NCJ Number
198339
Date Published
2002
Length
154 pages
Annotation
This handbook provides a survey of the uses of GIS technology for effectively planning and implementing emergency responses to disastrous situations.
Abstract
The author explains that GIS technology is uniquely equipped for visualizing an emergency or disaster situation. GIS technology allows disaster management teams to accurately view the physical geography of a disastrous event in order to assess the situation and respond in the most effective manner. As such, this handbook is designed to provide readers with a survey of how GIS is used around the country to manage emergency situations. It is designed for many different audiences, not just emergency response personnel. The author explains that equipping emergency response personnel with new technology has been an uphill battle. One goal of the handbook is to help legislators and managers learn new ways to protect their communities with GIS technology. Chapter one illustrates how GIS technology can be used for the identification of emergency situations and for the planning of emergency responses. Being able to see a real map of any disastrous situation goes a long way toward assessing the most effective response. Chapter two focuses on how GIS technology can help assess which type of mitigation measures will most effectively reduce the hazards involved in any situation. The author illustrates these capabilities by recalling a case in California in which GIS technology helped create an emergency fire plan. Chapters three and four focus on preparedness and response, respectively. The author shows how GIS technology is useful for detailing specific information about the geography of a disaster. This type of information is important for emergency personnel who must put themselves in the middle of hazardous conditions in order to save the lives of others. Knowing exactly where hazards exist may save time and lives. Finally, chapter five illustrates the usefulness of GIS technology in various types of recovery efforts. Appendix A outlines how GIS technology helps overcome the challenges in emergency response and preparedness when people enter hazardous environments. Appendix B provides a listing of spatial data layers and appendix C outlines the 5-year general strategies of the FIRESCOPE Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Information Technology Group (GISSIT).