Mapping
a disaster
GEMA/HS uses Geographic Information
Systems to gather information, inform public
By Lisa Rodriguez-Presley
M
aps have come a long way since the
days of hand-drawn images. Today
they are used for much more than
navigation and the systems using them
allow for a more interactive experience. GEMA/HS
is utilizing geographic information systems technology
to simplify and manage large amounts of information
during disasters, producing visual products within maps
that keep Georgians informed.
GIS technology began in the military, but quickly
became an important planning tool in the private
sector due to the ability to tr anslate data into a
visual format that is easily understandable by the
public. GEMA/HS uses GIS technology extensively,
especially during natural disasters.
“Basically, you can take almost any type of data and
turn into a map,” said Robbie Bagby, GIS coordinator
for GEMA/HS. “During a disaster, we create many
different types of map products that are used to help
inform the public. They most commonly cover weather
watches and warnings, but we have the capability to
use them for much more than that.”
GIS data comes from a nearly infinite number of
sources, according to Bagby. What makes GIS so
critical to the decision making process during disasters
is the ability to take those different sources of data,
glean information from them and put it into a format
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that shows relationships, patterns and trends.
“We live in a 3D world, so looking at a map really
helps people to understand data,” said Bagby. "During
a disaster we want to give people information in a way
that allows them to make decisions quickly and the
visual nature of GIS helps us accomplish that.”
During a hurricane for example, Bagby takes
operational data, like the areas that are going to be
affected by hurricane force winds, flooding, etc., and
matches it with statistical data – locations of schools,
hospitals, power grids and creates a graphic that can
show people how they may be affected. These visual
representations are shared, not only with state and
local officials, but with the general public as well so
everyone has access to the information.
“Taxpayer dollars pay for these products, so it only
makes sense that they should have access to it,” said
Woody Radcliffe, GEMA/HS planning manager.
“Information that can help people make decisions
about their safety shouldn’t be kept behind a firewall.
The more people that can access it, the better off we
are.”
Radcliffe learned firsthand how GIS can help people
make decisions during a trip to his local grocery
store. The fire department was at the store and was
displaying storm surge inundation maps.
Continued on Pg. 18
Citizens uploaded photos of the
damage from Hurricane Irma using
the Engaged Citizens Damage
Assessment Geoform on the GEMA/
HS Maps/Apps and Information portal.
The immediacy of the information
allowed Georgia to submit supporting
information for a federal disaster
declaration much faster, assisting
Georgians in obtaining aid for
recovery.
DISPATCH