Geoinformation for Disaster and Risk Management - ISPRS

Chapter 6, 7, 8 and 9 demonstrate satellite-based technologies applied in cases of
large impact disasters such as earthquake (Haiti, China) and dust storms (New
Mexico), and for monitoring of refugee camps (Sudan). In the case of Haiti,
appropriate maps showing most affected areas and road accessibility were
provided in the first few days after the earthquake, in support of the provision of
humanitarian help by the World Food Program. Although optical imagery was
widely used, it was not sufficient for obtaining a complete picture of the
devastation. Web-based systems were set up on the spot using open source tools.
Mobile systems equipped with webcams and GPS also appeared to be very
successful.
The authors, Ajmar et al., argue that many developing countries need access to
participatory (community) maps such as Open Street Maps or Google Map
Maker, to enable citizens and experts to quickly exchange information.
In chapter 7, Suju Li et al. present an extensive overview on the large number of
satellite images (n=1257) provided in support of the earthquake response and
relief activities in China in 2008. The authors note, however, that requests for
earth observation data should be carefully planned to ensure complete coverage
of the affected areas at different time periods. In chapter 8, Morain and Budge
discuss a satellite-based system for dust monitoring, concluding that such
systems might be of great importance for the mitigation of health risks. A very
interesting application of satellite products in humanitarian actions is presented
by Kranz et al. in chapter 9. The authors present an approach for monitoring the
extent and growth of displaced persons camps using very high resolution
satellite images (1m). The mapping products were delivered two days after
receiving the satellite data. The feedback from the user organizations was very
positive.
Geographical distribution of cases
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