Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Disaster Management

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide essential disaster management decision support and analytical capabilities. As such, homeland security professionals would greatly benefit from an interdisciplinary understanding of GIS and how GIS relates to disaster management, policy, and practice. Assuming no prior knowledge in GIS and/or disaster management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Disaster Management guides readers through the basics of GIS as it applies to disaster management practice. Using a hands-on approach grounded in relevant GIS and disaster management theory and practice, this textbook provides coverage of the basics of GIS. It examines what GIS can and can’t do, GIS data formats (vector, raster, imagery), and basic GIS functions, including analysis, map production/cartography, and data modeling. It presents a series of real-life case studies that illustrate the GIS concepts discussed in each chapter. These case studies supply readers with an understanding of the applicability of GIS to the full disaster management cycle. Providing equal treatment to each disaster management cycle phase, the book supplies disaster management practitioners and students with coverage of the latest developments in GIS for disaster management and emerging trends. It takes a learning-by-examples approach to help readers apply what they have learned from the examples and disaster management scenarios to their specific situations.The book illustrates how GIS technology can help disaster management professionals, public policy makers, and decision-makers at the town, county, state, federal, and international levels. Offering software-neutral best practices, this book is suitable for use in undergraduate- or graduate-level disaster management courses. Offering extensive career advice on GIS for disaster management from working professionals, the book also includes a GIS for disaster management research agenda and ideas for staying current in the field.

Table of Contents:
A Survey of GIS for Disaster Management Chapter Objectives Introduction GIS and Geographical Context GIS and Situation Awareness The Problem: Continued Need for GIS in Disaster Management Scale, Scope, and Intensity of Disasters Case Study: Burkina Faso—Disasters in the Developing World The Need for Improved Coordination, Sharing, and Interoperability Problems of GIS Awareness in Disaster Management The Opportunity: Increased Awareness and Advocacy of GIS and Mapping Crisis Mapping Interview with Dr. Jen Ziemke, Cofounder and Codirector of the International Network of Crisis Mappers Spatial Thinking and Disaster Management Chapter Summary Discussion Questions References Fundamentals of Geographic Information and Maps Chapter Objectives Introduction Data vs. Information Scale Three Ways of Representing Map Scale Large- vs. Small-Scale Maps Why Scale Matters: Detail and Accuracy Map Projections Coordinate Systems Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate System State Plane Coordinate (SPC) System Datums Reference Ellipsoids Control Points The Importance of Datums Coordinate Systems: The Whole Picture Basic Principles of Cartography Mapping Principles Data Measurement Visual Variables Figure and Ground Relationships Map Types: Reference and Thematic Reference Maps Thematic Maps Summary Designing Usable Maps in a GIS Context Common Examples of Poorly Made Maps Created with a GIS Interview with Dr. Anthony C. Robinson Chapter Summary Discussion Questions Resources Principles of Mapping Geodesy (including datums and reference ellipsoids) History of Cartography Basics of Statistical Data Classification for Maps Designing Good Maps in a GIS Context Map Color References Geographic Information Systems Chapter Objectives Introduction What Is GIS? Organizing the World Geographically: Map Layers What Can You Do (and Not Do) with GIS Software? Data and Spatial Asset Management Analysis GIS Programming Modeling Cartography, Visualization, and Map Production Geocoding Limitations of GIS Understanding GIS Data Models Vector Models Raster GIS Metadata Specific GIS Technology GIS Technology Platforms and Disaster Management ArcGIS Google Maps and Other Google Geospatial Technology QGIS Other Commercial, Free, and Open-Source or Openly Available GIS Technologies OpenStreetMap Other GIS Technologies Free and Open-Source Datasets Relevant to Disaster Management How to Choose the Right GIS Technology for Disaster Management Getting Started with GIS Technology and GIS Technology Configuration Ideas Chapter Summary Discussion Questions Resources References Disaster Management and Geographic Information Systems Chapter Objectives Introduction Disaster Management Cycle Terms: Emergency, Disaster, Crisis, and Catastrophe Disaster Management Cycle Role of GIS within Disaster Management Policy and Practice Policy in the United States: The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Geospatial Concept of Operations (GeoCONO PS) United States National Spatial Data Infrastructure Local Government: Cities, Towns, and Counties County GIS: Interview with Mr. Scott McCarty State National FEMA GIS and Other US Federal Agencies Non-US Federal-Level Disaster Management: Interview with Dr. Michael Judex Private Sector Private Sector Perspective: Interview with Alan Leidner International Disaster Management Community and GIS Nongovernmental Organizations MapAction Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT ) Crisis Mappers GISCorps International Disaster Management Support Mechanisms International Charter on Space and Major Disasters Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) World Bank GFDRR United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: ReliefWeb UN-SPIDER UN-SPIDER Perspectives: Interview with Antje Hecheltjen GIS, Disaster Management, and the United Nations: Interview with Dr. Jörg Szarzynski Chapter Summary Discussion Questions and Activities Resources References Geographic Information Systems and Disaster Planning and Preparedness Chapter Objectives Introduction Technology and Dataset Planning and Preparation Essential Disaster Management Map Layers Additional Sources of Ideas for Essential Disaster Management Map Layers Department of Homeland Security Geospatial Data Model Technology Planning and Preparation Organizational Perspectives Using GIS to Support Planning and Preparation Activities Spatial Perspectives on Broader Planning and Preparation Activities Common GIS Tasks for Disaster Planning and Preparation Activities Evacuation Route Planning Evacuation Zone Planning Scenario Modeling to Answer What-If Questions Public Outreach and Citizen Participation GIS and Disaster Management Planning: A United Nations Perspective Interview with Lóránt Czárán Summary Discussion Questions and Activities Resources References Geographic Information Systems and Disaster Response Chapter Objectives Introduction Disaster Response Policy in the United States Geographical Aspects of Situation Awareness Maps and Emergency Operation Centers GIS and Disaster Warnings Spatial Data Deluge Hot Spot Mapping Density Mapping Real-Time GIS Disaster Response GIS Products Online Disaster Response Geographic Data Streams GIS and Damage Assessment Field Data Collection and Mobile GIS Public and Disaster Response Mapping: Crisis Mapping and Citizen Reporting Chapter Summary Discussion Questions and Activities Resources References Geographic Information Systems and Disaster Recovery Chapter Objectives Introduction Geographical Aspects of Disaster Recovery Using GIS to Support Disaster Recovery Tasks Geocollaboration Restoring Critical Infrastructure Debris Cleanup Recovery Planning Transition from Recovery to Mitigation Interview with David Alexander: US Federal Government Geospatial Technology Leader and Expert Chapter Summary Discussion Questions and Activities Resources References Geographic Information Systems and Disaster Mitigation Chapter Objectives Introduction Vulnerability Resilience Disaster Mitigation Policy and International Perspectives on GIS The United States National Mitigation Framework International Perspectives on Disaster Mitigation: UNISDR GIS Techniques for Disaster Mitigation Spatial Indexing and Modeling of Risk and Vulnerability Social Variables Physical Variables Using GIS to Develop Spatial Indexes of Vulnerability and Risk Chapter Summary Discussion Questions and Activities Resources References Special Topics Chapter Objectives Introduction Special Topics Visual Analytics Big Data and Disaster Management Serious Games for GIS and Disaster Management Geographic Information Science and Disaster Management The Future of GIS for Disaster Management Interviews Jen Zimeke, PhD, Crisis Mappers (Chapter 1, Specialty: Crisis Mapping) Anthony Robinson, PhD, Penn State (Chapter 2, Specialty: Cartography) Alan Leidner, Booz Allen Hamilton (Chapter 4, Specialty: XXX) Antje Hecheltjen, UN-SPIDER (Chapter 4, Specialty: XXX) Michael Judex, PhD, German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (Chapter 4, Specialty: XXX) Scott McCarty, Monroe County GIS (Chapter 4, Specialty: XXX) Lóránt Czárán, United Nations Cartographic Section and Office for Outer Space Affairs (Chapter 5, Specialty: XXX) David Alexander, US Federal Government (Chapter 7, Specialty: XXX) Research Agenda Developing a GIS for Disaster Management Career Interviews Alan Leidner (Chapter 4) Antje Hecheltjen (Chapter 4) Michael Judex, PhD (Chapter 4) Scott McCarty (Chapter 4) Jörg Szarzynski, PhD (Chapter 4) Lóránt Czárán (Chapter 5) David Alexander (Chapter 7) GIS for Disaster Management Career Summary Points Staying Current in the GIS for Disaster Management Field Organizations Conferences Journals and Magazines Training and Education Volunteer Opportunities Chapter Summary Discussion Questions and Activities Resources References

About the Author :
Brian Tomaszewski PhD is a geographic information scientist with research interests in the domains of geographic information science and technology, geographic visualization, spatial thinking, and disaster management. His published research on geographic information systems (GIS) and disaster management related topics has appeared in top scientific journals and conferences such as Information Visualization, Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, Computers and Geosciences, the IEEE Conference on Visual Analytics Science and Technology, and The Cartographic Journal. He also regularly publishes in popular GIS trade magazines such as ArcUser and ArcNews. He also is also as a scientific committee member for the Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (ISCRAM) conference. Dr. Tomaszewski's relevant experience includes past work with internationally focused organizations interested in GIS and disaster management such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) ReliefWeb service, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER), and United Nations Global Pulse. He also served as a visiting research scientist with the United Nations Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) in Bonn, Germany. He mentored and instructed multidisciplinary GIS for disaster management student research groups via the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Science Master’s Program (SMP) titled Decision Support Technologies for Environmental Forecasting and Disaster Response at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). His research on geospatial technology educational development and spatial thinking in Rwanda has been supported by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (UK-DFID) and he is actively involved in other funded computing research activities in Rwanda. Brian is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He holds a PhD in geography from the Pennsylvania State University. For more information, visit: http://people.rit.edu/bmtski/.

Review :
"The book is well designed for use as a training tool or textbook with a summary, case studies, and discussion questions in each chapter. The resource notes provided are extremely helpful if expansion in a given area is required. If you are cast in the role of managing or participating in an emergency response team, this is a book to keep on your professional bookshelf." - Terry V. Culver, Security Management: A Publication of ASIS International