GIS Applications in Emergency Management

Increasing attention is being given in the emergency management field to learning how to live with natural and human-made disasters. GIS is a new tool for emergency managers that has potential for use in all phases of the disaster cycle although this paper focuses on its potential in the phases of hazard analysis, vulnerability analysis and mitigation. Three hazards are used for illustrative purposes, namely earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. The discussion for each hazard includes: (1) unique and common characteristics, (2) data bases required, (3) mapping and analytical approaches, and (4) multi-hazard analysis capabilities. The conclusion refers to the need for emergency managers to work closely with other local officials and suggests that the potential for saving lives and property damage is significant because of improved decision making made possible with GIS.