GIS Maps for Community Resources During COVID

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Early in the COVID pandemic, Howard County, Maryland leadership realized residents needed a centralized point to find available resources like open restaurants and food distribution sites. They turned to the Department of Technology and Communication’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) team to develop a solution. In under two weeks, the GIS team developed the HoCoFoodGo application to enable Howard County restaurants to register, map their locations, and share detailed information on food offerings. The application launched on April 1, 2020, allowing restaurants, farms, and donation and food distribution sites to connect with residents, filling needs created by the pandemic for both residents and businesses. Businesses submitted an application to be included, which was reviewed by County staff and then submitted to GIS for inclusion. On the front end, the public could view all open restaurants and easily search on restaurant type, contact information, hours of operation, menu items, distribution choices, and special dietary options. Not long after the successful launch of the HocoFoodGo app, County leadership recognized an opportunity to help other similar businesses connect with residents. Once again, the GIS team responded with three additional applications! In April 2020, Howard County launched HoCo Farms Connect, as well as HoCoDonation and HoCo Food Distribution.These GIS maps were a vital resource for both business struggling to reach customers during pandemic lockdowns and residents looking for open restaurants and food distribution sites.