Rapid Response Mapping in Disaster Areas: The Mapaction Experience

Robert Lorimer

Abstract:	MapAction is a UK-based international charity that specializes in the mapping of disaster areas and supplying geographical information for humanitarian relief operations. Using the latest geographical information system (GIS) technology they produce instant, real-time maps of a disaster - such as an earthquake or flooding - and then provide that information to other Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and government agencies in the field. By continually updating the maps, the team of expert MapAction volunteers working on the ground in the disaster area aim to relieve the burden on emergency workers in the crucial first hours and days of a humanitarian crisis so that they can get on with the job of saving lives and alleviating suffering more efficiently. One of their most high profile deployments was to assist the Sri Lankan Government co-ordinate disaster relief in the wake of the tsunami disaster of December 26, 2004. However MapAction have been active since 1999 and have previously deployed in Chad, Lesotho and Kosovo. Their experience in disaster and humanitarian mapping has given them a unique insight into the requirements for GIS mapping in such situations. This paper examines two important aspects of deploying resources to successfully perform disaster mapping operations. The first aspect is ensuring the teams are trained and supplied for deployment in such conditions. They must be self sufficient and not place a burden on already stretched local resources. The second aspect is the methodology of collating pre-disaster mapping resources along with earth observation satellite data and field team data to produce meaningful mapping in a rapid manner.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 18th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2005) September 13 - 16, 2005 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA
Pages:	2517 - 2522
Cite this article:	Lorimer, Robert, "Rapid Response Mapping in Disaster Areas: The Mapaction Experience," Proceedings of the 18th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2005), Long Beach, CA, September 2005, pp. 2517-2522.
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