This document provides an overview of the application of geographic information system (GIS) technology in emergency response management. The paper begins by defining thematic terms such as risk, disaster, and emergency. Emergencies and emergency management phases are subdivided into types and defined in preparation for the positioning of these concepts within a GIS framework. GIS is then introduced in the emergency management planning context. The author notes that emergency planning has historically been reactive, with procedures being developed in response to a catastrophic event. GIS’ spatial modeling capability enables users to plan proactively, allowing planners to anticipate emergency needs prior to the event’s occurrence. The planning, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of emergency management are addressed in separate sections. The authors explain the manner in which data is gathered, utilized, and displayed for each phase, offering practical applications for public safety and property protection. The technology is applicable to both short-term and long-term management phases, with the capacity to facilitate the planning of reconstruction projects years following the event’s occurrence. Efficient emergency management requires a wealth of detailed and current data. Its management is a demanding task, as large data sets must be continuously updated. GIS provides a unifying mechanism to facilitate the processing of multiple data sets compiled from multiple sources. Placement of the data within a GIS framework allows different branches of the emergency management community to access this data and view it in a geo-spatial context. Analyses can be generated and displayed as maps, charts, or text. This is a powerful, yet user-friendly tool that can process data quickly and clearly—a substantial benefit when time is of the essence and not everyone possesses the same skill set.
GIS
Remote Sensing
Introduction p. 1; Terms Defined p. 1; General Types of Emergencies p. 1; Emergency Management Phases p. 2; GIS—The Foundation for Emergency Management p. 3; Planning p. 3; Mitigation p. 4; Preparedness p. 4; Response p. 4; Recovery p. 5; Short-Term Recovery p. 5; Long-Term Recovery p. 5; Summary p. 6