The design of a GIS-based decision support system for chemical emergency preparedness and response in an urban environment

Abstract Chemical emergency management covers a broad spectrum of activities which aim to help engineers, planners, and administrators to make constructive decisions. The main purpose of this research is to develop a decision support system (DSS) configured to enhance the performance of decision makers responsible for chemical emergency preparedness and response. It specifically illustrates the use of geographical information systems (GIS) for the management of chemical emergency events in an urban environment. Among the capabilities of such a DSS are (a) analysis and visualization of inventory characteristics in those industrial complexes, (b) simulation and impact evaluation of release events, and (c) generation of response strategies based on risk assessment. The technical focus is placed on integrating relevant spatial data with useful multiscale models under a user-friendly interface in a GIS environment. In the case study, the principles of database structure, the relevant modeling, and the layer analysis are described in relation to several accidental release scenarios.

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