Abstract

Geoinformatics, the application of information and communication technology to

geographic data, is increasingly being used in disaster management to assist with
emergency response, preparedness, and recovery. This report provides an overview of some
of the key uses of geoinformatics in disaster management, including mapping and analysis
of hazards and vulnerabilities, real-time data collection and monitoring, emergency
response planning and coordination, and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. The
report also highlights some of the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of
geoinformatics in disaster management, including the need for greater standardization and
interoperability of systems, increased collaboration among stakeholders, and more effective
communication and public engagement. Overall, the report suggests that geoinformatics
can play a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of disaster management
efforts, particularly when integrated with other technologies and tools.
1.Introduction
Geoinformatics is a branch of science that uses spatial data and web-based
applications to provide answers to geographical problems. Geoinformatics uses spatial
data i.e. data with the geographical components: maps, aerial photography, satellite
images, GPS data, etc. and combines all the information into a comprehensive situation
report that acts as an information-sharing database for all emergency management
personnel (De Gruyter, 2014).
Geo-informatics, which combines satellite geodesy, information technology and
Geographical Information System (GIS), are comparatively new technologies which can
assist in all phases of disaster and disaster management viz. (1) prediction, (2) prevention,
monitoring and warning system (3) assessment of damages and (4) post-disaster
management. These technologies may also be used for computer modeling for studying
complex spatial patterns, distribution of and likelihood of integration of multiple data layers
and cause and effect relationships. Deterministic models are capable of explaining the
causes of such hazards.

isaster management is being transformed by the advancement of technology -

web-based
geoinformatics systems and wireless technologies are significantly improving
disaster risk
reduction efforts (RMSI, 2018).
Disaster management is being transformed by the advancement of technology -
web-based geoinformatics systems and wireless technologies are significantly
improving disaster risk reduction efforts (RMSI, 2018).

Disaster Management comprises all forms of activities including structural and nonstructural
measures to avoid (prevention) or to limit (mitigation and preparedness) adverse effects of
disasters in the pre disaster phase and post disaster stage (Response, Relief, Recovery,
Reconstruction).

Prevention
The first stage of the disaster management cycle is about preventing or mitigating the
potential effects of a disaster before it happens. It aims to identify potential risks and
hazards that could lead to a disaster. It involves analyzing the environment, assessing
vulnerabilities and risks, and developing measures to prevent or mitigate potential hazards.
While prevention requires preparation before a crisis occurs, implementing permanent
measures that reduce hazard risk can benefit all stages of disaster management.

For example, preparation can involve mitigating or reducing the effects of a disaster by
ensuring building codes are up to date to withstand and reduce damage from an earthquake
or tornado.

Preparedness

Preparedness refers to developing strategies, plans, and procedures to effectively deal with
potential disasters. Preparedness involves creating emergency plans, training, and exercises
to ensure that people, equipment, and systems are ready to respond to a disaster.

Examples of preparedness measures include active shooter safety drills in schools and other
community areas that help staff and students know how to respond to such an event in
ways that increase their safety and the likelihood of their survival. Fire drills are another
example of a preparedness measure, as they are intended to ensure all students or
employees have procedures to follow in the event of a fire, including knowing where the
proper exits are and where to gather away from the building.

Response

The response stage involves the immediate response to a disaster. Response measures
include search and rescue operations, providing emergency medical assistance, and setting
up emergency shelters. Response teams work to stabilize the situation and reduce the
potential for further harm.

Examples of emergency response would be deploying emergency workers to guide residents

toward evacuation routes or moving emergency supplies to a predetermined safety area
where community members can convene in the event of a displacing flood.

Recovery

The recovery stage focuses on restoring the affected community to a state of normalcy.
Recovery efforts involve rebuilding infrastructure, providing medical assistance and social
services, and helping individuals and families recover financially. A recovery plan could
include continued medical assistance, such as physical therapy, for individuals who
sustained an injury during a disaster or a support group for those who experienced any
emotional trauma due to the event.

2. Literature Review
Example 2009 Typhoons in South-East Asia
In 2009, 4 typhoons hit the Philippines over a short period, continuing towards Vietnam and
China. The GDACS alert system used predicted tracks downloaded from the Pacific Disaster
Center, to estimate population at risk. Through the GDACS Virtual OSOCC, OCHA alerted the
United Nations Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team for all four typhoons, which
resulted in rapid deployments of UNDAC teams on 29 September (Ketsana), and on 19
October (Lupit). To facilitate international coordination, all four storms were managed in the
same discussion thread.

Figure 1: Typhoons in Pacific, affected areas calculated in real-time by Joint Research

Centre for GDACS, 2009

GIS-based Earthquake Disaster Management A case study for Solapur city (Maharashtra,
India)
The Solapur Disaster Management Action Plan (SD-MAP) is prepared for its
operationalisation with help of Solapur Disaster Management Cell (SDMC). This plan
provides for institutional arrangements, roles and responsibilities of the various agencies,
interlinks in disaster management and the scope of their activities. The purpose of this plan
is to evolve a system to;  Assess the status of existing resources and facilities available with
the various departments and agencies involved in disaster management in the Solapur; 
Assess their adequacies in dealing with a disaster;  Identify the requirements for
institutional strengthening, technological support, up gradation of information systems and
data management for improving the quality of administrative response to disasters at the
ward/path level.  Make the SD-MAP an effective response mechanism as well as a policy
and planning tools  Rescue operation centers have been suggested at four corners of the
main city at comparatively elevated grounds with more safety foundation conditions.

Figure 2: Road Network of the Solapur City Figure 3: GIS layer showing the Housing Pattern and Network

[Source: IRJMS, 2016]

Application of GIS in disaster management: A case study of the 2021 Australian flood
This paper selects Twitter data as a social media data source, constructs a data cleaning
method, combines rainfall and building distribution and other data, and extracts disaster-
related information with the help of Pearson correlation coefficient and sentiment analysis.
The Spatio-temporal characteristics of public response and sentiment changes in the 2021
storm and flood disaster along the southeast coast of Australia are explored in depth, and
the following conclusions are drawn: (1) There is a strong correlation between the number
of tweets and the amount of rainfall, indicating that social media data can reflect disaster
trends to some extent; (2) The collection of tweets related to heavy rainfall and flooding is
distributed in Sydney as well as Brisbane and the Gold Coast and other areas where the
disaster situation is more severe; (3) The trend of public sentiment over time is rough "U"
shaped, reaching its lowest point during the most severe period of heavy rainfall and
flooding.
Figure 4: spatial distribution of twitter [source: GIRST, 2022]

Geoinformatics in Biological Disasters: COVID-19 is a good example to understand the

importance of information through maps. In the healthcare domain, the GIS technology is
supported against the global pandemic disease COVID-19. The battle through Mapping of
available data like existing COVID Positive cases, quarantine centers, hospital infrastructure
capacities, and identifying hotspots using IGIS Based COVID-19 Response & Monitoring
Solution. The GIS Real-Time spatial mapping and analysis skills will also act the main role in
the efficient distribution of vaccinations.

Figure 5: GIS Real-Time spatial mapping during covid 19

3. Discussion
Figure 7 gives an indication of World Risk Index (WRI) of vulnerability natural disasters of the
geographical distribution of a number of major hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanoes,
tropical storms and cyclones. As can be seen from this figure earthquake and volcanoes, for
example, are concentrated mainly on the earth's plate boundaries (Cees Van Westen 2000).
Earthquakes result in the largest amount of losses. Of the total losses it accounts for 35%,
ahead of floods (30%), windstorms (28%) and others (7%). Earthquake is also the main cause
in terms of the number of fatalities (47%), followed by windstorms (45%), floods (7%), and
others (1%) (Munich, 1999)

Figure 6: Numbers of victims 1970- 2007 [source: IIFS, 2016]

Figure 7: WRI of Vulnerability Natural Disasters

Disaster Phase Process Category of Data type Coverage

Information (application) (Resolution)
Preparedness Modelling risk Major regions and Physiographic features (GIS, Local, regional
infrastructure GPS), satellite imagery and global.
With probable risk, (remote (hundreds of m2
risk factors, and sensing) and km2
magnitude. spatial grid)
Response Impact Magnitude, range, Real-timestatistics (GIS, social Exact scene and
evaluation rate, coverage, and media), satellite imagery local. (m2, few
type of impact on the (remote sensing), km2 spatial
scene Range of grids)
physiographical features
(GIS, GPS)

Recovery Recovery Magnitude, range, Evaluation (social media), Exact scene and
assessment rate and recovery Variability in geographical local. (m2, few
type on the scene features – wind, km2 spatial
(e.g. earthquake, sea level (GIS, grids)
reconstruction) GPS)
Reduction Crisis Major Satellite imagery (remote Local and
management infrastructure and sensing), Ad hoc models regional. (tens of
region presently at and m2 and few km2
risk, the magnitude of forecasts (GIS) spatial grids)
risk and mitigations.

Table 1: Different forms of information about a certain hazard from the different types of GIS

Geoinformatics in Disaster Preparedness

Geoinformatics in disaster preparedness serves as not just an analytical but visual tool.
Enabling emergency planning officers to see spatial data and make decisions based on the
data provided. Geoinformatics is used to delineate vulnerable features and determine the
populations at risk. This information serves as the basis for the development of emergency
response plans. With Geoinformatics, it is possible to carry out a risk assessment and begin
to assess the feasibility of the plan. Would there be any evacuation challenges? In what
areas do flood barriers need to be erected? Etc. This facilitates interoperability within
organisations and makes hazard monitoring possible. Another application of Geoinformatics
in disaster preparedness is space and spatial analysis of crisis or disaster parameters. What
if spatial parameters could aid in preventing violent conflicts? This has been the focus of
some research in Crisis resolution as evidence is showing that topography, spatial location,
and distribution of natural resources could influence violent conflict dynamics (Le Billion
2001, Ross 2004). Also, the information gotten from Geoinformatics has been used to create
simulation exercises to test the efficiency of emergency plans and communication between
organizations.

Geoinformatics in Disaster Preparedness

- Maps and image from satellites: Interoperability within different organisations
- Remote sensing: Space and spatial analysis of parameters
- GIS: Vulnerability mapping and risk assessment for the development of emergency
plans and assessment of possible challenges
- UAV’s: Monitoring of hazards e.g. flash flood monitoring
- Social media: Dissemination of early warning signs
Example of application: An example of an application of GIS in disaster preparedness is the
EU’s COPERNICUS program. This program focuses on the security issues of the EU by using
geospatial information gotten from remote sensing and location-specific data to produce
mapbased products that enable staff to better understand and critically assess the dynamics
and nature of current conflicts (Brian et al, 2015).
Geoinformatics in Disaster Mitigation
Disaster mitigation efforts are enhanced with data gotten from geoinformatics. Disaster
mitigation refers to the proactive measures that can eliminate or reduce the impacts and
risks of hazards before an emergency or disaster occurs. While it is true that not all disasters
can be prevented, many can and would have been avoided if enough data had been
available. One application of geoinformatics in disaster risk reduction in urban planning.
With the aid of maps and spatial data provided by GIS, it is possible to analyze the urban
growth and make predictions of the direction of expansion. Also, data gotten from mapping
and GIS makes it possible to ascertain land accessibility and topography thus encouraging
the development of hazard zonation maps e.g. flood risk maps, volcanic hazard zonation
maps etc. The information on weather patterns, disaster zones can provide information to
organizations and help them make better decisions in their business continuity planning.
Another application of geoinformatics in disaster mitigation is navigation - routing,
scheduling, and re-routing. Web-based navigation maps and satellite imagery encourage
safe navigation in waterways as well as the re-routing of aircraft in the event of a
hydrological or volcanic hazard.

Example of application: The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. Spatial data from
geoinformatics systems advised months before that an evacuation be carried out. But due to
a conflict of interest between scientists and government, the advice wasn’t heeded on time
and this led to the death of 57 persons. This contrasts with the zero-death toll reported for
the Eyjafjallajökull eruption of 2010, where geoinformatics data proved instrumental to the
successful evacuation of 800 persons.

Geoinformatics in Disaster Response

Data gotten from geoinformatics is used to create situational awareness and a common
operating picture (COP). The COP is a single identical display of relevant information shared
amongst different emergency response organizations that facilitates teamwork,
collaboration, and situational awareness. Communication is a vital component of disaster
management, and the data gotten from geoinformatics serves as reference data during a
disaster response, facilitating the identification of victims and assessment of infrastructural
damage. It is also used as a source of timely geographic information used to create damage
and evacuation maps as well as the deployment of search and rescue teams. Geoinformatics
has proved vital in the coverage of disasters - news coverage on social media. Figure 7
summarizes the uses of geoinformatics in disaster response.
Figure 8: A cloud-based social media system data architecture for responding to disaster

Examples of application: 1)GIS was used in the coordination of team efforts in the 9/11
terrorist attacks, however, this came with its own challenges as many of the officials who
responded to the disaster were not familiar with GIS technology and had difficulties even in
reading maps. And this gave rise to the problem of interoperability between organizations.
2) In the massive oil spillage of a drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, satellite and remote
sensing together with spatial models played a significant role in providing data about the
geographic location of the spillage, it’s predicted movement and environmental assessment.
This information proved vital in planning a response that reduced the tremendous impact of
this disaster.

Geoinformatics in Disaster Recovery

A major application of geoinformatics in disaster recovery is the distribution of relief
materials. Maps encourage logistics and operations, answering the questions of who needs
what and where. Maps produced by satellite imaging can be used to raise awareness and
seek donations for affected areas. GIS makes it possible to remodel locations, taking into
account the changes before and after the disaster, the distribution of displaced people and
damaged infrastructure. Software like the Open Street Map makes it possible to map
buildings, roads and important infrastructure. Geoinformatics is also applicable in the
monitoring of refugee camps using space imagery of aerial photos. Social media has proved
to be a great tool for connecting and reconnecting lost communities which in turn
contributes to community resilience.
Figure 9: A cross-section of a mapping activity using the Open Street Map

Limitations
1. Data Integration and Interoperability: Since various formats and standards frequently
obstruct seamless data exchange and interoperability, integrating data from several sources
continues to be difficult.
2. Accessibility and Affordability: The widespread adoption of GIS technology faces
obstacles by the limited availability of the technology and the expensive costs of data
collecting, software, and training, particularly in developing nations.
3. Data Accuracy and Quality: Since accurate and current information is a major component
of decision-making, it is essential to ensure the integrity and quality of spatial data. Data
that is missing or erroneous can have negative effects on heritage conservation and disaster
response.
4. Privacy and Ethical Considerations: Since GIS applications handle sensitive location and
personal data, strong privacy safeguards are required to protect people's right to privacy.

Recommendations
GIS (Geographic Information System) and RS (Remote Sensing) play crucial roles in disaster
management. Here are some optimum uses:
1. Risk Assessment: Utilize GIS to analyze historical data, terrain characteristics, and
vulnerability factors to identify high-risk areas for various disasters.
2. Early Warning Systems: Integrate real-time satellite imagery through RS to monitor
changes in environmental conditions, enabling the development of early warning systems
for natural disasters like floods, wildfires, or hurricanes.
3. Evacuation Planning: GIS can be employed to model evacuation routes, assess shelter
capacities, and plan for the efficient movement of people in the event of a disaster.
4. Resource Allocation: Optimize resource deployment by using GIS to map affected areas,
assess damage severity, and prioritize response efforts based on the identified needs.
5. Damage Assessment: RS provides high-resolution images for assessing the extent of
damage after a disaster, aiding in decision-making for relief efforts and reconstruction
planning.
6. Communication and Coordination: GIS facilitates the creation of interactive maps that
can be shared among response teams, improving communication and coordination during
emergency response operations.
7. Community Engagement: Utilize GIS to involve local communities in disaster
management by providing them with geospatial information, enabling better understanding
of risks and fostering community resilience.
8. Infrastructure Monitoring: RS can be used for continuous monitoring of critical
infrastructure, such as dams, bridges, and roads, to detect potential issues and proactively
address maintenance needs.
9. Climate Change Adaptation: GIS can assist in identifying areas vulnerable to climate
change impacts, helping in the formulation of adaptation strategies to mitigate future
disaster risks.
10. Training and Simulation: GIS can be employed for training and simulation exercises,
allowing emergency responders to practice and refine their strategies in a controlled
environment.
Integrating GIS and RS technologies into disaster management strategies enhances decision-
making processes, improves situational awareness, and contributes to more effective and
efficient responses to disasters.

4. Conclusion
» GIS technology helps identify disasters before they occur, using forecasts or risk zone
maps.
» Remote sensing and GIS technology for Disaster Management create an emergency
database for people in need of all assistance in the event of a disaster.
» The emergency database contains information about nearby hospitals, emergency
shelters, and more. Disaster risk or impact maps focus on taking corrective action against
disasters.

» The GIS Technology is combined with Global Positioning System (GPS), which will help to
receive/update the help from disaster rescue teams.
» GIS for Disaster Management uses remote sensing data to forecast climate conditions and
climate anomalies at any given point by latitude-longitude coordinates.
» The alternate routes can be created by using Disaster Management technology i.e. GIS for
rescuing from disasters.
The details of the disaster like the occurred place, severity level, and how many areas are
affected & disaster directions all will be mapped using GIS Technology.
» The GIS Maps will give also historical/past disaster events details, from this disaster
management action will be taken more strongly.
» The Risk zone map of disasters may reduce the vulnerability of the disasters.
» In the event of a disaster or post-disaster emergency, GIS technology uses a combination
of GPS & 5G to enhance assistance.
» Remote Sensing and GIS technology have strong essence to provide the solution to all
types of disasters but only the method, and consideration of the factors are different.
So, disasters occur naturally or accidentally and cannot be stopped, but technology can be
used to minimize the impact and damage.
References
https://www.sgligis.com/gis-in-disaster-management/
https://ccaha.org/resources/emergency-management-cycle
https://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/disaster-management/about-disaster-management/
https://sta.uwi.edu/eng/wije/vol3101-
02_jan2009/documents/GeoinformaticsInDisasterPreparedness.pdf
https://www.rmsi.com/blog/2018/07/role-of-gis-in-disaster-management/http://www.gdacs.org

Huan Wang, Lingxian Zhang, and YuanYuan Zhang "Application of GIS in disaster management: a
case study of the 2021 Australian flood", Proc. SPIE 12552, International Conference on Geographic
Information and Remote Sensing Technology (GIRST 2022), 1255206 (10 February 2023)

S. V. Uppin, D. B. Desai, A. K. Gupta “GIS-based Earthquake Disaster Management A case

study for Solapur city (Maharashtra, India)”, IRJMS, Vol. 2, Special Issue 1, March, 2016

Bhanumurthy, V., & Sharma, V. K. (2019). Integration of multiple technologies in web environment
for developing an efficient framework for emergency management. In J. P. Rao, K. N. Rao, & S. Kubo
(Eds.), Proceedings of international conference on remote sensing for disaster management, issues
and challenges in disaster management. Springer.

Adam, N. R., Shafiq, B. and Staffin, R. (2012) ‘Spatial computing and social media in the context of
disaster management’, IEEE Intelligent Systems, 27(6), pp. 90–97. doi:

10.1109/MIS.2012.113.

Hoque, M. A.-A. et al. (2017) ‘Tropical cyclone disaster management using remote sensing and
spatial analysis: A review’, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. Elsevier, 22, pp.

345–354. doi: 10.1016/J.IJDRR.2017.02.008.

Jayakody, R. R. J. C. and Amarathunga, D. (2018) ‘Integration of disaster management strategies with

planning and designing public open spaces’, Procedia Engineering. Elsevier, 212, pp. 954– 961. doi:
10.1016/J.PROENG.2018.01.123.
Joseph, J. K. et al. (2018) Big data analytics and social media in disaster management,
Integrating Disaster Science and Management: Global Case Studies in Mitigation and Recovery.

Elsevier Inc. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-812056-9.00016-6.

Kafi, K. M., Barakat, M. and Gibril, A. (2016) ‘GPS Application in Disaster Management: A Review’,
Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, 04(01), pp. 2321–0893. Available at: www.ajouronline.com.
Kaku, K. (2019) ‘Satellite remote sensing for disaster management support: A holistic and staged
approach based on case studies in Sentinel Asia’, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.
Elsevier, 33, pp. 417–432. doi: 10.1016/J.IJDRR.2018.09.015.
Mejri, O. et al. (2017) ‘Crisis information to support spatial planning in post disaster recovery’,
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. Elsevier, 22, pp. 46–61. doi:

10.1016/J.IJDRR.2017.02.007.