Geographic information systems allow for the capturing, storing, analysis, and management of georeferenced information, and is a key underlying element to risk assessment. GIS data represents discrete objects and continuous fields abstracted as raster images or vector points, lines, and polygons. Software can be used for topographic or hydrological modeling, cartography, geostatistics and spatial assessments. Notable mapping software includes ESRI ArcGIS, Google Maps and OpenStreetMap.The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is an international industry group of nearly 400 companies, government agencies, universities, and individuals working towards publicly available geoprocessing specifications.
Photo credit: Teaser image, OpenStreetMap
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This paper offers an innovative approach to immerse disaster managers in geoinformation: participatory games that enable stakeholders to experience playable system dynamic models linking geoinformation, decisions and consequences in a way that is both serious and fun.
The main impetus of this article is to summarize key contributions and challenges in utilizing and accepting GIS and RS methods and data for disaster risk governance.
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- An urgent case for higher resolution digital elevation models (Journal Article)
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- Critical Data Source: Tool or Even Infrastructure? Challenges of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing for Disaster Risk Governance (Journal Article)
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