Geocoding and GIS analysis of displaced populations

Disasters resulting in mass displacement have ramifications for communities beyond the affected areas. Information on the community from which individuals were displaced may prove useful for government agencies and those providing assistance to the individuals fleeing the disaster. TIGER/Line® street centerline files and online mapping applications were used to produce geographic information on households displaced by Hurricane Katrina to Austin, TX. Overall, 88.2 percent of the displaced households were geocoded. Households were described according to census tract characteristics, New Orleans wards, and location within flooded areas. Combining geographic datasets is useful for planners in assessing the needs of displaced populations. Data access was not a barrier to a high match rate, and current Internet-based technology may be utilized to overcome potential unfamiliarity with disaster stricken locations.