GIS Role in Disaster
Management
THE CONTRIBUTION OF GIS & WEATHER FORECASTING ON
SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS.
Fatima Sameer & Ibrahim Abu Nadi |
In a world characterized by unpredictability, organizations
must ask themselves a crucial question: Can they withstand
the storm when it hits? Whether it’s a natural disaster, a
cyber-attack, a PR nightmare, or a pandemic, crises strike
when least expected.
Here, effective crisis management becomes more than a
luxury; it’s an absolute necessity as risks and disasters loom
large.
Just as an umbrella shields us from unexpected heavy rain,
an effective plan serves as insurance in case of unforeseen
events. It’s a proactive measure that enhances an
organization’s ability to overcome adversity, protect its
reputation, maintain financial stability, and ensure
compliance with regulations.
“Managing crises is not about how well you
plan, but how you respond to the
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Introduction
− This research presents a comprehensive study of the role of national
meteorological services in crisis and natural disaster management,
along with the utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to
enhance response capabilities and mitigate disaster impacts.
Prevention and Mitigation
-The role of national meteorological services in providing
forecasts and early warnings for natural disasters involves
several aspects:
1. Weather Data Analysis: Meteorological services collect
data from various sources such as satellites and
weather stations to analyze current weather conditions
and forecast future weather patterns.
2. Weather Forecasting: Based on the analysis and data,
meteorological services issue weather forecasts for
specific time periods, such as the coming days or
weeks.
3. Early Warning: When there is a risk of a natural
disaster such as a hurricane, flood, or snowstorm,
meteorological services issue early warnings to
residents and relevant authorities to take necessary
precautions and preventive measures.
4. Guiding Local Authorities: Meteorological services
provide guidance to local authorities and relevant
organizations regarding necessary actions to deal with
current and expected weather conditions.
-Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify
areas at risk and analyze potential damage involves several
steps:
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1. Data Collection: Data related to potential natural
phenomena such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes,
and others, in addition to geographic data such as
slopes, rivers, and urban areas, are collected.
2. Layer Creation: Data is organized into precise
geographic layers
3. Risk Analysis: areas at risk are identified by estimating
the likelihood of natural disasters based on available
data.
4. Damage Analysis: analyze potential damage resulting
from natural disasters, providing reports and maps
illustrating the extent of damage in each vulnerable
area.
5. Decision Making.
Preparedness
-The role of the National Weather Service in providing
weather data and analysis to support emergency
preparedness plans includes several aspects:
1. Providing weather data: The National Weather Service
collects and analyzes weather data from multiple
sources such as weather stations, satellites, radar
devices, weather balloons, and others to provide
accurate and comprehensive information about current
and expected weather conditions.
2. Issuing weather forecasts: The National Weather
Service issues weather forecasts for future periods
based on available analysis and data. These forecasts
include expected weather conditions such as
temperatures, wind speeds, humidity levels, rainfall
amounts, and severe weather events such as storms
and hurricanes.
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3. Analyzing weather patterns: Weather experts at the
National Weather Service analyze weather patterns
and unusual weather conditions such as solar storms,
and provide necessary reports and analyses to relevant
authorities.
-Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the
development of emergency response plans and identifying
strategic locations for relief centers and shelters involves
several steps:
1. Risk and needs analysis: analyze risks and identify
areas prone to hazards such as flood-prone,
earthquake-prone, or storm-prone areas. GIS can also
be used to identify necessities such as hospitals, fire
stations, and medical relief centers.
2. Identifying strategic locations: strategic locations for
relief centers and shelters can be determined based on
needs and surrounding conditions, helping to identify
locations that can provide easy access and essential
services.
3. Planning routes and logistics: determine the best
routes and logistics for accessing disaster areas and
transporting necessary resources, as well as
identifying assembly points and distribution points.
4. Creating response maps: maps can be created to show
the locations of medical centers, relief centers, and
shelters, as well as illustrating optimal routes to access
them.
Response
Using the national meteorological service to guide local
authorities and relief teams during disasters involves
several steps:
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1. Directing local authorities and relief teams during
disasters.
2. Providing weather information and analyses to identify
threats and make decisions.
3. Directing evacuation and rescue operations based on
meteorological analyses.
4. Providing support in developing emergency plans and
taking preventive measures.
5. Immediate and continuous response during
emergencies to protect lives and property.
-Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in organizing
relief efforts and identifying safe routes for rescue and
distribution involves several steps:
1. Risk and Needs Analysis: Identifying areas requiring
urgent relief and resource distribution.
2. Planning Safe Routes: Determining safe routes for
rescue and distribution based on available roads, road
conditions, weather conditions, and affected areas.
3. Identifying Gathering and Distribution Points:
Determining gathering points for assistance and relief,
as well as distribution points for distributing
humanitarian resources, food, and essential supplies.
4. Creating Geospatial Visualization Maps: Maps showing
potential relief and distribution routes, highlighting
key gathering and distribution points
Recovery
Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in analyzing
damage and identifying areas in need of rebuilding and
infrastructure reinforcement involves several steps:
1. Damage Assessment
2. Reconstruction and Reinforcement Planning
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