Sensing disaster: Using tech to improve preparedness in New York City
By David LaShell
With 600 miles of inhabited coastline and a physical location that many scientists believe is susceptible to a major earthquake, New York City’s vulnerability to disaster is one of its biggest liabilities. Since then, many experts have asked, “How can we do better next time?” Looking to the future and adopting new methods to predict and prepare for an emergency is key to answering this question.
[...]
GIS analyzes location data and organizes layers of real-time information into powerful, smart map visualizations. Japanese scientists are using GIS to reveal deeper insights about the physical landscape and population. Looking at patterns, relationships and situations ultimately empowers government officials and city planners to make smarter disaster planning decisions.
[...]
Similar technology could be applied in New York to catalogue individual building and neighborhood vulnerabilities. For instance, if the next disaster hits during a heatwave and results in a power outage, rescuing vulnerable citizens, such as the elderly, will be a critical priority. Heatwaves have killed more people in New York City—and the country—than any other weather event. GIS could help rescue officials prioritize response efforts and quickly implement lifesaving rescue operations.
[...]
Having a holistic picture of all interlocking systems that make New York City work would give city officials a more accurate starting point for disaster planning. Instead of guessing what effect a flood will have on the various infrastructure elements in a specific part of the city, officials would know exactly what is vulnerable, empowering them to prepare residents ahead of time and plan response operations, accordingly. This would give New York City an unprecedented tool to harden infrastructure and make certain that the next storm is not as disruptive to the lives of New Yorkers.