A first of its kind study by researchers at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, calculated the Value of Information (VOI) for the near real-time satellite data available during a disaster. The team used MODIS data and QGIS to create water extent maps for a 2011 flood in Thailand. The results allowed researchers to analyze paths from ambulance houses and fire stations to areas of distress. The research found that routes from dispatch sites to their destinations often intersected areas of flooding deep enough to disable the average passenger car.
This is event is available for participation on an ongoing basis
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Join the Caribbean GIS Community at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain this November. Known for outstanding educational content and active exhibitor presence and support, the conference has evolved into a not-to-miss event. A committee of generous GIS leaders from government, academia and the business sector, discusses and debates presentation and workshop proposals and collaboratively develops the educational program.
A study conducted by engineers from Tohoku University in Japan sees promising opportunities for LiDAR applications in the context of informing responders after earthquakes. The team investigated the use of LiDAR for earthquake damage assessments following two earthquakes which hit the Island of Kyushu within in 28 hours in April 2016.
DigitalGlobe, one the world’s leading providers of high-resolution Earth imagery, has launched an Open Data Program with special focus on disaster response. The company will release open-licensed pre- and post-event images for selected natural disasters. All data from previous disaster events will be available on the program’s website and more data will be added with new activations. With this program, DigitalGlobe reiterates its commitment to support response and recovery efforts in case of natural disasters.
In November 2016, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) will install its Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) at the International Space Station (ISS). The spectrometer will be used to monitor natural hazards such as fires, floods, and droughts through the scan of multiple bands of light. DESIS was developed in a partnership with La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.
The International Charter Space and Major Disasters has been activated to provide satellite-based emergency maps to local authorities in charge of response operations after Cyclone Chapala made landfall on 3 November 2015. The cyclone triggered storm surges, heavy rain, and flooding in coastal areas in Yemen. The request for activation was elevated to the Charter by UNITAR/UNOSAT on behalf of UNOCHA.
The International Charter: Space and Major Disasters was activated to support response efforts in Vanutua with satellite-based maps. Vanuatu was heavily affected by Cyclone Pam on 13 and 14 March 2015 causing huge devastation. The mechanism was triggered by UNITAR/UNOSAT on behalf of UNOCHA. UNITAR/UNOSAT has already produced and made available several maps, which can be downloaded from the International Charter's website.
This is event is available for participation on an ongoing basis
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Join geospatial professionals from international organizations and non-governmental/nonprofit organizations at the 2015 GIS for the United Nations and the International Community Conference from May 18 to 20, 2015 at Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland. Learn how GIS can help you identify and map the locations of vulnerable populations, communicate complex situations with simple web maps, plan where to execute program activities to meet objectives and deliver results, and more.
The Japanese government is currently planning the development of an operationally responsive small observation satellite to be launched in case of a disaster or military emergencies.
The creation of this disposable satellite is part of the draft Basic Plan on Space Policy, released by the Japanese government's Committee on National Space Policy.
As per the Basic Plan, a pre-assembled satellite, measuring 70 centimeters in length, width and height, and weighing between 100 and 150 kilograms, would be sent into orbit in case of an emergency.