The evolution of internet-based map server applications in the United States Department of Agriculture, Veterinary...

The internet is used increasingly as an effective means of disseminating information. For the past five years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services (VS) has published animal health information in internet-based map server applications, each oriented to a specific surveillance or outbreak response need. Using internet-based technology allows users to create dynamic, customised maps and perform basic spatial analysis without the need to buy or learn desktop geographic information systems (GIS) software. At the same time, access can be restricted to authorised users. The VS internet mapping applications to date are as follows: Equine Infectious Anemia Testing 1972-2005, National Tick Survey tick distribution maps, the Emergency Management Response System-Mapping Module for disease investigations and emergency outbreaks, and the Scrapie mapping module to assist with the control and eradication of this disease. These services were created using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)'s internet map server technology (ArcIMS). Other leading technologies for spatial data dissemination are ArcGIS Server, ArcEngine, and ArcWeb Services. VS is prototyping applications using these technologies, including the VS Atlas of Animal Health Information using ArcGIS Server technology and the Map Kiosk using ArcEngine for automating standard map production in the case of an emergency.