Hazard Mapping and Modeling

1. Supporting Emergency Response Operations using GIS and Modeling Hazard Mapping and Modeling Session 13

2. Objectives • Explain the development and use of GIS and modeling in supporting emergency response operations. • Identify and explain what spatial information and tools are needed in Emergency Response • Explain the organizational requirements for GIS support in emergency operations Session 13

3. Development of GIS in Modeling Emergency Response Operations • GIS has been used by state emergency management agencies in disaster response since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. • Remote sensing has been used during the last few years by state and local agencies. • Maps are a key element in communicating complex data for decision making and for public information • Data was provided to state and local agencies in support of emergency response activities following September 11, 2001. • Examples include Airborne LIDAR and high resolution images. Session 13

4. GIS Applications in Supporting Emergency Response Operations Include: • Hazard detection • Identifying vulnerabilities • Determining critical needs in the aftermath of disasters • Developing evacuation routes • Damage assessment mapping • Risk perception and communication. Session 13

5. Ad Hoc Solutions to Collect Remote Sensing Data • The solution for effective collection, analysis and use of remotely sensed data for emergency response, cleanup and recovery from a hazard event is a loosely structured and ad hoc approach. • The structure for acquiring and using mapping and modeling data unfolds as the event develops. • The window of opportunity for emergency response is very short and roughly 72 hours. Session 13

6. Displaying GIS Information for Emergency Operations • Disaster forecasting showing the extent and the areas to be impacted by a disaster • Vulnerability analysis examining information on critical sites (hospitals, shelters, dams, or other critical facilities for a potential disaster). • Damage assessments showing actual impacts • Personnel resources including the contact information, location and potential use of resources. • Resource inventory providing vital information for supplies, equipment and other items necessary in an emergency response. • Critical infrastructure (transportation, utilities, medical and other vital sites for emergency response and recovery). • Mass care and shelters Session 13

7. Geospatial Data is Needed in the Following Applications • Event mapping (prediction and warning) • Response coordination and resource allocation • Damage assessment • Environmental monitoring • Risk assessment • Risk Communication • Relief and resource locations • Identification of vulnerable populations • Lifeline status • Evacuation efforts and status of transportation routes Session 13

8. Spatial Information Tools and Technology in Emergency Response • Widely available at the state and local levels Session 13

9. Question • What type of geo-spatial data is needed in emergency response? • Transportation infrastructure (accurate street and road coverage with street names and address ranges) • Landcover (land-use classifications) • Terrain (high resolution USGS DEM using LIDAR) • Hydrography • Local parcel data with land-use classifications and addresses • Demographic information including distribution Session 13

10. Question • How can the data be obtained to support emergency response activities? • Planning and obtaining data prior to a disaster is critical. • Other jurisdictions should be contacted for data layers appropriate for emergency response. • FEMA will provide data to state and local jurisdictions as part of the overall emergency response. Session 13

11. Emergency Impact Data (collected immediately following the disaster event) • Weather conditions • Flood inundation or nature and extent of the hazard event • Status of lifelines and other critical infrastructure (utilities, transportation networks, levees & dams) • Damage to buildings, critical property, environmental impacts Session 13

12. Time Expectancy of Spatial Data • Much of the data is needed within 24 hours of the disaster event • In place monitoring is critical to data collection • Remote sensing imaging is needed immediately Session 13

13. Sources of Remote Sensing Data • Digital Globe (Quickbird) • Image America • SPOT • IKONOS • Radarsat • MODIS • AVHRR • Landsat • LIDAR from public and private providers Session 13

14. Uses of Remote Sensing Data • Define the nature and extent of the risk zone • Weather conditions • Crop, vegetation, building and other environmental damage • Status of lifelines • Debris characteristics Session 13

15. Barriers to Using Remote Sensing Data • Price • Accuracy of the data • Spatial resolution • Time to collect and process the data • Technical skills of users Session 13

16. Barriers to Utilizing Real Time Modeling in Disaster Response • Processing time of the program • Complexity of data input • Technical skills required of the program • Spatial resolution of the model outputs • Accuracy of the model results (limited if any model verification) • Price of the modeling program Session 13

17. Successful Applications of GIS and Modeling Technologies • Baseline data must be current and available • Personnel must be trained • Software must be integrated • Up-to-date computers • Facilitate sharing of digital information Session 13

18. Question • What advantages do outside providers bring to emergency responses that a designated staff member might provide over designating an internal staff member? Session 13

19. Question • What types of organizational structure are needed for effective use of GIS in emergency response? Session 13