Making the dynamic interactive map of COVID-19 by implementation of R software

Abstract

Objective To introduce the process and concrete steps of making dynamic interactive disease map using Leaflet program package of R software, and we provide assistance for demonstrating the regional distribution of the disease, epidemic analysis and field disposal.

Methods The address, case classification and date of onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, including confirmed and asymptomatic cases, in Hainan as of August 30, 2020 were collected by Infectious Diseases Reporting System. The addresses of cases were input into Amap coordinate pickup system to get the latitude and longitude coordinates of the addresses. Amap and Esri map were created as base layers, and case markers, function for case clusters and measurement tools were created by leaflet package.

Results Dynamic interactive map of COVID-19 created by R software could be dragged, be zoomed in and out. It can be switched between administrative division map and satellite map. The numbers, addresses, onset date and other information could be display by clicking the cases in the map. The map can be shared with interested researchers as an html file. The distance between any cases or between the case and the suspected exposure location could be measured.

Conclusion As a free and open source software, R software can easily and flexibly make dynamic interactive maps of diseases, intuitively and comprehensively display the regional distribution of diseases. It It plays a very helpful role in analyzing the transmission process of infectious diseases and the on-site treatment of the epidemic situation, which is worthy of promotion and application in epidemiology investigation and survey research.

Abstract

摘要：目的 介绍使用R软件leaflet程序包制作疾病动态交互地图的 方法 和具体步骤, 为展示疾病的地区分布、疫 情的分析和现场处置提供帮助。 方法 通过传染病信息报告系统收集海南省截至2020年8月30日新型冠状病毒肺炎 确诊病例和无症状感染者地址、病例分类、发病日期等资料。将病例地址录人髙德地图坐标拾取系统, 获取病例地址 的经纬度坐标。利用R软件leaflet程序包调用髙德地图、Esri卫星地图做为底图, 添加病例标记, 病例聚合功能及测量 工具。 结果 R软件制作的海南省新冠病毒动态交互地图可以实现放大、缩小、拖拽等操作, 可以切换行政区划地图和 卫星地图, 点击病例可以显示病例序号, 现住址和发病日期等信息, 可将地图以html文件方式分享给相关研究人员, 并 可以测量病例间或病例与可疑暴露地点间的距离。 结论 R软件作为一款免费、开源的软件, 可以简便、灵活的制作 疾病动态交互地图, 直观、全面的展示疾病的地区分布, 对于分析传染病的传播过程、疫情的现场处置起到很好的辅助 作用, 在流行病学调査研究中值得推广应用。