Taiyuan, capital city of northern Shanxi province, launched an online map of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic on Feb 11, according to local officials.

They said the online map dynamically displays confirmed cases in the city, the location of their homes and travel itineraries and nearby fever clinics. People can scan the QR code with their mobile phones to view the map.

The map was drawn up with the technical support of a geographic big data startup – Beijing GeoHey Information Technology. 

The company, together with the Taiyuan big data application bureau, Taiyuan health commission and Taiyuan planning and natural resources bureau, jointly launched the initiative. 

Officials said the aim is that the public, especially returnees who have returned to the city for work, will be able to keep abreast of the epidemic situation and take proactive precautions to prevent it from spreading further.