ToxPi*GIS Toolkit: Creating, viewing, and sharing integrative visualizations for geospatial data using ArcGIS
Authors: Fleming Jonathon , Marvel Skylar W. , Motsinger-Reif Alison A. , Reif David M. 
Published: October 2021

Background

Presenting a comprehensive picture of geographic data comprising multiple factors is an inherently integrative undertaking. Visualizing such data in an interactive form is essential for public sharing and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. The Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi) framework has been used as an integrative model layered atop geospatial data, and its deployment within the dynamic ArcGIS universe would open up powerful new avenues for sophisticated, interactive GIS analysis.

Objective

We propose an actively developed suite of software, the ToxPi*GIS Toolkit, for creating, viewing, sharing, and analyzing interactive ToxPi figures in ArcGIS.

Methods

The ToxPi*GIS Toolkit is a collection of methods for creating interactive feature layers that contain ToxPi diagrams. It currently includes an ArcGIS Toolbox (ToxPiToolbox.tbx) for drawing geographically located ToxPi diagrams onto a feature layer, a collection of modular Python scripts that create predesigned layer files containing ToxPi feature layers from the command line, and a collection of Python routines for useful data manipulation and preprocessing. We present workflows documenting ToxPi feature layer creation, sharing, and embedding for both novice and advanced users looking for additional customizability.

Results

Map visualizations created with the ToxPi*GIS Toolkit can be made freely available on public URLs, allowing users without ArcGIS Pro access or expertise to view and interact with them. Novice users with ArcGIS Pro access can create de novo custom maps, and advanced users can exploit additional customization options. The ArcGIS Toolbox provides a simple means for generating ToxPi feature layers. We illustrate its usage with current COVID-19 data to compare drivers of pandemic vulnerability in counties across the United States.

Significance

Development of new features, which will advance the interests of the scientific community in many fields, is ongoing for the ToxPi*GIS Toolkit, which can be accessed from www.toxpi.org.

Impact Statement

Presenting a comprehensive picture of geographic data comprising multiple factors is an inherently integrative undertaking. Visualizing this data in an interactive form is essential for public sharing and geographic analysis. The ToxPi framework provides such integration, and ArcGIS offers interactive geographic mapping capability, but, so far, producing ToxPi figures in ArcGIS maps has not been possible. We propose the ToxPi*ArcGIS Toolkit, which enables the generation of ArcGIS feature layers that include interactive ToxPi figures. Further, we document the living code repository created for this method and outline workflows for sharing, creating, and embedding maps within a web dashboard.

Availability and Implementation

All applications, usage instructions, sample data, example visualizations, and open-source code are freely available from a dedicated GitHub page linked from www.toxpi.org. ArcGIS Pro can be obtained at https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-pro/overview.