Utilisation of Open Source Geospatial Technologies for Disaster Preparedness

Source: Satellite image from resourcesat-2 LISS III Data of Oct 16, 2013.

Areas inundated by Cyclone Phailin in parts of Balasore and Bhadrak districts, Odisha.

Abstract: Being prepared for disasters before they strike entails ensuring that the rescue teams have the necessary equipment, know where to take people from the affected area and, most importantly, how to keep themselves safe so that the rescue operation continues. By implementing geospatial techniques, emergency preparedness and response phase operations can be customised, and ready to use scenarios can be created to provide information on how to alert, prepare and train volunteers for emergencies.

The authors are Scientist, Head of Division and Group Director, National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad. vinod_sharma@nrsc.gov.in


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