Emergency management programs depend on data from various sources which are collected, and analyzed. Most emergency data requirements are of spatial nature therefore Geographic Information System (GIS) is a much needed tool. It gives the ability compile information regarding area population, infrastructure, and geographical characteristics from many sources. GIS plays a vital role in the management of disasters with its flexibility and applications. Information involving the damage done during a disaster can be uploaded and applied to preexisting files to analyze and determine a number of factors. These factors include but are not limited to cost, type and degree of damage, kinds of help needed, and reconstruction efforts.
GIS is playing a major role in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill event occuring in the Gulf of Mexico. Maps have been created to show the area of the spill and predictions of what areas are likely to be impacted next. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is able to determine where to use booms, barriers and skimmers in order to contain and store the spilled oil until it can be disposed of properly. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is working on a Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) which is used to help establish the type and amount of rehabilitation needed to compensate the public due to the of the oil spill. These are just a few of many ways GIS is being used in this man made catastrophe.
Nice summary.
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