As hurricane season ramps up, people in affected parts of the country and the world are once again thinking about how to prepare for the prospect of a big storm impacting their lives. GIS systems are central to the efforts public officials, first responders, meteorologists, and others make in managing crisis situations, including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. Here we’ll discuss how they’re harnessing these tools. 

Benefits of GIS Applications Before, During, and After Disaster Strikes 

Here are some ways GIS is aiding in disaster management: 

  1. GIS is used to identify areas at risk for natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and landslides and predict the impact of these disasters on the local population and infrastructure. 
  1. GIS enables officials to pinpoint shelter locations, identify ideal evacuation routes, and allocate resources where they are needed most. 
  1. GIS technology empowers users to run simulations of potential disaster scenarios to aid in the training of emergency personnel.  
  1. GIS helps project potential damage before a disaster, assess the extent of the destruction after it occurs, and prioritize rescue and reconstruction efforts. 
  1. GIS collects data from sensors and monitoring systems to provide real-time information on potential hazards, enabling officials to alert the public about developing and imminent dangers. 
  1. Long used for map creation, GIS technology is the source of maps and other informative materials officials distribute to show the public where floods are most likely to occur and whether they’re living in an evacuation zone. 
  1. GIS enables utility companies to locate service outage areas and prioritize their restoration efforts to those locations. 
  1. GIS offers officials a way to reduce the risk of crises and their subsequent damage when such crises may be within human control.  
  1. GIS helps officials assess the possible impact of disasters on natural resources, woodlands, and wetlands so they can take steps to mitigate damage. 

Map Out Your Own Plan for Greater Career Mobility 

A broad range of career fields rely on GIS applications, including government, finance, telecommunications, real estate, healthcare, and insurance. Whether you aspire to move into a field where GIS is used or simply want to expand your resume to qualify for advancement, we have an online program designed to help you.  

The University of Texas Permian Basin’s 12-credit online graduate GIS and Geospatial Certificate introduces you to the technology, principles, and practices of GIS through courses that provide valuable hands-on experience with common GIS applications. Build expertise that will benefit you in disaster management and beyond. 

Here are some of the reasons you should consider our 100% online GIS graduate certificate program: 

  • Earn your certificate after completing just four eight-week semesters. 
  • Take courses in any order that’s convenient for you. 
  • Access our 100% online, asynchronous courses from any location, 24/7. 
  • Maintain your professional and personal commitments. 
  • Learn from UTPB’s renowned geosciences faculty. 

View jobs and salaries related to our GIS program here. 

Give your career a boost with valuable new credentials. Apply now.  

Sources: 
https://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/our-impact/story/evolving-gis-technologies-advance-disaster-management
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-can-you-use-gis-manage-disasters
https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/emergency-management/overview
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/GIS-and-Event-Modeling-TN_0816-508.pdf