Quick Guide to Free Geoinformatics for Disaster Management

Mathias Leidig, Richard Teeuw

Research output: Other contribution

882 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We cannot stop disasters, but we can reduce their impacts by avoiding hazardous terrain, highlighting vulnerable features and preparing communities so that they are more resilient.

“Geoinformatics” is used here as a catch-all term for software and data associated with remote sensing (RS), geographical information systems (GIS) and other geo-spatial technologies, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Geoinfirmatics has become a key technology for disaster risk reduction: facilitating the mapping of hazards, vulnerability and areas at risk of disaster.

Organisations such MapAction (http://www.mapaction.org.uk) have demonstrated how geoinformatics can be used effectively for disaster response; while Disaster Preparedness maps are increasingly being used by emergency planners.

With the increasing availibility of free geospatial datasets, many sets of geoinformatic freeware and open source software (FOSS) have been developed – providing alternatives to expensive commercial software. This guide presents a selection of freely availble geoinformatic data and software, as well as sources of free training materials.
Original languageEnglish
Typee-catalog
PublisherUniversity of Portsmouth
Number of pages34
Place of PublicationPortsmouth
Edition2.3
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2016

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Quick Guide to Free Geoinformatics for Disaster Management'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this