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An assessment of geo-information use during the 2005 Kashmir earthquake response and recommendations to improve future use
Abstract
The destructive effects of disasters on vulnerable populations will continue to increase as global inhabitants grow in numbers and occupy marginal, often hazard-prone areas. Recent experience has shown that there is a gap between available Geographic Information System technologies and geo-information management tools and their employment during disaster response operations. The goal of this paper is to examine and critique the use of geo-information and related technologies in the Kashmir earthquake of October 2005, discuss what researchers have done to address this topic and make recommendations for improving future geo-information accessibility. This paper draws on observations from the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and available literature to examine impediments to operational geo-information management and utilisation during that relief effort. The paper concludes with recommendations on how to increase the accessibility of geo-information to a diverse group of users and better manage geo-information during future disaster response efforts.
... In earthquake disaster management, implementing the programs in the shortest possible time could result in expected outcomes by the programmers [2]. Considering the characteristics of an earthquake such as sudden occurrence which result in a large number of victims and short golden time for rescue, rapid intervention plans for search and rescue operation is a must [3]. ...
Background: Short golden time is important to save the injured in earthquake and to start
search and rescue (SAR) operation as soon as possible in affected regions. This study evaluated
application of geographic information system (GIS) for SAR operation in Rigan Town, Kerman
Province, which was hit by an earthquake of 6.3 Richter scale on December 12, 2010 at 22:12.
Materials and Methods: A GIS-based decision-making system with 99 information layers
was used to manage the operations in this earthquake. Decisions were made by using available
information layers and a proportional scenario. The scenario was designed based on depth
and intensity of the earthquake. All residential areas within the radius of 20 km from the
epicenter were defined in emergency operation center (EOC) to be considered by SAR teams.
Accordingly, SAR teams were called and dispatched to the affected area quickly. They were
guiding using radio navigation.
Results: The subsequent assessment on 25, 30, and 40 km buffers showed that there was no
need to increase the field of search and rescue. Field managers were supported with provided
information about affected people and villages, structural context of buildings, distribution
of operational equipments, manpower, resources, and access roads. All of this updated
information was provided by designed GIS.
Conclusion: Although the earthquake happened at 22:12 in a rural region with scattered
population and 250 km far from decision-making center, the search and rescue operation was
completed in the shortest possible time at 2:30 morning, next day.
Emergency management in transnational contexts can be a challenging endeavour. Cultural and language differences among multiple countries can hinder the exchange of information during dynamic emergency response. With increasing international threats and the explosion of near real-time data availability, the emergency response process has become mired in complex communication practices. Maps have the potential to provide an intuitive medium for communication and means for establishing situation awareness during emergency events. The development of map symbol standards is one method for improving communication efficiency. This paper evaluates how the design of two national emergency management map symbol sets (American ANSI and Canadian EMS) influences map-readers' conception of represented information.
This paper focuses on lessons learned from the disaster response to the Kashmir earthquake of 8 October 2005. It explores the factors that created a vulnerable environment for the creation of a catastrophe through Alexander's six-point typology of disaster vulnerability. The review of the disaster response will focus on the reasons behind chaotic relief assistance provision and poor sustenance of populations in winter conditions, as well as exploring the framework of international response, and the role of the army, voluntarism and co-ordination issues. Having reviewed the relief response, based on cross-cultural experiences, the paper then makes projections on possible challenges and issues that may emerge in the reconstruction process.
Geospatial information systems (GIS) provide a central infrastructure for computer supported crisis management in terms of database, analytical models and visualization tools, but the user interfaces of such systems are still hard to use, and do not address the special needs of crisis managers who often work in teams and make judgments and decisions under stress. This paper articulates the overall challenges for effective GIS interfaces to support crisis management in three dimensions: immediacy, relevancy, and sharing. These three requirements are addressed by an integrated approach, taking a human-GIS interaction perspective. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, we cite our prototype system, DAVE_G (Dialogue-Assisted Visual Environment for Geoinformaton), as an example. DAVE_G uses a large screen display to create a shared workspace among team members, and allows risk managers to interact with a GIS through natural multimodal (speech/gesture) dialogues. This work highlights the design challenges and the required technical innovations towards the goal of making geographical information accessible to crisis management teams.
Google Earth (GE) and related open geospatial technologies have changed both the accessibility of and audience for geospatial
information dramatically. Through data rich applications with easy to use interfaces, these technologies bring personalized
geospatial information directly to the non-specialist. When coupled with open geospatial data standards, such as Web Map Services
(WMS), Web Features Services (WFS), and GeoRSS, the resulting web-based technologies have the potential to assimilate heterogeneous
data from distributed sources rapidly enough to support time-critical activities such as crisis response. Although the ability
to view and interact with data in these environments is important, this functionality alone is not sufficient for the demands
of crisis response activity. For example, GE’s standard version currently lacks geoanalysis capabilities such as geographic
buffering and topology functions. In this paper, we present development of the “Google Earth Dashboard” (GED), a web-based
interface powered by open geospatial standards and designed for supplementing and enhancing the geospatial capabilities of
GE. The GED allows users to create custom maps through WMS layer addition to GE and perform traditional GIS analysis functions.
Utility of the GED is presented in a usecase scenario where GIS operations implemented to work with GE are applied to support
crisis management activities. The GED represents an important first step towards combining the ubiquity of GE and geospatial
standards into an easy-to-use, data rich, geo-analytically powerful environment that can support crisis management activity.
The effective management of disasters requires providing relevant and right information to the concerned decision makers. By its nature, disaster management involves multiple actors and organizations, potentially implying a significant volume of geospatial data coming from heterogeneous and autonomous geospatial data sources. Integration of these data sources is difficult not only because of the semantic heterogeneity of data but also because of the dynamic nature of the reality that is studied. The dynamic aspect of the reality has a direct impact in the conceptualisation of such a reality by adding different event categories to the domain ontology, thus making more complicated to apply existing methods for the mapping and integration
of ontologies. In this article, we highlight some problems of heterogeneity that complicate the integration of ontologies composed of objects and events concepts; we also propose a similarity model designed to support mapping of these ontologies.
Increasing numbers of natural disasters and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, air crashes, etc.,
have posed a challenge to the public and demonstrated the importance of disaster management. The success of disaster management,
amongst all, largely depends on finding and successfully integrating related information to make decisions during the response
phase. This information ranges from existing data to operational data. Most of this information is geographically related
and therefore when discussing integration of information for disaster management response, we often refer to the integration
of geo-information. Current efforts to integrate geo-information have been restricted to keyword-basedmatching Spatial Information
Infrastructure (SII, may also known as Spatial Data Infrastructure). However, the semantic interoperability challenge is still
underestimated. One possible way to deal with the problem is the use of ontology to reveal the implicit and hidden knowledge.
This paper presents an approach for ontology development and ontology architecture, which can be used for emergency response.
Helping organizations to marshal, analyze, discuss, and act on all of the available information about a situation playing out over space and time is a critical problem. GeoWorlds (http://www.isi.edu/geoworlds) is a component-based information management system that addresses this issue. It brings together information analysis, retrieval and collaboration tools and integrates digital library, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensor data management technologies. It provides three key services: 1) rapidly assembling a custom repository of geographic information about a region, 2) bi-directionally linking it to collections of document-based information from the World-Wide Web, and 3) monitoring real-time sensor data for information that might change conclusions or decisions formed on the basis of this rich information set. GeoWorlds framework enables synchronous and asynchronous collaboration over finding, filtering, organizing and visualizing the needed information.
Open Source Web GIS software systems have reached a stage of maturity, sophistication, robustness and stability, and usability and user friendliness rivalling that of commercial, proprietary GIS and Web GIS server products. The Open Source Web GIS community is also actively embracing OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) standards, including WMS (Web Map Service). WMS enables the creation of Web maps that have layers coming from multiple different remote servers/sources. In this article we present one easy to implement Web GIS server solution that is based on the Open Source University of Minnesota (UMN) MapServer. By following the accompanying step-by-step tutorial instructions, interested readers running mainstream Microsoft(R) Windows machines and with no prior technical experience in Web GIS or Internet map servers will be able to publish their own health maps on the Web and add to those maps additional layers retrieved from remote WMS servers. The 'digital Asia' and 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami experiences in using free Open Source Web GIS software are also briefly described.
This paper considers the use and development of geographical information systems (GIS) in helping to reduce the impact of natural hazards. After a brief survey of the diversity of such hazards, an attempt is made to review what has been written in the past, a task made difficult by the wide range of interests involved. The review shows that, within the GIS field proper, relatively little has been published and that, within the disciplines studying natural hazards, few papers describe operational systems that are applied routinely, four examples of which are summarised. The limitations of existing GIS are then considered, with particular reference to the availability and deficiencies of the data on which hazard mitigation must depend, the limited functionality of current GIS, the failure to consider adequately the needs of inexpert users, and infrastructural deficiencies. Ways in which these limitations could be removed are then discussed, with particular reference to the needs of developing countries.
The geographical and temporal patterns of disasters are first described and then considered in terms of the underpinnings and causes of human vulnerability. These include population increase, marginalization, the militarization of vulnerable societies, the politicization of aid, the accumulation of capital goods, and the dual role of technology as a source of both vulnerability and mitigation. Some of the bases of theory in hazards studies are reviewed and considered in the light of the development gap in mitigation — the wide gulf between the vulnerability of industrialized and least developed countries. The phenomenon of disaster is considered theoretically in terms of its fundamental dimensions: time, space, magnitude and intensity. Finally, the various disciplinary contributions to disaster studies are assessed and compared. Reasons are given for practitioners’ reluctance to undertake interdisciplinary work.
Spatial data and related technologies, particularly Geographical Information System (GIS) with the capability of display, retrieval, analysis and management of spatial data, have proven crucial for disaster management. However, there are currently different problems with availability, access and usage of spatial data for disaster management. The problems with spatial data become more serious during disaster response in which reliable and up-to-date spatial data describing current emergency situation are required for planning, decision-making, and coordination of activities. It is suggested that by having an effective and efficient spatial data framework and institutional arrangements and through cooperative efforts of involved organizations in disaster response for spatial data production and then sharing these data, it is possible to have required information, always available and accessible for use. In this respect, Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) can provide an appropriate environment for influencing participation of organizations in spatial data production process and sharing. Meanwhile, web-based GIS can provide appropriate tool for data entry and sharing as well as data analysis to support decision-making.
This paper aims to describe development of a web-based GIS using SDI framework for disaster response. It is argued that the design and implementation of an SDI model and consideration of SDI development factors and issues, together with development of a web-based GIS, can assist disaster management agencies to improve the quality of their decision-making and increase efficiency and effectiveness in all levels of disaster management activities. The paper is based on an ongoing research project on the development of an SDI conceptual model and a prototype web-based system which can facilitate sharing, access and usage of spatial data in disaster management, particularly disaster response.
Ii~ spite of structural and organization reform of the umanitarian system over the past decade, the United Nations has not been uniformly successful in ensuring delivery of an effective, reliable, and well-coordinated response in the field. This fact has been evident in the UN response both to complex humanitarian emergencies (e.g., in the Sudan), and to natural disasters such as the tsunami and the more recent South Asia earthquake. By mid-2005, UN reform activities had resulted in a new cluster-sectoral approach to be employed in all new emergencies. If successful, it would subsequently be implemented at the global level. The objective of the new approach was to ensure sufficient capacity and coverage for all relevant sectors during the three crucial phases of emergency: response, relief, and recovery. Some months later, the South Asia earthquake occurred and it was decided to test the efficacy of the new approach in the field~espite the lack of two crucial elements: a clear implementation plan and the incorporation of lessons learned from previous earthquakes relative to coordinating relief efforts in the field. We outline both the events that occurred after the October 8, 2005 earthquake and the complex response to this human tragedy. We review recent efforts to improve UN response to humanitarian disasters and describe the application of the new cluster-sectoral approach to the South Asia disaster. We then ask the critical question, "Did the cluster approach improve coordination?" and discuss the reasons for its limited success. The limitations of the new approach can be found in two main areas: problems inherent to the cluster-sectoral approach and, by extension, to the UN; and political and geographic factors particular to Pakistan. Where possible, we have made comparisons between the new approach and UN humanitarian assistance coordination efforts in previous earthquakes.
Disaster management, by its very nature, is spatially oriented, and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies promise to revolutionize the field. This analysis examines the major issues in the utilization of GIS in managing disasters and recommends strategies to facilitate and increase its use. The principal focus is on assuring that local GIS capabilities are expanded and maintained, that spatial data are available in forms useful to other users, and that local GIS resources be developed collaboratively. The experience with Hurricane Andrew is used to demonstrate both the importance of GIS to disaster management and the development of GIS capabilities. Keywords: Federal Geographic Data Committee, geographic information systems, National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, National Spatial Data Infrastructure, North Carolina Multi-Agency GIS Initiative, Spatial Data Transfer Standard.
Complex emergencies continue to pose a significant challenge to the international community. Geographic information systems (GIS) offer those involved in planning for and responding to complex emergencies an analytically powerful information management tool for georeferenced data. The article discusses GIS‐based programmes in Kosovo, as well as potential applications for response coordination, rapid provision of basic needs and public security, political dialogue, human rights, and sustained economic development.
This paper describes a scenario-based, table-top exercise which was given to a variety of postgraduate university classes in emergency preparedness and to some groups of trainee disaster managers. Participants in the exercise were asked to draw maps of a developing crisis situation and suggest a set of tactics for managing it. The results were analysed using theories of cognitive mapping. They showed that seven distinct kinds of map emerged from the sample of 67 collected. These were labelled well-defined, systematic, emblematic, ill-defined (cryptic), compressed, diagrammatic (ideographic) and mirror image. About 60 per cent of the maps depicted the majority of the elements, while the remaining 40 per cent were lacking in detail to varying degrees. The cognitive maps therefore introduced distortions into the representation of elements, and these were negatively correlated with the abilities, experience, knowledge and training of their authors, as manifested by their other work in the classroom. The extraordinary variety of perceptions of space and place during emergencies has considerable implications for how such events are managed during the crisis phase.
Geographical information systems (GIS) have been widely used in emergency operation centre (EOC) for modeling, spatial decision-making
and map distribution. However, the collapse of EOC itself, for example the destroyed EOC in the World Trade Centre on September
11, 2001 and the Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana had inevitably delayed the emergency response. Although virtual EOC (VEOC)
provides partial solutions to this problem, most of the VEOC software products are limited in providing real-time collaboration
and coordination using GIS tools. This paper presents the results of a research project, aiming at providing such collaborative
GIS software tools over the Internet for the VEOC. The prototype software adopts a semi-replicated and distributed architecture
and is deployed over Internet. Several collaborative tools such as telepointer, radar view, participant list and action status,
chat and video are designed to support participant’s awareness and collaboration. Using these tools, emergency personals,
experts and government agencies at all levels and dispersed all over the country can share not only data sources but also
the views, GIS modelling or process, even work environments hosted in a EOC or several EOCs, so that everyone with access
privilege can evaluate the critical situations at the same time without physically present in the operations centre.
The increased interest for categorising countries at risk calls for an improved methodology allowing comparison of natural hazard impacts at a global level. A disaster is the intersection between a hazardous event, the elements at risk (population, infrastructures) and their vulnerability. In order to associate reported impacts with affected elements and socio-economic or geophysical contextual parameters, geographical location and extent of hazards is needed. The scope of this paper is to present improved automated procedures for a rapid mapping of large disastrous hazard events (floods, earthquakes, cyclones and volcanoes) using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and available global datasets. Up to 82% of the events and 88% of the reported victims could be geo-referenced and the results highlight both the potentialities and limitations of the methods applied.
Societal responses to disasters begin with the initial post-event rescue and relief operations, followed by recovery, reconstruction, and then transcend into mitigation actions including the development of pre-impact preparedness measures, collectively known as the emergency response cycle. This paper highlights some of the applica- tions of GI Science to the emergency response cycle, citing examples from natural hazards and from the World Trade Center disaster on 11th September 2001. More importantly, the paper describes some of the constraints on the utilization of GI Science by the practitioner community: understandable user interfaces; data quantity, quality, and integration; real-time data and information. Finally, the paper suggests some important GI Science research areas based on the needs of the disasters and emergency management research and practitioner communities.
This article describes spatial decision support systems (SDSS) and discusses their uses and relationship to geographic information systems (GIS). -Author
This paper was prepared in 1978 on the basis of a review of sociological and anthropological fieldwork conducted up to that time. Although theoretical in presentation its conclusions are formulated in accordance with the author's own extensive observations of organizational response to natural disasters in developing countries, especially those having sudden onset. Practical implications for co-ordination agencies and pre-disaster training are drawn.
The disaster clearinghouse concept originates with the earthquake community as an effort to coordinate research and data collection activities. Though prior earthquake clearinghouses are small in comparison to what was needed in response to Hurricane Katrina, these seminal structures are germane to the establishment of our current model. On 3 September 2005, five days after Katrina wrought cataclysmic destruction along the Gulf Coast, FEMA and Louisiana State University personnel met to establish the LSU GIS Clearinghouse Cooperative (LGCC), a resource for centralization and dissemination of geospatial information related to Hurricane Katrina. Since its inception, the LGCC has developed into a working model for organization, dissemination, archiving and research regarding geospatial information in a disaster. This article outlines the formation of the LGCC, issues of data organization, and methods of data dissemination and archiving with an eye towards implementing the clearinghouse model as a standard resource for addressing geospatial data needs in disaster research and management.
Google Earth software proved effective during relief efforts in New Orleans and Pakistan, say Illah Nourbakhsh and colleagues. Is there more to be gained than lost from opening up disaster operations to the wider public?