GIS and Geospatial Studies in Disaster Management

Managing disaster is a major challenge with often untenable cascading effects to many countries, geographically collated regions, states, districts, and local areas with vulnerable population, infrastructure, and economies. Today substantial quantity of data is received via various sensors, including smart phones, satellites, social media, the internet of things (IoT), LoRA (long range) radio communication, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), HAM radio, Global Navigation Satellite System, and various on-site as well as off-site tracking devices, thanks to the rapid evolution and development of technology. The Web Portal Services are the resource hub of all these critical information which has made geospatial technologies a vital asset in all stages of disaster management, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, rescue, relief, and recovery. With the assistance of big data and artificial intelligence-powered machine learning tools, numerous other technologies have engaged with a diverse group of decision-makers by creating interfaces and applications that can be accessed on portable smart devices worldwide. The progress made in Remote Sensing (RS) has made a noteworthy contribution to the enhancement of the spatial and temporal resolutions of optical and radar sensors. Terrestrial mobile units have enhanced emergency response capabilities by implementing real-time video conferencing, ensuring prompt and effective response. The Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) offers a comprehensive system for efficient data acquisition, retention, geospatial analysis, and dissemination to facilitate disaster management. Artificial intelligence and big data technology have recently been extensively utilized in the quantitative comprehension of natural phenomena. The integration of point clouds, 3D Geographic Information System, Building Information Modeling System (BIMS), and sensor information has proven effective in various emergency response applications, utilizing 3D capture of disaster scenarios. More so all information obtained is integrated into super computing platform and shared in live mode during all facets of disaster management. Despite so many advancements in data capturing, this chapter explains various challenges that distinguish our world of intelligence, timely decision-making, and smart communications in disaster management paradigm.