Geo-enabled Microplanning - EPI

Progress and process GIS Based Online Micro plan

Geo-spatial Data Collection And The Transition From Manual To Digital Mapping In EPI

EPI Center Geo-data Collection

Digital transformation of immunization data collection

Mobile data collection with KoBo Toolbox
1
Design Forms

Create data collection forms using KoBo Toolbox/ODK for EPI geolocation

2

Conduct Training

Train front line staff on mobile data collection tools and procedures

3

Field Data Collection

Collect data using mobile apps (KoBo Toolbox/ODK Survey)

4

GPS Coordinate Integration

Capture and integrate GPS coordinates to accurately identify and map locations

5

Prepare Data from DHIS2

Extract and prepare EPI microplan data from DHIS2 server for integration

6

Data Preparation

Clean, compile to CSV and SHP, and integrate with DHIS2 orgunit UID

Training session for data collection
Training on EPI Data Collection Tool
Platform Introduction

Basic introduction to KoboToolbox platform and functions

GPS Fundamentals

Knowledge on point data, GPS coordinates, and survey forms

Live Examples

Real-time form creation, deployment, and data submission

Hands-on Session

Practical field data collection for EPI centers

Conclusion

Group discussion, challenge identification, and Q&A

DHIS2 Logo

From DHIS2 orgunit UID & orgname extracted and stored in the database for integration with geo-database

KoboToolbox Logo

Outreach Center Geodata Collected from field as per detail microplan and session plan.

CSV Logo

After integration DHIS2 and Kobo Data, Outreach center Geodata Preparation is complete

Crowd Mapping

Participatory boundary definition with frontline health workers

What is Crowd Mapping?

Crowd Mapping is the crucial participatory process used to define service delivery boundaries by interpreting the local, on-the-ground knowledge of frontline health workers.

Objective of Crowd Mapping

Precisely define Ward and Sub-block boundaries on a map using local knowledge and identifiable features.

Output Structure
1

Union → 3 Wards

Each Union divided for supervision

2

Ward → 8 Sub-Blocks

Further granular division

Final: 24 Sub-Blocks per Union

(3 Wards × 8 Sub-Blocks)

Crowd mapping session with frontline workers

Union Wise Map Preparation

For Districts

Union Wise Map Preparation

Detailed map preparation at Union level for rural areas, ensuring all geographic features are accurately represented.

Zone Wise Map Preparation

For City Corporations

Zone Wise Map Preparation

Specialized map preparation for urban areas, focusing on zone-based divisions in city corporation areas.

Tools used for Mapping & Data Collection:

  • QGIS
  • ODK
  • KML/KMZ
  • Printed Map and Marker

Data Source of Map:

  • Administrative Boundary: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS 2011)
  • Basemap: Google Hybrid
  • EPI Geolocation: Field Survey

Coordinate System Used:

  • Projection: GCS WGS 1984
  • Datum: WGS 1984
  • Unit: Degree

Verification Process Flow

Output of Map Verification

Finalized Union Boundaries
Verified EPI Center GPS Coordinates
Final Count of Outreach Center in a Union/Ward

Map Description: Bold black lines indicate ward boundaries, and each ward is divided into 8 sub-blocks denoted by narrow black lines.

1
Start with Union

Begin the mapping process at the Union administrative level.

2
Divide Each Union into 3 Wards

A Ward boundary in EPI refers to a subdivision of a Union, created for the purpose of health service delivery management, especially for EPI session planning and supervision.

3
Demarcate Each Ward into 8 Sub-blocks

A Sub-block is the smallest operational geographic unit used in the EPI microplanning system. It represents a cluster of households or population segment that falls under the service area of a specific EPI outreach center.

Key Considerations
  • Major rivers have not been included in service areas
  • All other areas including vacant land, agricultural land, forest land, and haor areas have been considered
  • No sub-blocks exist in City Corporation areas

Final Result: Each Union contains 3 Wards, with each Ward divided into 8 Sub-blocks, creating a total of 24 sub-blocks per Union for comprehensive micro-planning coverage.

GIS Database Preparation

Converting field data into digital Geographic Information System

Step 1: Scanning of Lined Maping

Digitize hand-drawn maps from community mapping sessions into scanned format for GIS processing.

Step 2: Georeferencing Scanned Map in GIS Platform

Align scanned maps with real-world coordinates using control points in GIS software.

Step 3: Digitization of Ward and Sub-block Boundary

Create digital vector boundaries for administrative divisions with proper topology and attributes.

Step 4: Cross Check with Microplan

Validate digitized data against existing microplanning records for accuracy and completeness.

Step 5: Integrate BBS Geocode to the GIS Data

Add Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics geocodes to enable administrative data integration.

Step 6: Integrate orgunit UID with GIS Database

Link DHIS organization unit identifiers to GIS features for seamless data synchronization.

GIS Database Components

Four primary layers in the geodatabase

Updated Union Boundary

Verified administrative boundaries

Ward Boundary

Supervisory divisions

Sub-blocks Boundary

Service delivery areas

Accurate EPI Locations

GPS coordinates of EPI centers

Georeferencing Process

Scanned maps from crowd mapping sessions are georeferenced in GIS software, ensuring spatial accuracy and alignment with actual geographic coordinates.

Georeferencing Scan Map on GIS Interface

Georeferencing Scan Map on GIS Interface

GIS Based Digitization of Field Data

Field data is digitized into distinct layers, creating a comprehensive multi-layered geographic database for analysis and visualization.

Mapping the Layer of Field Data

Mapping the Layer of Field Data

ETL Processing

Extract, Transform, and Load data for seamless integration

What is ETL Processing?

ETL Processing stands for Extract, Transform, Load — a standard data engineering process used to move and prepare data for analysis.

Purpose of ETL

Enable API-driven integration and standardization of nationwide immunization data from DHIS2 and OpenSRP. The ETL process systematically extracts, cleans, and transforms heterogeneous datasets—including administrative boundaries, vaccination coverage, dropout rates, and zero-dose tracking—into a centralized geospatial database for accurate GIS visualization, real-time monitoring, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Extract

Automated data extraction via REST APIs (DHIS2 Analytics, KoBo REST API v2), geospatial file parsing (Shapefile, GeoJSON, KML), and scheduled batch imports. Implements OAuth 2.0 authentication, rate limiting, and incremental sync protocols with error handling and retry mechanisms for data integrity.

Transform

Geospatial normalization (WGS84 coordinate system), topological validation, attribute mapping, and data quality checks (null handling, duplicate detection, geocoding validation). Executes spatial joins, buffer analysis, polygon aggregation, and calculates coverage metrics (Penta-1, zero-dose indicators) using FME Workbench, GDAL/OGR libraries, and PostGIS spatial functions with Apache Airflow orchestration.

Load

Upsert operations into PostgreSQL/PostGIS data warehouse with spatial indexing (R-tree, GiST). Implements transaction management, referential integrity checks, and optimized bulk loading. Creates materialized views for aggregated metrics, enables real-time dashboard queries, and maintains audit trails for data lineage.

Data Integration Sources
GIS-Based Crowd Map Data

Comprehensive administrative boundaries from Division to Sub-block level with integrated DHIS2/OpenSRP UID and BBS Geocode mapping

EPI Performance Analytics

Real-time vaccination coverage tracking: Total Children (0-11 months), complete immunization records for BCG, Penta 1/2/3, and MR 1/2 vaccines

Microplan Intelligence

Strategic population demographics (Total Population, Children 0-11m & 11-15m, Women 15-49 years), Outreach Center infrastructure (location, personnel, logistics), yearly session planning, HA/Vaccinator team assignments

Dynamic Session Planning

Monthly immunization session schedules cascading from Sub-block to District level for optimized service delivery

ETL Output

Normalized PostGIS geodatabase with DHIS2 UID foreign keys, WGS84 (EPSG:4326) geometry columns, and spatial indexes for optimal query performance

Validated EPI performance metrics (Penta-1 coverage, DPT dropout rates, zero-dose children counts) with completeness scores and data quality flags

Integrated multi-scale boundary layers (administrative hierarchies) with health facility point geometries, catchment polygons

ETL Tools & Technologies
PostgreSQL

Spatial database management

PHP, Laravel

Backend

DHIS2/OPENSRP

Data Validation

REST API

API Integration

Geo-enabled Dashboard Development

Microplanning and daily vaccination reporting platform

GIS Dashboard Features Overview

Bangladesh boundary
Geographic Coverage

District and City Corporation data included

Time Period Selection

Year and month can be changed interactively

Dynamic Filtering

From Division to Sub-block level filter options

Vaccine Selection

Filter between BCG, Penta-1/2/3, MR-1, and MR-2

Map Visualization

Multi-layer interactive mapping with various view options:

OpenStreet Map Hybrid View Satellite Imagery
Target Population

Total targeted children displayed based on filter selection

Vaccination Status

Vaccinated children count updates dynamically

Performance Analysis

Administrative unit-wise performance table showing top and low performers (<90% coverage)

Visual Analytics

Target vs. vaccinated cumulative graph by filter and vaccine, month-wise

Coverage Monitoring

Vaccine coverage and dropout monitoring by administrative unit

e-SITR Dashboard
Micro-plan Module

From the Micro-plan menu user can see the Detailed Microplan of the selected Administrative Unit (Division to Sub-block)

Microplan tables
Session Plan Module

Plan and manage vaccination sessions with optimal scheduling, location selection, and resource management.

  • Session scheduling and calendar management
  • Venue selection based on geographic data
  • Team deployment and logistics coordination
  • Vaccine and cold chain equipment planning
Session Plan
Zero Dose Dashboard

Track and reach unvaccinated children

Track and reach zero-dose children (those who have not received Penta-1 vaccine) to ensure complete immunization coverage. Zero Dose is calculated as: (Target − Penta 1 Covered) = Zero Dose.

Map Symbology (4 Categories)

  • ≤ 0% – Green
  • >0% – ≤5% – Light Green
  • >5% – ≤15% – Orange
  • ≥ 15% – Red
Session Plan

Output GIS Dashboard

Major Outputs & Capabilities

Defined Ward and Sub-block Boundary

Precise administrative boundaries mapped for effective micro-planning and resource allocation

Way to Identify EPI Performance Across Country

Comprehensive performance tracking and analysis across all administrative levels nationwide

Identification of Outreach and Fixed Center Location

Strategic mapping of vaccination centers and outreach points for optimal service delivery

Scheduling Vaccination Plan According to Session Plan for All

Coordinated scheduling and planning for comprehensive vaccination coverage