Wyz-Background

Vast2011 MC1: Characterization of an Epidemic Spread

Background

Methodology

Visualization & Insights

Feedback

To be a Visual Detective

Smartpolis is a major metropolitan area with a population of approximately two million residents. During the last few days, health professionals at local hospitals have noticed a dramatic increase in reported illnesses. Observed symptoms are largely flu­like and include fever, chills,sweats, aches and pains, fatigue, coughing, breathing difficulty, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and enlarged lymph nodes. More recently, there have been several deaths believed to be associated with the current outbreak. City officials fear a possible epidemic and are mobilizing emergency management resources to mitigate the impact. You have been charged with providing an assessment of the situation. We provide you with two datasets. The first one contains microblog messages collected from various devices with GPS capabilities. These devices include laptop computers, handheld computers, and cellular phones. The second one contains map information for the entire metropolitan area. The map dataset contains a satellite image with labeled highways, hospitals, important landmarks, and water bodies. We also provide supplemental tables for population statistics and observed weather data.

Task

Origin and Epidemic Spread

Identify approximately where the outbreak started on the map (ground zero location). Outline the affected area. Explain how you arrived at your conclusion.

Epidemic Spread

• Present a hypothesis on how the infection is being transmitted. For example, is the method of transmission person-­to­-person, airborne, waterborne, or something else? Identify the trends that support your hypothesis.

• Is the outbreak contained? Is it necessary for emergency management personnel to deploy treatment resources outside the affected area? Explain your reasoning.

Data

There are two datasets provided. The first one contains microblog messages collected from various devices with GPS capabilities. These devices include laptop computers, handheld computers, and cellular phones. The second one contains map information for the entire metropolitan area. The map dataset contains a satellite PNG image with labeled highways, hospitals, important landmarks, and water bodies. We also provide supplemental tables for population statistics and observed weather data. Additional information is provided below.

Before we start, what do you need to know?

1. Microblog Messages The provided CSV file contains a number of microblog messages.
Attributes:
ID – personal identifier of the individual posting the message
Created_at – date and time of the post
Location – latitude and longitude coordinates of the mobile device at the time of post
Text – the posted message

2. Map The map is provided as a PNG image file.

3.Population Statistics
Attributes:
Zone_Name – the name of one of the 13 city zones within the metropolitan area
Population_Density – the number of residents in the zone
Daytime_Population – the estimated population in the zone due to commuting during work hours

4.Observed Weather
Attributes:
Date – date of observed weather by weather station
Weather – weather conditions for a particular day
Average_Wind_Speed – measured in miles per hour
Wind_Direction – the direction from which the wind is blowing or from which it originates

5.Additional Information
1)Economy – The economy of Vastopolis is based on commerce, entertainment, finance, trucking services, shipping services, health care, and industry.
2)Water Supply - Residents and businesses get their drinking water by pumping water from nearby reservoirs or rivers. These distributed water systems are both public and privately owned.
3)Entertainment – Vastopolis has two stadiums (Vastopolis Dome and Westside Stadium) for sports, concerts, and other events. The various lakes and the Vast River, which flows south at a steady rate of three miles per hour, is used for water-based sports and recreation.
4)City Administration – Vastopolis has several locations of significance including a state courthouse, a capitol building, convention center, and a large airport.