes or animals and uses GIS for control strategies. The internet plays key role in communications across the Commonwealth

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Business Problem

Pennsylvania established a spatially driven surveillance program due to the introduction of West Nile Virus into North America. The system collects information on the presence of virus in Pennsylvania in mosquitoes, birds, and other vectors, identifies mosquito breeding areas, and helps target control efforts. Handheld units with ArcPad facilitate electronic field data collection and web applications enable data submittal from state laboratories. The system enhances communication with the public, county governments and State agencies through the Internet at three different levels: general for the public, moderately detailed for counties and highly detailed for management decisions.

Technology Implemented

, Pennsylvania uses ArcPad software loaded on handheld Compaq Aero computers to record the location and other sample information. Staff members in the field use ArcPad and GPS units to specify sample locations and enter the other sample information on forms designed for this purpose. Field data and laboratory data is entered through a secure Internet website into ArcSDE which is linked to an Oracle database running on a Compaq Server. Arc GIS and Arc IMS generate Maps for decision making and public awareness of the spread of the virus.

Development Team

Eric R. Conrad, Dan Arbegast, Theia Hofsteter, Peter Bottenberg, Lori Sheinvold, Anak Agun

Development Team Biography

The team consists of six key people. Three from the PA DEP and three from ESRI. Many other contributed to the effort. Eric Conrad brings 23 years of state government management experience to the team at the executive level. Dan Arbegast brings over 30 years of experience to the team in vector control and field collection of
data. Theia Hofstetter as a new employee brought field experience to the team and became a master in handheld technology. The ERSI team members brought dedication and commitment to the effort.