GEO-INFORMATION FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg Tutor: Prof. Dr. Josef Strobl

GEO-INFORMATION FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Submitted by:

Dipl. Geographer Janine Markwalder Belpbergstrasse 24

CH - 3115 Gerzensee

E-Mail: jani_markwalder@gmx.ch U1226 UNIGIS MSc Class 2005

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of

Master of Science „UNIGIS MSc Geographical Information Science & System“ at the centre for Geoinformatics (Z_GIS) Paris-Lodron University Salzburg

Berne, June 2007

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Preface Subject:

Based on the chosen subject I would like to demonstrate how earth observation (EO) and geographic information systems (GIS) are used as valuable tools in emergency situations. Another aim included in the chosen subject is to evaluate the benefit of EO/GIS in humanitarian aid - with the focus on the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit - in

the future.

Acknowledgment:

At this time, in view of the accomplishment of the thesis, I would like to thank everybody who helped me in completing my work until its current version:

a. University of Berne: Jürg Krauer and Tom Gurtner.

b. MFB GeoConsulting: Michael Baumgartner.

c. Department of Humanitarian Aid: Christoph Schwager, Ueli Salzmann, Rolf Grossenbacher, Daniel Beyeler, Beat von Däniken, Hanspeter Lenz, Franz Stössel, Stephan Barraud.

d. University of Salzburg: Josef Strobl, Michael Fally, Erika Blaschke.

e. I would like to thank my family and my colleagues for their continued support during the time this master thesis has been in preparation.

Declaration / Erklärung:

I assure that the present master thesis was carried out without external help and without using further than the stated sources. I also confirm that this thesis was not submitted to another examination board. All quotations are marked adequately.

Ich versichere, diese MSc Abschlussarbeit ohne fremde Hilfe und ohne Verwendung anderer als der angeführten Quellen angefertigt zu haben, und dass die Arbeit in gleicher oder ähnlicher Form noch keiner anderen Prüfungsbehörde vorgelegen hat.

Alle Ausführungen der Arbeit, die wörtlich oder sinngemäss übernommen wurden, sind entsprechend gekennzeichnet.

Bern, June 2007

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The Golden Pages of Geo-Information for Disaster Management

A disaster is defined as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.¹ The organisation and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all aspects of such emergencies, in particularly preparedness, rapid response, de- mobilisation and post-mission phase is called disaster management. Many techniques have been applied to improve concepts and assertiveness of disaster management.

However, the most drastic changes emerged with the introduction of Geo-information.

The term Geo-information used in the present work includes mainly earth observation (EO) and geographic information system (GIS) as spatial data processing techniques.

EO stands for a field of remote sensing that encompasses the earth itself and the study of interactions with the outside² and GIS for computer programmes for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, analysing, and displaying data about a spatially referenced earth, respectively.³ Additionally, data of space remote sensing, the use of GPS and even analogous maps are all embraced by the term Geo-information.

In 1999 an International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) has been initiated to coordinate and consolidate the national concepts of pre-, post and acute phase management of disasters. In accordance with other countries Switzerland identified Geo-information as a crucial tool in the complex handling of crisis. Therefore the centre for development and environment (CDE), University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland has

1ISDR (2004): Terminology: Basic terms of disaster risk reduction. URL:

http://www.unisdr.org./eng/library/lib-terminology-eng%20home.htm (17th May 07)

2 SABINS (1996): Remote Sensing: Principles and Interpretation. Freeman & Co., New York, third edition, Houndmills

3ISDR (2004): Terminology: Basic terms of disaster risk reduction. URL:

http://www.unisdr.org./eng/library/lib-terminology-eng%20home.htm (17th May 07)

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been commissioned by the Swiss agency for development and cooperation (SDC) to define application areas and guidelines of GIS applications in disaster management.

The thesis takes part of the mandate, by analysing working processes of SDC and evaluating practices and operation modes of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) field teams. Potential integration and support possibilities of GIS applications and their difficulties in the implementation are discussed. The work focuses mainly on current available and future applications of Geo-information within the rapid response phase of disaster management.

A narrative literature review has been performed to collect the necessary background information about current attempts to use Geo-information in disaster management.

These attempts include international initiatives, information platforms, and spatial 3D- planning and visualisation software. In order to make a better use of existing tools a number of Geo-information related initiatives have been induced all over the world.

Major current initiatives and mechanisms of providers are Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), the Space and Major Disasters International Charter (brief Charter), UNOSAT of the United Nations (UN), MapAction and Global Map Aid (both implemented by NGOs), ZKI, SERTIT and initiatives by private companies providing value-added products for disaster management. Information platforms have the aim to facilitate the supply and interchange of more general information about conflict areas. Emergency maps are only one part of the comprehensive data given by these platforms. Relief Map, HEWSweb, Virtual OSOCC, HICs, Reuters AlertNet, ESA/AlertNet Service and CIA are the most important information platforms with integrated satellite data and maps for the humanitarian community. The Leica Virtual Explorer (LVE) Version 3.1, Leica Geosystems, Norcross, Giorgia, USA and the popular virtual globe Google Earth (GE) have been evaluated for potential application in the field of rapid response in disaster management.

A guided interview approach has been used to analyse working processes, practices and modes of operation within SHA. The guideline oriented interview guarantees a qualitative insight with a small number of interview partners. The interview partners were chosen by the task force leader at SDC/SHA according to their experience in application of Geo-information. The same method has been used to evaluate the needs

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during rapid response and expectations of GIS support in the rapid response phase of disaster management.

A rapid produced map of a current area of conflict in the Darfur province, Sudan has been created to give an example of a potential Geo-information product. In brief, the geodatabase was provided by CDE and spatial data was obtained through vector-to- image rectification. Raster modelling, geodata compilation and digital cartography were done with ESRI ArcGIS Version 9.1, ESRI Geoinformatik GmbH, Kranzberg, Germany and Leica ERDAS IMAGINE Version 8.7, Leica Geosystems, Norcross, Giorgia, USA.

The significance of the map was elicited with the same expert team, who already participated in the guided interviews.

The literature review revealed an enormous number of Geo-information related initiatives and information platforms. Existing services have to intensify their coordinative ambitions and to standardise their work- and time-flows in order to promote fast product delivery to the user. Today’s initiatives (like GMES and GDACS) and existing or upcoming server (like the Charter, provider services) indicate the common need of a co-ordinated approach. Unfortunately the required national policies for the incorporation of space based technologies are still lacking. User-driven online information platforms offer general information and map-data services addressed to the humanitarian community for free. Maps are not context-specific and provide large-scale resolution. The evaluation of LVE showed that a potential application in the rapid response section is limited. The main reason is the extremely time-consuming processes of 3D model calculation, conversion from 2D-data into 3D-data or the new acquisition of 3D-data of disaster areas itself. The virtual globe GE can be used as a visualisation aid for a basic briefing/overview of the conflict area, but is unsuitable in the professional application in the rapid response section. The visual data is not up-to-date and the inaccuracies are unacceptable. The created rapid map of Darfur, Sudan proved to be a useful tool as an overview map for the first 24 hours after the onset of a crisis.

Subsequent more detailed (small-scale) maps, in particular damage maps, would be required as soon as possible. The analysis of the qualitative interview data demonstrates the somewhat scare use of Geo-information in the working processes and operation modes of SDC and SHA. There is only a minority of the SHA team which has been

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exposed to Geo-information. SHA delegates work mostly with an inventory of an incomplete collection of analogous maps. Infrequently satellite imagery is included in the visualisation of the conflict area and inconsistently databases are built up within GIS software. Information platforms are only contacted if there is enough time to prepare the mission to collect background information about the conflict area. The current technical communication equipment includes Mini-M Satellites, Thuraya satellite phones or conventional mobile phones, funk and global positioning system (GPS).

The statements of SHA delegates are comparable with the trends seen in the

international cooperation. They start to face the challenge to pursue fast development in geoinformatics and try to integrate Geo-information in their operating modes. Interview partners are certain about the fact that Geo-information is essential to support planning and assessment during rapid response. Technical, political and personal preferences as well as customs of approved methods are possible reasons why Geo-information is not abundantly used. An additional reason for the sparse use of Geo-information is the fact that the tools to process data are only effective in the hands of well-trained staff. The current operational mode of SHA delegates does not schedule mapping process tasks during their missions. Therefore, if the aim is to integrate Geo-information, then the operation mode has to be adjusted. Adjustments are also needed in the technical environment of the field teams. The current technical communication equipment does not allow downloading high resolution satellite images and maps in a timely fashion.

Due to the increasing number of satellites more high quality spatial data will be available to support the disaster management and in particular the rapid response phase.

For the effective use of these upcoming resources it will be important that the current initiatives coordinate their offers on a common platform. Such a platform would guarantee fast and standardised geodata acquisition. Ideally the acquired would then be processed by the same team to achieve a custom made end product.

SDC has the potential to lead the way in using Geo-information in the rapid response phase of disaster management. Structural changes like increased capacity building within the organisation or the deployment of a specialised mapping task EO and GIS

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team would be needed. Furthermore, the introduction of a home based on-call operational service combined with continuously mapping in the field would require technical adjustments.

Information has always had the first priority in managing a crisis. The very potent tools of fast and accurate information acquisition and visualisation will gradually improve our concepts to help people in need.

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List of Figures

Figure 2.1: Disaster Risk Management Cycle, adapted from MALINGREAU ... 1

Figure 2.2 Disaster Relief Tsunami Flooding, Banda Aceh, before and 28. December 2004, QuickBird ... 2

Figure 3.1: Flooding in Mozambique, Feb 2007 ... 16

Figure 3.2: Screenshot of AlertNet`s Interactive map BETA... 20

Figure 4.1: Remote Sensing based Approach, adapted from BAKKER et al... 34

Figure 4.2: The Geographic Database and its Components, adapted from BURROUGH ... 39

Figure 4.4: Selection of Darfur state boundary and provincial boundary of N-, S- and W-Darfur ... 48

Figure 4.5: Principal and Secondary Roads, and main Towns in the Darfur Region ... 49

Figure 4.6: Population in the Darfur Region ... 50

Figure 4.7: Hydrography in the Darfur Region ... 51

Figure 4.8: Activated Layers of the Darfur Map ... 52

Figure 4.9: Extract of the Darfur Map... 53

Figure 5.1: Alert Phases at SDC/HA... 56

Figure 6.1: Map of North-, West- and South- Darfur... 58

Figure 6.2: Current Scheme of SDC Work- and Time-Flow using Geo-Information ... 60

Figure 7.1: Scheme of a Possible Work- and Time-Flow ... 67

Figure 8.1: Disaster relief Earthquake Bam, Iran 27 December 2003, IKONOS... 75

List of Tables

Table 3.1: Actual and Future Products of RESPOND... 10

Table 3.2: UNOSAT Services ... 13

Table 3.3: Online Information Platforms ... 21

Table 4.1: Terminology within Disaster Management Cycle... 33

Table 4.2: Some widely used Satellite Based Scanners and their Application Field(s) ... 35

Table 4.3: Darfur Vector Data... 47

Table 4.4: Applied layers for the Darfur Map ... 49

Table 7.1: Pro- and Contra-Arguments Mapping in the Field... 65

Table 7.2: Pro- and Contra-Arguments for an On-call Operational Service ... 68

Table 7.3: Pro- and Contra- Arguments Temporary Satellite Connection ... 69

Table 11.1: Members and Resources of the Charter ... 23

Abbreviations

CDE Centre for Development and Environment, University of Berne, Switzerland Charter International Charter Space and Major Disasters

CIA Central Intelligence Agency CNES Centre National d`Etudes spatiales

CONAE Comision Nacional de Actividades Espaciales CSA Canadian Space Agency

DEM Digital elevation model

DLR Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt

DMC International Imaging Disaster Monitoring Constellation DTM Digital terrain model

EO Earth observation

ERCS Emergency Response Core Service

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ERS European Remote Sensing Satellite ESA European Space Agency

FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation

GDACS Global Disaster Alert Coordination System

GE Google Earth

GEOSS Global Earth Observation System of Systems GIS Geographic information system

GIST Geographic Information Support Team

GMES Global Monitoring for Environment and Security GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

GPS Global Positioning System HA Department of Humanitarian Aid HEWS Humanitarian Early Warning Service HIC Humanitarian Information Centre IASC Inter-Agency Standing Committee

IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies INSARAG International Search and Rescue Advisory Group

IRSO Indian Space Research Organisation JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency LEMA Local Emergency Management Authorities LVE Leica Virtual Explorer

MS Multispectral Scanners

NEOC National Emergency Operations Centre NGO Non Governmental Organisation

NPOC National Point of Contact, Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Switzerland NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

OGC Open GIS Consortium

ORCHESTRA Open Architecture and Spatial Data Infrastructure for Risk Management POIs Points of Interest

PCode Population Code

RADAR RAdio Detection And Ranging SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar

SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

SERTIT Service Régional de Traitement d'Image et de Télédétection – Strasbourg

SET Soforteinsatz-Teams

SHA Swiss Humanitarian Aid unit

SPOT Satéllite pour l`Observation de la Terre

UK United Kingdom

UN United Nations

UNISDR UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction UNOCHA UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs UNOOSA UN Office for Outer Space Affairs

UNOPS UN Office for Project Services UNOSAT UN Operations Satellite Applications UNOSOCC UN On-Site Operations Coordination Centre USAID United States Agency for International Development USAR Urban Search and Rescue

USGS U.S. Geological Survey WFP World Food Programme

ZKI Zentrum für satellitengestützte Kriseninformation

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1 Abstract

Aims and Objectives: In trying to ease the impact of natural and man-made disasters many efforts have been taken to improve the complex disaster management. The most drastic advances have been achieved through the introduction of Geo-information in almost all disaster phases. The aim of the thesis was to analyse the feasibility and potential of Geo-information in the rapid response section of disaster management in general and the evaluation of the implementation by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Department of Humanitarian Aid (HA) as well as by the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA).

Methods: A narrative literature review has been performed to collect the necessary background information about current attempts to use Geo-information in disaster management. A guided interview approach has been used to analyse working processes and operation modes of SDC and SHA. The interview partners were chosen by the task force leader at SDC/HA according to their experience in application of Geo- information. A rapid map of a current area of conflict has been created to give an example of a potential Geo-information product. The significance of such a map was elicited with the same experts who already participated in the guided interviews.

Results: The literature review revealed an enormous number of Geo-information related initiatives, information platforms and planning, respectively visualisation software in the context of disaster management. The rapid map is a useful tool as an overview map for the first hours after the onset of a crisis. Subsequent more detailed (higher spatial resolution) maps in particular damage maps are required as soon as possible. The analysis of the qualitative interview data demonstrates the somewhat scare use of Geo- information in their working processes and operation modes.

Conclusion: Geo-information can offer a substantial contribution to improve performance in the rapid response phase of disaster management. The potential of Geo- information applications in the SHA organisation is not fully utilised. A broader infrastructure would be required to assure the cutting edge in disaster management.

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2 Geo-Information in Disaster Management

2.1 Natural and Man-made Disasters and Switzerland’s Priority to Disaster Reduction Measures

Natural disasters, political conflicts, and over-exploitation of natural resources threaten the existence of human beings and constitute a major challenge to the humanitarian aid community. Natural disasters like floods, droughts and famine, earthquakes or fires, and hurricanes but also man-made disasters like conflicts and refugees claim lives of thousands in affected regions. In accordance with the World Disasters Report 2004⁴, up to 300 million people were stroke by natural disasters, conflicts or a combination of both. The tsunami, which hit the coastline of the Indian Ocean on the 26^th December 2004, the Pakistan Earthquake on the 8^th October 2005, or Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 led to concussive images which will form part of our memory forever. In trying to ease the impact on affected populations, many efforts have been taken to face the complexity of disaster management. Figure 2.1 demonstrates the most commonly used approach in the handling of such crisis by splitting up three main phases of disaster management in a pre-, acute response-, and post- phase.

Figure 2.1: Disaster Risk Management Cycle, adapted from MALINGREAU⁵

4 IFRC (2004): World Disasters Report. URL: http://www.ifrc.org/publicat/wdr2004/ (14^th Sept 06)

5 MALINGREAU (2006): Integrating space observations with field data and models for disaster management, unpublished slide. Summer School Alpbach, 2006.

Master Thesis Focus

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In 1999 an International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) has been initiated to coordinate the concepts of various countries. Switzerland who took part in the UNISDR confirmed six years later its engagement by presenting their priorities in hazard reduction, prevention, and precautionary measures in humanitarian aid⁶ and launched a program to implement their agreements. Geo-information – earth observation (EO) and geographic information systems (GIS) - has been recognised as a crucial tool in the disaster management. An illustrative example of a possible application (disaster relief) is given in Figure 2.2. Particularly the use of Geo-information within the rapid response section of disaster management yielded promising results.

Figure 2.2 Disaster Relief Tsunami Flooding, Banda Aceh, before and 28. December 2004, QuickBird⁷

As a result of this trend more and more humanitarian organisations are using satellite imagery and GIS in their headquarters, their crisis rooms, and for their intelligence reports for decision makers in New York, Geneva or Brussels.⁸

6 UNISDR (2005): Summary of national information on the current status of disaster reduction, as background of the World Conference on Disaster Reduction. URL:

http://www.unisdr.org/wcdr/preparatory-process/national-reports.htm (14^th Sept 06)

7 Eurimage/www.mfb-geo.com/”2004“

8 BALLY et al. (2005): Remote Sensing and Humanitarian Aid, p.39. In: ESA Bulletin 122, May 2005.

URL: http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bulletin122/bul122e_bally.pdf (16^thMay 07)

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Geo-information in the Development Context – Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation faces the Challenge

Switzerland pays great importance to implement Geo-information in the domain of humanitarian aid and disaster reduction. This led to the analyse of the state of application of Geo-information and the needs concerning Geo-information during rapid response at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Department of Humanitarian Aid (HA).

The Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland has been commissioned by SDC to reveal the most important lines of attack, as well as to define policies and guidelines of GIS application in conjunction of international cooperation.

The thesis takes part of the mandate, by analysing working processes of SDC and validation of practices and mode of operation within assessment teams in the humanitarian aid. The work focuses on applications of Geo-information in the response section of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid unit (SHA) within disaster management. The feasibility and practicability of such applications is evaluated on a simulated rapid response map based on original data from the Darfur Crisis, Sudan. The results of this thesis will be incorporated in the mandate’s final report and orally presented at SDC in 2008.

2.2 Using Geo-Information at SDC 2.2.1 Potentials and Applications

At the UN World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction in Munich (2004) it has been assert that despite of an on-going spread of initiatives throughout the world, major differences still exist. This relies on the lack of awareness of the disaster management community about available resources and about knowledge how to access and use Geo- information.

Applications of Geo-information often focus on technology and its ability of facing problems instead of looking into the “user’s point of view”. This thesis analysis user’s requirements and the supporting function of Geo-information. For clarification of questions in the area of rapid response at SDC, the following assumptions have been made:

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¾ SHA is not exhausting technical possibilities to apply Geo-information in the rapid response section.

¾ Geo-information can offer a substantial contribution to superior short term action in the areas of humanitarian and emergency aid.

2.2.2 Outlined and not Outlined Topics in the Thesis Outlined Topics

• Humanitarian organisations have a wide focus. The thesis is limited to the rapid response phase. Especially the actual use and impact of applied Geo-information in the work of SHA is discussed. An outlook of possible Geo-information implementation is given.

• Particularities of the SHA logistics and construction expert sections; potential of Geo-information in these sections are outlined.

• Rising awareness of available resources and their accessibility are discussed based on the results of personal interviews with SHA delegates.

• A broad literature review has been performed to give a current overview of already used Geo-information in the rapid response section.

• Geo-information refers only to spaceborne remote sensing (satellite imagery) as part of EO and to GIS aspects. It’s about data availability and access, but not an estimation of data quality in a technical view.

• The potential of Google Earth (GE) and Leica Virtual Explorer (LVE) for disaster management, namely for rapid response, is briefly specified.

• Examples of rapid mapping products by using ArcGIS are given.

Not Outlined Topics

• Pre- and post-disaster aspects of disaster management.

• Integration of further Swiss administration institutions like National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), National Point of Contact (NPOC), and others.

• Set-up recommendations and cost estimations of solutions for SDC/SHA.

• Detailed conceptual description and recommendations of a (inter)national database.

• Analysis of various causes of natural and man-made disasters.

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• Describing the circuit of International Charter Space and Major Disaster and evaluation of these processes.

• Expansion of the interview domain to further SHA expert groups.

• Converting raw space imagery into geographical information, ortho-products or extract DEMs from stereo imagery using automated processing and manual editing tools.

• Analysis of Geo-information like aerial photography, media reports, and other Geo-information sources.

• Satellite specific rapid mapping requirements like global daily revisit, large data capacity, rapid area coverage, multi-spectral optical imager etc. are not discussed.

• Practical application of LVE and further comparison with 3D- software beside LVE.

2.3 Theoretical Background of Geo-Information and Chosen Approaches

2.3.1 Theoretical Background of Spaceborne Remote Sensing and GIS A theoretical overview and some first concepts of the spaceborne remote sensing and GIS process are given in Chapter 4.

The focus is based of these two sections:

Spaceborne Remote Sensing

• Introduction to spaceborne remote sensing (EO)

• Multispectral scanners and RADAR

GIS

• Introduction to GIS

• GIS components

• GIS capabilities for disaster management

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2.3.2 Methods

In order to generate the results in the thesis an empirical and technical approach has been chosen (Chapter 4). With the empirical approach the author wants to find out how certain processes are organised at SDC/HA and what their needs are during rapid response. For that purpose interview partners are selected after exclusive criteria. In the technical section a cartographic approach aims to create a rapid mapping product based on a current crisis in Sudan with geodata provided by CDE. The worth and significance of such a map in the effective work of SHA delegates will be evaluated within the interviews with these experts.

2.3.3 Test Dataset: Darfur Map Series

The map in Chapter 4 presents one of six field maps of the Darfur Map Series (1:250`000) carried out by CDE and modified by the author. The maps and the geodatabase were prepared by CDE, with funding from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The map is being released as a technical contribution to support the humanitarian, peace-keeping and reconstruction efforts in Darfur, Western Sudan.

2.3.4 Test Area: SDC`s Department of Humanitarian Aid

The test area described in detail in Chapter 5 is limited to HA. An analysis of its actual inventory shows the strategy of SDC by its organisational structure, intervention areas, objectives and partners of HA.

2.4 The Role of Geo-Information in Humanitarian Organisations 2.4.1 Expected Results

The Role of Geo-Information for International Cooperation

• More and more humanitarian organisations profit from use of Geo-information.

• In the domain of rapid response the application of satellite imagery is more frequent applied than processed raw data within GIS.

Description of the Organisational Structure of HA

• The operating process of SDC/HA is well-organised.

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• The organisation allows a multi-plane analysis of the use of Geo-information in the model of rapid response.

Generation of Rapid Mapping Products and Application by SHA Delegates

• A feasible rapid mapping product can be achieved within two days by using geodata.

• The application of Geo-information is still sparsely used in the daily work of the SHA delegates.

• Geo-information would support the rapid, highly targeted aid of SDC/SHA within the first days of crisis management.

2.4.2 Projected Audience

The aim of this project is to give people working at SDCs headquarter in HA and SHA delegates an understanding of the entity of Geo-information and its possible potential within their work. Technical specifications are limited to the essential descriptions for addressed readers in the highlighted chapter.

2.5 Structure of the Thesis

Chapter 3 aims at describing the role of Geo-information in the international context today on the basis of relevant literature. It serves as a comparison to the situation at SDC/HA presented in Chapter 5. Chapter 7 presents potential methods of resolution.

Finally, Chapter 8 highlights relevant discussion points and Chapter 9 gives an outlook.

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3 Application of Geo-Information in Disaster Management for Rapid Response

3.1 Overview of International Actors Applying Geo-Information

“The humanitarian community’s ability to collect, analyze, disseminate, and act on key information is fundamental to effective response”⁹.

Early stages of response are characterized by difficult access to reliable Geo- information for management in the context of natural and man-made disasters, especially in infrastructural aggrieved countries. Maps of the affected areas may be out of date, or non-existent. Ideally, maps would be up to date, detailed (vector and raster data), and accurate in its projection and in various scales. Maps in the rapid mapping response phase should visualise the amplitude, extent, and impact of the event. Based on this geographical information an appropriate decision and action taking is possible in a timely fashion.

In order to make a better use of existing tools a number of Geo-information related initiatives have been induced all over the world. Major current initiatives are Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), the Space and Major Disasters International Charter (for short the Charter), UNOSAT of the United Nations (UN), MapAction and Global Map Aid (both implemented by NGOs), ZKI, SERTIT and initiatives by private companies providing value-added products for disaster management. The following chapter reviews the above mentioned initiatives and gives an overview of their role in the phase of rapid response within disaster management.

Important information platforms are summarized in a separated table. The discussion of a potential spatial planning-software and the popular virtual globe Google Earth completes the summary of versatile possibilities to improve the use of GEO-information in the field of disaster management.

9 UNOCHA (2002): Best Practices in Humanitarian Information Management and Exchange. URL:

www.reliefweb.int/symposium/final_statement.doc (19^th April 07)

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3.1.1 International Search and Rescue Advisory Group – the INSARAG Guidelines¹⁰

INSARAG was formed in 1991, as a cooperative effort by countries that are disposed to earthquakes and disasters that may cause structural break-up, or countries and

organisations that are providers of international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) assistance like Switzerland, the UN, the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and other international responders. The INSARAG Guidelines – as an integral part of national disaster management framework – are intended as a reference guide for

international USAR operations for countries aiming to establish USAR capacity, as well as for established USAR teams. The use of these Guidelines has been endorsed by the UN general Assembly Resolution 57/150 2002 “Strengthening the Effectiveness and Coordination of international USAR Assistance.”

The main objectives are:

- Rapidness and coordination - Effectivity and consistency

- Bring forward expert knowledge on national and regional level.

3.1.2 GMES – the European Contribution to GEOSS

Policy makers are concerned about ensuring access to information on the environment at different scales without losing independence in the relevant policy areas like civil protection.

As a result of these considerations, a productive international collaboration relative to rapid mapping of disaster events using EO imagery, the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) has been established. Within this framework, GMES – the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security – constitutes the European contribution. The common initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission targets on definition and implementation of systems, which use relevant information sources and procure these information for European institutions and citizens. Initial GMES services can be considered in a wide variety of domains. In general they cover mapping, forecasting and crisis management. In this framework rapid mapping related GMES-projects are: Risk-EOS, RESPOND and ERCS. Their intention is to provide real-time and secure information for civil protection and security.

10 UNDAC (unknown): INSARAG Response System Overview. URL:

http://www.reliefweb.int/undac/documents/insarag/guidelines/Sysov.html (22^th June 07)

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3.1.2.1 Risk-EOS

The Earth Observation System Risk-EOS, started in 2003, focuses on flood and fire rapid mapping throughout all phases of disaster management (including regional fire monitoring).¹¹

3.1.2.2 RESPOND

RESPOND is a consortium “of European value-adding companies (led by Infoterra UK) and public agencies involved in Geo-information resources to support humanitarian aid”¹². Respond aims to improve accessibility to maps, satellite imagery and geographical information. Types of actual and future products of Geo-information for humanitarian aid purposes are described in Table 3.1:

Theme Typical Content Type

1: Basic maps (digital, paper, EO, non-EO) Maps and Map archive to use for other themes

2: Crisis and Damage Mapping Damage Maps

3: Situation Maps Maps and GIS

4: Refugee/IDP support maps Maps and GIS

5.1: Thematic maps for Prevention /

Reconstruction Planning purposes Thematic Maps

5.2: Health Maps Thematic Maps

5.3: Environmental Impact Assessment Maps Thematic Maps

6: Alert Services Global Services

7: Communication / reporting resources Ad-Hoc Mapping and graphics

Table 3.1: Actual and Future Products of RESPOND¹³

11 RISK-EOS (unknown): Overview. URL: http://www.risk-eos.com/actus/pge/index.php?arbo=0 (29^th April 07)

12 BALLY et al. (2005): Remote Sensing and Humanitarian Aid, p.38. In: ESA Bulletin 122, May 2005.

URL: http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bulletin122/bul122e_bally.pdf (16^thMay 07)

13 RESPOND (2005): What products will be available? URL: http://www.respond-

int.org/Respond/public/html/products_and_services/whatProductsWillBeAvailable.html (29^th April 07)

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Additional future intents encompass the following projects:

Global Base Mapping and Imagery

RESPOND collates international mapping and imagery to create a world database that is instantly accessible via the Internet because of low detail mapping or out-of-date maps.

The database will be available via established channels (e.g. ReliefWeb) and features special tools, which allow customisation, mark-up and overlay of user data.

Updated Information for “Hot spots”

RESPOND will maintain an archive of geographical information for areas of conflict, or areas where crises are likely to occur. The archive is available via established channels.

Within the archive so-called “Hot Spots” are defined and prioritised by users.

Information on Emerging Crises

RESPOND reacts to crises and provide, as quickly as possible up to date mapping of the area prior to the crisis, maps and assess the post crisis situation as well as perform thematic mapping relevant to crisis e.g. accessibility, food security, camp location and damage mapping.

3.1.2.3 Towards GMES Services – ERCS

Although the commissioning is carried out not until 2008 the Emergency Response Core Service (ERCS) has to be mentioned. It will focus on the provision of rapid mapping and assessment services, and provide support to Civil Protection and other relief agencies authorities in the form of:

• Provision of geo-spatial database and information (variety of sources including remote sensing) for concerned regions

• Assessment of events and impacts

• Access to monitoring tools for the duration of the crisis

• Delivery of tailored solutions and services¹⁴.

14 GMES (2007): Emergency Response. URL: http://www.gmes.info/174.0.html (29^th April 07)

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3.1.3 The Space and Major Disaster International Charter

The Charter, operational since 2000, aims at providing a standardised system of space data acquisition and the allocation of it for free, by authorized users, to those affected by natural or man-made disasters. The member agencies (Chapter 11.2.1) have committed resources from a constellation of different satellites to support the provisions of the Charter. The Charter – a European initiative – has earned international recognition and has become the primary mechanism for providing imagery worldwide. BESSIS et al.¹⁵ state that the Charter is a remarkable and successful initiative that makes imagery from major satellites readily available to civil protection during emergencies. According to ALLENBACH et al.¹⁶ the Charter has already been activated 72 times for natural or technological disasters between 2000 and 2005. Therefore in cooperation with the specialised humanitarian UN agencies (like UNOOSA and UNOSAT) the Charter has been triggered nine times to support UN sister agencies in the field till 2004.¹⁷ In addition to national authorities and specialised humanitarian UN agencies, the Charter provides imagery for several humanitarian organisations. The Charter’s products are published on information platforms like ReliefWeb or Reuters AlertNet. The process sequences of the Charter (from its activation to provision of raw satellite data) are not standardised. Workflows and procedures always depend on the specific disaster and the involved actors.

3.1.4 United Nations Operational Satellite Applications

The UN Operations Satellite Applications (UNOSAT) programme is created by international community and developing countries with access to satellite imagery and GIS services. These tools are used mainly in humanitarian relief, disaster prevention and post crisis reconstruction.

With its core team (UN fieldworkers, satellite imagery experts, database programmers and internet communication specialists) UNOSAT delivers its 24/7 (twenty-four-seven) – service through a web-based geographic interface or the imagery data bank and also through direct contact. The difference between the Charter and UNOSAT is that

15 BESSIS et al. (2002): Three typical examples of activation of the International Charter „Space and Major Disasters“. Advanced Space Research vol 33 (2004), p.244-248, Elsevier.

16 ALLENBACH et al. (2005): Rapid EO Disaster Mapping Service: Added Value, Feedback and Perspectives after 4 Years of Charter Actions. In: Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2005.

17 BALLY et al. (2005): Remote Sensing and Humanitarian Aid. In: ESA Bulletin 122 May 2005. URL:

http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bulletin122/bul122e_bally.pdf (16^thMay 07)

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UNOSAT does not acquire own satellite data by itself, and therefore has to order satellite images from the Charter or commercial providers. Charged services for UNOSAT users:

Service Description

EO imagery Access to all commercial earth satellite providers including optical and radar images

Standard digital maps Satellite images with other geographic information (road names or network, administrative boundaries, and other specific information about the situation on the ground)

Satellite images Imagery selection and procurement assistance;

image processing, map production,

methodological

guidance DEM Visualisation of the terrain slope and Creation of 3D models of the lands surface

Globally DEMs: 1 km resolution coverage for the whole earth and 90 m resolution radar-derived data between 60 degrees latitude

DEMs provided in raster (image) format as well as vectors (both fully compatible with existing data base maps and other geographic information for inclusion in a GIS)

Advisory services Support for production of customary maps, including damage evaluation and risk maps Project

management/execution

On the rules and regulations of the UN Project Services (UNOPS)

Technical assistance and training

Free Maps There are free products for the humanitarian community which can be downloaded directly from the internet. Additional products (including satellite images for example from Ikonos, SPOT, Landsat or Envisat) and thematic maps (landcover, DEMs, analyzes) can be provided by UNOSAT on request.

Delivery time Example 3 h 50` for flood extent vectors to the field after image acquisition¹⁸

Table 3.2: UNOSAT Services¹⁹

18 BJORGO (2004): Linking Space Organisations and Civil Protection Agencies/Relief Organisations. In:

UN International Workshop on the Use of Space Technology for Disaster Management. Munich, Germany 18-22 October 2004. Unpublished slide.

19 UNOSAT (unknown): Product and Services. URL: http://unosat.web.cern.ch/unosat (30^th Aug 06)

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The unique combination of these services meets the requirements of the users in a custom-made fashion.

3.1.5 MapAction: In-situ Mapping to Support Humanitarian Disaster Response

MapAction is a UK-based international charity governed by a board of trustees supporting humanitarian operations with real time mapping. The main fields of operation are Africa, Europe, the Middle East and south Asia as far as the Indian subcontinent. It was established in 1999 and became operational in 2003. MapAction`s core role is situational mapping in rapid-onset disasters. A team of expert volunteers maintains 24 – 48 h readiness to deploy from the UK to establish a mapping field base at the scene of a natural or man-made disaster.

MapAction exhibits a very short delivery time for their instant, real-time maps of the disaster zone. There is collaboration between UNOSAT and MapAction. UNOSAT sends damage assessment GIS data to MapAction for map distribution in the field.²⁰

MapAction offers the following techniques and technology to relief workers:

Key aspect Description

Acquisition of baseline mapping Advance acquisition of baseline mapping for potential future disaster areas (mapping of “hot spots”).

Field-based personnel These personnel are experienced in relief work, systematically collating data, verifying its accuracy and updating it on a daily basis.

Large-scale maps focused on specific relief requirements through sectoral overlays.

Map specifications

Maps formatted to suit the specific needs of aid agencies:

- Laminated on paper (for field use) - Use of CD-ROM

- Use of web site (for agency headquarters)

GIS Interactive GIS on web based servers, enabling interrogation on-line.

Enhancement of existing baseline maps in the field through computer-linked Global Positioning System (GPS²¹)/GIS systems.

20 BJORGO (2004): Linking Space Organisations and Civil Protection Agencies/Relief Organisations. In:

UN International Workshop on the Use of Space Technology for Disaster Management. Munich, Germany 18-22 October 2004. Unpublished slide.

21 The American GPS is a global infrastructure for the provision of positioning and timing information.

The term Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) summarises the American GPS, the Russian Glonass and the proposed European Galileo system.

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Map transfer Transferability of maps back to headquarters units through phone- line, satellite and Internet link-ups

Relief/development A unique management combination of relief/development, digitised mapping and satellite-communications skills.

Table 3.3: MapAction`s Offer to Relief Workers²²

3.1.6 Global MapAid²³

Global MapAid was initiated to assist victims and rehabilitating damage through map specialists. The NGO`s main focus lies on capturing data for mapping poverty crises hotspots, drought, food security, HIV monitoring, and environmental rehabilitation.

Beside this pre- and post-disaster view, Global MapAid offers to fill “gaps” in the current humanitarian mapping for example after the earthquake in northern Pakistan in the autumn of 2005 with a suggested snow-line map.

3.1.7 ZKI: Centre for Satellite Based Crisis Information

The Centre for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) is a service of DLR`s (German Aerospace Center) German Remote Sensing Data Center and “is engaged in the acquisition, analysis and provision of satellite based information products on natural disasters, humanitarian crisis situation, and civil security”²⁴. ZKI operates in various contexts and supports the Charter activities through a so called project manager. The project manager translates the user needs, gives disaster situation into appropriate satellite commanding, searches for records from archives, and undertakes image analysis and mapping. ZKI not only transfers raw satellite imagery into satellite maps or thematic interpretations provided by the Charter or other (inter)national data provision networks, but also provides in house satellite acquisition.²⁵ ZKI maintains a clearly arranged archive since 2003 and earlier.²⁶

22 COTTRAY (2004): In-situ mapping to support humanitarian disaster response: MapAction`s Experiences from the field during TRIPLEX04. In: UN International Workshop on the Use of Space Technology for Disaster Management. Munich, Germany 18-22 October 2004. Unpublished slide.

23 Global MapAid (unknown): About Us. URL: www.globalmapaid.rdvp.org/about.htm (17^th June 07)

24 VOIGT et al. (2005): Experience and Perspective of Providing Satellite Based Crisis Information, Emergency Mapping and Disaster Monitoring Information to Decision Makers and Relief Workers. In:

OOSTEROM et al. (2005), p.519-531.

25 ZKI (unknown): About ZKI. URL: http://www.zki.caf.dlr.de/intro_en.html (4^th Dec 06)

26 ZKI (2006): Centre for Satellite Based Crisis Information. Emergency Mapping & Disaster Monitoring.

URL: http://www.zki.caf.dlr.de/archive/archive2006_en.html (17^th June 07)

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3.1.8 SERTIT: Rapid Earth Observation Mapping Service

SERTIT (Regional Service of Image Treatment and Remote Sensing, Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg) is the French Space Agency (CNES) value adding service for the Charter (2004-2006). A rapid mapping service principally using EO data is operational. The service is proposed for GMES. Involved are ESA as supporter and CNES as technical service provider during Charter actions placed under French responsibility. CNES, UNOSAT and Spot Image can be mentioned as further partners of SERTIT. Usually using EO imagery from the Charter, SERTIT specialists transform raw data into geographical data and disseminate geographical information relating to natural disasters, during a crisis using all available sensors. SERTIT lists its rapid mapping service actions till October 2006 on the homepage.²⁷

The Figure 3.1 shows SERTIT`s most actual rapid mapping product for flooding in Mozambique (Feb 07):

Figure 3.1: Flooding in Mozambique, Feb 2007²⁸

27 SERTIT (2006): Service de Cartographie Rapide. URL: http://sertit.u- strasbg.fr/francais/fr_service_carto_rapide.htm (17^th May 07)

28 SERTIT (2007): Flooding in Mozambique (2007), Charter Call ID 145. URL: http://sertit.u- strasbg.fr/documents/mozambique_2007/mozambique_07.html (24^th March 07)

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3.1.9 Additional Initiatives and Services

The following European initiatives and services are not directly affiliated to the field of rapid response but they are mentioned here due to their impact on the solution process discussed below.

3.1.9.1 ORCHESTRA

Open Architecture and Spatial Data Infrastructure for Risk Management (ORCHESTRA) is a project in support of GMES activities. It’s an open, service- oriented software architecture that aims at improving GIS-Information and standards concerning risk management. There is cooperation work between ORCHESTRA and the OGC-working group “Risk and Crisis Management” intended to be completed 2007.²⁹

3.1.9.2 My-map.net & My-mapper.net

SCHMIDT³⁰ mentions that the web service allocates “ready-to-use” GIS functionality over the internet. Users are able to compose and edit required geodata on their own. On the basis of open-source software users can realise both desktop-GIS and WebGIS (Interactive maps on the internet. Maps can be downloaded in various scales and formats) as well as Mobile-GIS applications. Web Services offer cooperation platforms to exchange maps, documents and other spatial-oriented products.

3.1.9.3 GISCorps

GISCorps is an American board operating under the leadership of URISA (Urban and Regional Information Systems Association). GISCorps supports humanitarian relief and

“coordinates short term, and volunteer based GIS services to underprivileged communities”³¹.

29 SCHIMAK et al. (2006): ORCHESTRA-Entwicklung einer offenen, service-orientierten Architektur für das Risikomanagement in Europa. In: ROTH and STROBL (2006): GIS und Sicherheitsmanagement, Wichmann Verlag, Heidelberg, p.8-15.

30 SCHMIDT (2005): my-mapper.net-Open-Source GIS als Web-Service nutzen. In: ROTH & STROBL (Editors): GIS und Sicherheitsmanagement, Wichmann Verlag, Heidelberg, p.70-75.

31 GISCORPS (unknown): Welcome to URISA`s GISCorps. URL: http://www.giscorps.org/ (17^th May 07)

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3.1.9.4 HumanitarianGIS.Com³²

Humanitariangis.Com wants to provide a place to share good practice, discuss critical issues and possible work on joint projects in the web. The website has been set up by humanitarian.info, a consultancy working on information management in humanitarian operations.

3.1.9.5 UNOCHA`s GeoNetwork Opensource

GeoNetwork Opensource pursuits a geographic management approach. It aims at connecting spatial information communities and their data. They try to provide spatial information to users (e.g. emergency managers) with easy and timely access to available spatial data and to existing thematic maps. The standardised spatial information management uses a modern architecture “based on the principles of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and International and Open Standards for services and protocols (ISO/TC211 and OGC)”³³. It authorises access to georeferenced databases, cartographic products and related metadata from different sources. Thereby the internet acts as an improved medium for spatial information exchange and information sharing between involved organisations.

3.1.9.6 GIST: USAID`s Geographic Information Support Team³⁴

Since 1998 the Geographic Information Support Team promotes the use of geographic data standards and GIS in support of humanitarian relief operations. The group consists of technical experts, GIS specialists and information management officers from UN and donor agencies involved in humanitarian assistance.

Similar to GeoNetwork Opensource GIST is based on a common approach to organise and share information in order to strength coordination efforts within rapid response.

More detailed information about data resources is available on the secured GIST`

homepage.

32 Humanitariangis.Com (2006): About Us. URL: http://www.humanitariangis.com/ (17^th June 07)

33 UNOCHA (unknown): About GeoNetwork opensource page. URL:

http://geonetwork.unocha.org/mapsondemand/srv/en/about (17^th June 07)

34 GIST (unknown): About the GIST. URL: https://gist.itos.uga.edu/ (17^th June 07)