The Application of Geo-Technologies after Hurricane Katrina

Abstract

Geographic Information (GI) Science accelerated and enhanced decision-making in the emergency response after Hurricane Katrina. Since most of the information needed in disaster management has a spatial dimension, geo-technology is a vital source for streamlining response activities. The rapid-response situation after a disaster, however, exposes new challenges in the use of geo-technologies. In order to move forward and enhance the GI applications in disaster response, this paper pinpoints the bottlenecks and highlights the successes of the use of geo-technology after Hurricane Katrina. Challenges and accomplishments in the response to the storm are analyzed and lessons learned are documented in the five areas of management, technology infrastructure, data, workflows, and map products. One of the explanations for the experienced bottlenecks is traced to difficulties with regard to timely data access and dissemination; one of the successful practices was the intensive integration of web-based tools.