Preparedness for Visualization in the Next Pandemic

This article discusses considerations on how visualization can be best positioned to help respond to future pandemics. We examine visualization, along with the corresponding and necessary enabling technologies and platforms, as a tool to facilitate a rapid and effective response to a forthcoming pandemic. We consider challenges in terms of an infrastructure supporting world-wide response, corresponding training and stakeholder engagement, integration of future technologies, and appraisal of such systems. Finally, we discuss how addressing these challenges also helps emergency response beyond infectious diseases.