GIS Day is an annual celebration that highlights the impact of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—technology that helps people visualize, analyze and interpret data through interactive maps. Around the world, GIS supports smarter decision-making in fields such as public safety, planning, transportation and public health.
At San Bernardino County Public Health, GIS is a core tool used daily to understand community needs, streamline operations and respond more effectively to emerging issues. Following GIS Day yesterday, celebrated on the third Wednesday of November each year, the department is highlighting several ways GIS is making a meaningful impact across its programs.
How is Public Health using GIS?
Public Health uses GIS in a variety of ways to better understand community needs and guide services. From mapping food insecurity to identifying areas where mosquito outreach is needed and supporting disaster response by tracking impacts to food facilities and water systems, GIS helps staff make informed decisions that improve service delivery across San Bernardino County.
- Combating food insecurity
Public Health collected and analyzed county-level data to map where food insecurity is most prevalent. By overlaying these areas with summer meal sites, staff identified communities with limited access and focused efforts to improve food availability.
- Fighting mosquitoes
The Mosquito and Vector Control Program mapped service requests and compared them with population and economic data. This analysis revealed communities with low call volumes—often due to lack of awareness. Targeted outreach in those areas helped bring important mosquito abatement services to residents who previously weren’t accessing them.
- Disaster preparedness
When disasters occur, the department’s Environmental Health Services assesses impacts to restaurants, food stores and water systems. GIS tools help staff coordinate and share real-time information with officials, supporting faster recovery for residents and businesses and helping communities return to normal operations more quickly.
“GIS helps us understand our communities more clearly and respond where we’re needed most,” said Josh Dugas, director of Public Health. “These tools make our work more efficient and help us provide better service to residents.”
In connection with GIS Day, Public Health has launched a new webpage showcasing how GIS supports programs across the department. Visit our GIS webpage to learn more about the department’s GIS work and how these tools are being used to better serve San Bernardino County residents.
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- We remember Dec. 2, 2015
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- Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales releases 2025 annual report
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