For the first time, a “corona traffic light” shows the daily development of infections in all German districts and independent cities. The interactive map shows the situation based on the 35 and 50 7-day incidence values.
These values are used to control uniform nationwide measures against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The interactive map can be accessed on the Internet via the homepage of the Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb).
Corona traffic light
In contrast to the well-known traffic lights, the Corona traffic light shows four colors: Green indicates regions in which the incidence value is below 35, orange indicates values between 35 and fewer than 50 infected people in the 7-day average, and red indicates fewer than 100.
If there are more than 100 cases, the districts and independent cities appear dark red. This additional limit value is currently only valid in Bavaria.
number of daily infections
For each region, it reflects the average number of daily infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week
The classification used in the vfdb Corona traffic light is based on a resolution from the Chancellor's conference with the heads of government of the federal states.
For each region, it reflects the average number of daily infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week, the so-called 7-day incidence.
The respective change from the previous day is also displayed for a total of 14 days. The daily data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is used.
benefits of digital data
vfdb President, Dirk Aschenbrenner sees the Corona traffic light as an excellent example of the benefits of digital data. He said, “We have been supporting the central and uniform provision of geodata for geoapplications in the areas of fire departments, rescue services, and disaster control for years.”
Dirk Aschenbrenner adds, “The goal was and is to simplify access to spatial data and use it for informative representations. The Corona traffic light is a step in this direction. And it not only serves emergency services but can also be used by every citizen.”
geoportal
Meanwhile, vfdb Vice President, Anja Hofmann-Böllinghaus praises the work of Department 7 of the vfdb (Information and Communication Technology), which has been operating a geoportal - initially internally for a year.
“What was initially started for projects within the department was expanded in September 2020 through the takeover and integration of the NPGEO (National Platform for Geographical Data) platform for all members of the vfdb,” said Anja Hofmann-Böllinghaus, who is also Chairwoman of the Technical Scientific Advisory Board of the association.
mobile and desktop integration
It is possible to use different data in combination with the Robert Koch Institute's case numbers interactively
Within a few days, in close cooperation with the software manufacturer Esri, vfdb managed to provide NPGEO and then implement the vfdb Corona traffic light.
This means it is possible to use different data in combination with the Robert Koch Institute's case numbers interactively for mobile and desktop devices in a variety of applications.
digital and interactive map
The geoplatform is easy to operate and can also serve as an exchange platform for crisis teams. “The digital and interactive map can provide valuable assistance to both decision-makers and interested citizens,” summarizes President Aschenbrenner.
“GIS once again proves its great social relevance. We hope that the Corona traffic light will be an initial guide for many affected people and decision-makers,” says Dr. Gerd Buziek, Coordinator of the Corona Taskforce at Esri Germany.