ROLE OF GIS

Role of GIS in Disaster

A  Geographic Information System (GIS) or  Geographical Information System is any system that integrates, captures, stores, analyzes  shares, manages, and displays data that is linked to location and known  as geographic data. GIS merges computer program with geo-referenced and cartographic information, resulting in digital maps and databases with fundamental applications in areas such as natural resource management, ecosystem conservation, environmental studies, utility management, infrastructures and transportation planning, town and regional planning, municipal government and also commercial applications.

GIS plays an important role in giving awareness about disaster and taking safety measurements. e.g.

Before disaster

·         Observing the area through satellite

·         Studying the nature of soil or other characters

·         Comparing with old remains

·         Studying the weather of the area

·         Natural effects on the area such as weather, glacier etc

After having above observations, if the area is risk full then it is important to move the people of the area to safe areas. After disaster there will be many other tasks for  Geographic information system.

After disaster

·         Searching for a safe area for IDPS

·         Planning for the construction of  shelters for IDPs

·         Who need and where is the help

·         Traffic planning for rescue mobiles

Above points are the ways to face a disaster in an appropriate way. During the disaster of attabad we faced deficiency of GIS experts due to which first a big disaster happened and after disaster some serious causality occurred because rescue mobiles reached after long time, then another problem we faced was a safe area to move the IDPs to the safe area which we need.

Now  focus Pakistan have the experts of geographic information system and I think it will give awareness about other disaster  expected areas and safety measurements for preserving humanity from serious problems.