Role of GIS in Disaster Resonse

The roles of a GIS professional in disaster response are numerous and ever expanding. GIS is now an essential part of contingency planning and initial response to a disaster. The most important role of GIS professionals immediately after a disaster strikes is to determine where help is needed and direct responders in their rescue efforts. They must quickly estimate the impact of the disaster on the population, identify vulnerable citizens and determine the best routes for responders and evacuation. The GIS professional must be aware of the scale and scope of the disaster and know where response resources are located and their capabilities.


Once rescue operations are underway, emphasis can then be placed on mapping the impact on critical infrastructure, location of resources, and at risk population. GIS then has the task of mapping patterns of destruction to aid in long process of rebuilding.

GIS professionals from around the country deployed to Houma, LA to operate an enterprise-class GIS system for the Incident Command Post. Initially, the GIS staff supported Coast Guard operations on the water and with over-flight observations and mapping. The GIS team has created or amassed 150 layers of base map data and operational data which is available via the server to users at desktop level. Standardized map products are created on a schedule.
GIS professionals are mapping out the extent of the spill and predicting its trajectory and impact in the area. The GIS team had to assemble a variety of existing data on resources, their habitats and their human uses, and to collect baseline (pre-spill impact) data wherever possible. They are assisting with identifying possible restoration projects.