HLS 6070 DF8 Initial

Hurricane Katrina Name Institution of affiliation Date GIS played an integral part in the response phase of Hurricane Katrina. This essay examines lessons learned by GIS team; things they would have done in advance as well as GIS capabilities they would have used to compact Hurricane Katrina. The best practice lessons learned by GIS specialists in their experience with Hurricane Katrina include: * The need to ensure continuity of operations Vital datasets stored got lost on computers that were left behind during the evacuation or flooded with water. Data was not only affected by flooded computer but was also confronted by logistical issues. * Managing operations The GIS desk was one of the most chaotic desks in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This lead to an unfavorable environment for mapmaking, mainly because maps were sent to the same plotters and printers and used by the entire team involved in the rescue operation, and thus resulting in a backlog. This situation made it hard to respond to sensitive needs of the Search and Rescue teams (DeCapua, 2007). * Building partnerships Building partnerships before the disaster with relevant bodies proved to be vital. Building collaboration between GIS specialists in various governmental agencies, in the private sector and universities, was key since it enabled sharing of available information and technologies. Wherein the capabilities GIS seemed infinite; there were areas whose enhancements would have improve...