HLS 6070 DF2: Emergency Management and Geographic Information Systems

Emergency Management and Geographic Information Systems 
HLS 6070 DF2
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In a scenario where there is an earthquake in another country, the officials asked with data mining, remote sensing and GIS would be responsible for the operation. Better mapping approaches are associated with improved imagery accuracy and damage assessment (Vu & Ban, 2010). However, the success of the operation also depends on collaboration with the American personnel, and as a GIS team leader I would coordinate activities with the officials of the other country. This helps to assess the needs of the local communities after the earthquake disaster, with assessment of buildings and the surrounding areas (Bardet & Liu, 2010). Additionally, a team of scientists and engineers works closely with the local officials to improve coordination.
Information on past risk assessment and images prior to the disaster would be valuable for disaster management, and disseminating relevant data and information when required improves response (Bengtsson et al., 2011). Images complied by relevant authorities prior and after the earthquake, and those taken from satellites help in compiling a new data set. Information on map analysis is also important to determine population risk, from the low risk to the high risk areas (Liu et al., 2011). Even as areas near the epicenter suffer the greatest, those with high population density and poorly constructed houses also have higher death rates.
The mapping team is responsible for collecting information on the survivors t...