Defining a framework for integration of geospatial technologies for emergency management

Abstract

Geospatial technologies are emerging as one of the most promising environments for development of emergency management framework. Geospatial technologies such as Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems integrated with valuable near/real-time field information can provide a comprehensive platform for emergency management. Satellite imagery, vector database, Location Based Services and ancillary data having the relevant attribute information with access and query tools helps the disaster manager to analyse the required information for relief operations. However, the conceptual design of the database, integration procedures, development of decision support functions and dissemination of information integrating real-time information from the field are very important issues in development framework for emergency management. There are some technological challenges in the emergency response for deriving the required outputs such as damage assessment, evacuation planning, situation monitoring, information dissemination, and coordination of resource and logistic planning. This article provides a framework for the integration of various multi-disciplinary technologies for addressing emergency management.

Keywords:

• remote sensing
• geographic information systems
• global positioning systems
• emergency management