Tuesday, February 25, 2003

Homeland Security and GIS An article in GovExec, Mapping a More Secure Future, emphasizes the importance of GIS in support of homeland security efforts.  It is certainly a valuable tool in the area of incident management and eTeam has made a good start towards integrating GIS into homeland security.  Here's a few ideas about how GIS can be used to address specific homeland security issues Risk Assessment Identify and evaluate potential hazards, risks, and probabilities. This may relate to infrastructure protection by graphically identifying potential targets and vulnerabilities in ways that facilitate planning and preparedness. Determine mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery needs. Mitigation of Risk and Vulnerability Mitigate risk by planning and deploying resources in ways that reduce the risk.  GIS helps you recognize vulnerabilities and preposition relevant resources Preparedness Compile federal/state resource inventories. A GIS enabled database is used in eTeam to quickly respond to emergencies with necessary resources Install early warning and detection systems - Biosensor and detection systems  Perform training and mobilization exercises. Predetermine emergency response forces. Stockpile vital food and medical supplies. Response Support of search and rescue, emergency shelter, medical care, mass feeding. Maps that identify affected areas to prevent further injury, looting, or other problems. Damage Assessment. Recovery Following two separate tornato incidents, AGRC mapped the path and damage to provide visual information to FEMA and insurance companies Utah State University is working on a number of key technologies such as sensor networks and antiviral research for homeland security.  Here's a summary of some of their research and activities. Marginally related: An interesting presentation by NASA discussing  the use of nano-scale inputs for the remote detection of complex geobiological systems. 1:55:29 PM    comment []

© Copyright 2003 David Fletcher.