APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING AND GIS IN DISASTER

MANAGEMENT

During the disaster prevention stage, GIS is used in managing the huge levels of data required for vulnerabili
and hazard assessment. In the disaster preparedness stage, it is a tool for planning evacuation
routes, designing centres for emergency operations, and for the integration of satellite data
with other relevant data in the design of disaster warning systems. In the disaster relief phase,
GIS, in combination with GPS, is extremely useful in search and rescue operations in areas
that have been devastated and where it is difficult to find one’s bearings. In the disaster
rehabilitation stage, GIS is used to organise the damage information and post-disaster census
information and in the evaluation of sites for reconstruction. Natural hazard information
should be included routinely in developmental planning and investment projects preparation.
They should include cost/benefit analysis of investing in hazard mitigation measures and
weigh them against the losses that are likely to occur if these measures are not taken. GIS can
play a role at the following levels:

 National level
 State level
 District level
 Block level
 Ward or village level
 Site investigation scale

Disaster management
The application of remote sensing and GIS has become a well developed and successful tool
in disaster management, as we have our location observation programmes and the requisite
for hazard mitigation and monitoring rank high in the planning of new satellites. GIS allows
for the combination of different kinds of data using models. It allows for the combination of
the different kinds of spatial data with non-spatial data, attribute data and use them as useful
information in the various stages of disaster management.
Various disasters like earthquake, landslides, flood, fires, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and
cyclones are natural hazards that kill lots of of people and destroy property and
infrastructure every year. The rapid increase of the population and its increased
concentration, often in hazardous environment, has escalated both the frequency and severity
of natural disasters. Among the tropical climate and unstable land forms, coupled with
deforestation, unplanned growth propagation non-engineered constructions which make the
disaster prone areas sheer vulnerable, slow communication, poor budgetary allocation for
disaster prevention, developing countries suffer more or less unceasingly by natural disasters.

Disaster mapping
Disaster mapping is the drawing of areas disturbed through excessive natural or manmade
troubles resulting in loss of life, property and national infrastructures. It is normally possible
to define the area affected by the disruption. The delineation can occur through the use of
ground-based observations or through the use of remote sensing devices such as aerial
photographs or satellite images. From the information gathered, it is possible to map the
effected areas and provide information to the relief supplying groups. Disaster mapping is a
tool for assessing, storing and conveying information on the geographical location and spread
of the effects, or probable effects of disasters. The difficulty with traditional manual maps is
 that they are tedious and time consuming to prepare, difficult to update and inconvenient to
maintain. Remote sensing is emerging as a popular means of map preparation while GIS can
be used for storage, analysis and retrieval. Under remote sensing techniques, maps can be
prepared using satellite data or aerial photographs and then digitised and stored on computers
using GIS software. Disaster maps generally show risk zones as well as disaster impact zones.
These are marked areas that would be affected increasingly with the increase in the
magnitude of the disaster. These could include landslide hazard maps, flood zone maps,
seismic zone maps, forest fire risk maps, industrial risk zone maps etc.

Landslides
Landslide hazard zone mapping involves a detailed assessment and analysis of the past
occurrences of landslides in conditions of their location, size and incidence with respect to
various geo-environmental factors that cause landslides and mass movements. Landslide
hazard zonation map included a map separating the draw out varying degrees of predictable
slope stability. The map has an inbuilt factor of forecasting and hence is of probabilistic
nature. Depending upon the methodology adopted and the comprehensiveness of the input
data used, a landslide hazard zonation map is able to provide help concerning some or all the
following individual factor maps:
 Landslide location
 Slope steepness
 Landuse/ landcover
 Geology or lithology
 Density of drainages
 Rainfall

Preparation of an inclusive landslide hazard zonation map needs intensive and continued
 efforts. A huge quantity of data on lots of variables covering large slope areas has to be
 collected, stored, sorted and evaluated. Finally, the level of risk sliding has to be assessed
 and zonation maps prepared. The use of aerial photographs, satellite images and adoption
 of remote sensing techniques helps in the collection of data. For storage, retrieval and
 analysis, adoption of computerised techniques would be useful.
Hazard zonation maps have different uses. Some of them are as follows:

 Preparation of development plans for cities, dams, roads, and other development works
 General purpose master plans and land use plans
 Discouraging new development in hazard prone areas
 Selection of best activity pattern based on risk zones
 Quick decision making in rescue and relief operations.

Earthquakes
Earthquake data collected by the National Seismic Telemetry Network for the past one
 hundred years was analysed using a computer. Epicentre parameters were resolute. Most
 of the epicentres tend to cluster along the plate boundary where the Himalayan Collision
 Zone was formed. The epicentre maps are used to prepare seismic hazard map. Seismic
 zoning map is in the code for designing earthquake resistant structures. Apart from the
 earthquake data, geological factors, structural design, soil data etc., are used to prepare
 building codes. These codes are used to design earthquake resistant structures in the region.
 Up-gradation of this code is a continuous procedure. The building code is assessed from
 time to time. The different zones point to vulnerability from seismic turbulence and help in
 reviewing the vulnerability probable.

The state of Sikkim experiences earthquakes at a relatively high frequency on the seismic
 hazard zonation map under zone IV. All districts of Sikkim lie in zone IV. The earthquake
 risk or possible damage is due to a combination of seismic hazards, vulnerability of the
 built surroundings and the exposure. The damage during recent earthquakes in India has
 demonstrated the need for seismic risk assessment that is able to forecast the consequences
 of earthquakes. A comprehensive earthquake risk assessment for Sikkim has been
 performed for seismic intensity obtained from the micro-zonation of the state.

Search and rescue

Search, rescue and evacuation procedures are carried out immediately after disaster strikes
 a certain area. These are major operations, usually performed by local volunteers, voluntary
 organisations and district and state agencies. If the condition worsens and these groups are
 not able to control the situation, then the army has to be called in. The basic aim of all such
 operations is to ensure the survival of the maximum possible number of victims. A plan is
 worked out with the help of local people through aerial surveys and appropriate steps are
 then taken by the various teams involved to carry out the operations. Besides bringing
 material relief, the aim is also to control panic and confusion and to provide moral support.
 Search and rescue, frequently known as SAR, is the process of identifying the location of
 disaster victims who may be trapped or isolated and bringing them to safety and providing
 them with medical attention. Search and rescue generally involves local people who are
 well versed with the local terrain and can be instrumental in searching and accessing
 trapped victims. After the search, rescue and evacuation, some essential steps are required
 in order to provide relief to the evacuees. Prime amongst these are:
 Shelter
 Food
 Communications
 Clearance and access
 Water and power supplies
 Temporary subsistence supplies
 Health and sanitation
 Public information
 Security
 Construction requirements
 Disaster welfare inquiry

Methods and techniques

In the present context, due to scientific advances, it has become easier to carry out these operations
efficiently. Studies have helped in making it possible to forecast and simulate disaster occurrences
with regard to specific locations - helping in the initial stages of search and rescue operations.
Techniques like satellite imagery and GIS help to identify areas that are disaster prone, zoning them
according to risk magnitudes, inventory populations and assets at risk, and simulating damage
scenarios. These tools are even useful in managing disasters as they provide instant access to
information required in management decisions. Modern communication systems have also proved
very useful, particularly in search and rescue operations. They not only help in providing warnings
before the disaster, but also help in creating awareness which helps in reducing panic, confusion and
mental stress. A communication network system helps in establishing contacts between relief teams
which, with better central coordination, can work more efficiently.
"Use of GIS and Remote Sensing Technology
in Disaster Management "

Dr.N.Bhaskara Rao
GIS Expert, CADA,WRD,
Andhra Pradesh
OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION…..

GIS • Applications of GIS in Disaster Management

• Applications of Remote Sensing in Disaster

Remote Sensing Management

Satellites • Indian Imaging Capability

• Disaster Management Service Support-

DMS Examples
• 3D WEB GIS Application for flood modelling:
Case study spatial analysis and visualisation through the web

Flood Model • 3D WEBGIS Application

Bhuvan -ISRO • Data sets ( GIS and Remote Sensing )

Geographic information system (GIS) and remote
sensing (RS) are very useful and effective tools in
disaster management. Various disasters like
earthquakes, landslides, floods, fires, tsunamis,
volcanic eruptions and cyclones are natural hazards
that kill lots of people and destroy property and
infrastructures every year.
India is vulnerable to natural and manmade disasters. GIS techniques act
as a decision support tool. Decision making can possible by analysis of
different GIS layers.

Currently socio-economic and geo-spatial data is useful for management

and planning of disasters as well as tackling of disastrous condition.

GIS, RS & GPS is useful in disaster management applications & for

decision making.

GIS is useful for hazard zone mapping and during emergency conditions
mitigation of people can easily possible using this maps.

GIS and RS much beneficial in mitigation strategies and preparedness

plans. Real time geographic data can improve the allocation of resources for
response. It is also provides decision support system in disaster management.
Remote sensing is a type of geospatial technology that samples emitted and reflected
electromagnetic (EM) radiation from the Earth’s terrestrial, atmospheric, and aquatic
ecosystems in order to detect and monitor the physical characteristics of an area without
making physical contact.
 Indian Imaging Capability

Submetre
1km Aerial Laser Terrain Mapper
Digital Camera
30 min. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Aerial ALTM

360m 188m 55m 23m 5.8m 2.5m 1m

2 days 5 days 5 days 24 days

 DSC-Services

Floods Earthquake
•Flood Inundation Maps
•Damage Assessment
•Hazard Zonation •Damage Assessment
•Bank Erosion Studies

Cyclone Landslide
•Inundation Maps • Damage
•Recession Maps Assessment
•Damage Assessment • Hazard
zonation

Drought Forest Fire

• MonthlyAgril. • Active Fire
Drought Report Detection
• End-of-the-Season • Damage
Agril. Drought Report Assessment
 Daily Monitoring of Coastal Districts
Odisha State
• Using multi-satellite datasets, the coastal districts were monitored on daily basis

Pre-Event
 Flood
 Flood  Flood Inundation
Inundation Inundation

Bay of Bay of Bay of

Bay of Bengal Bengal
Bengal
Bengal

18-Sep-2013 12-Oct-2013 13-Oct-2013 14-Oct-2013

 Flood  Flood  Flood

Inundation Inundation  Flood Inundation
Inundation

Bay of Bay of
Bay of Bengal Bengal
Bengal
Bay of
Bengal
15-Oct-2013 16-Oct-2013 17-Oct-2013 18-Oct-2013
 12-hourly Monitoring with RISAT-1
Baleswar, Odisha
• Severely affected districts like Balasore, were monitored on 12-hrly basis during peak
floods and changes in inundated areas / village can be seen

Radarsat:12-Oct-2013
0600 hours IST

RISAT:13-Oct-2013
1800 hours IST

Baleswar
Bay of Inundation
Bengal

RISAT:13-Oct-2013
0600 hours IST
Baleswar
Baleswar

Bay of
Inundation Bengal

Baleswar

Bay of
Bengal
 Damages near Berhampur
High Resolution Cartosat-2 data
1-Central Warehousing Corporation - Godowns
Odisha 1 1

2 2
1

Berhampur

2-Food Corporation of India - Godowns

 Nepal Earthquake – April, 2015
Dharahara Tower, Kathmandu
Cartosat-2 (05-Jan-2015) Cartosat-2 (27-Apr-2015)
Before After

Temporary relief shelter

Dharahara tower Dharahara tower
 Nepal Earthquake – April, 2015
Valley blocking landslide
Resourcesat-2 LISS IV mx (01-Apr-2015) Resourcesat-2 LISS IV Mx (30-Apr-2015)
Before After

Landslide dammed lake

Snow
Snow
cloud
cloud

New landslide

Observation: A new major landslide has blocked the valley resulting in development of a lake. Several other small new
landslide are also seen.
Location of the landslide: 84° 47’ 30” E & 28° 33’ 8” N
3D WEB GIS APPLICATION FOR FLOOD
MODELING:
SPATIAL ANALYSIS AND VISUALISATION
THROUGH THE WEB
Aims and objectives of the study

1. To display 3D Flood modelling in web application.

2. To develop a strategy for creating a 3D model to

visualize flood levels within study area.

3. To evaluate the ability of the created 3D model to

communicate flood-risk to the rural areas.

4. To formulate recommendations for future applications

of 3D Geo-visualization for flood-risk management.
Godavari River
 STUDY AREA VILLAGES
Village District Mandal
Kolluru East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Kondamodalu East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Akuru East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Gonduru East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Katchuluru East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Manturu East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Devipatnam East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Thoyyeru East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Anguluru East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram
Pudipalle East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram Village District Mandal
Purushottampatnam East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram kondepudi West Godavari Polavaram
Ramachandrapuram East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram Parentapalle West Godavari Polavaram
A.Veeravaram East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram Sirivka West Godavari Polavaram
China Ramanayyapeta East Godavari Rampa Chodavaram koruturu West Godavari Polavaram
Sivagiri West Godavari Polavaram
Cheeduru West Godavari Polavaram
Tekuru West Godavari Polavaram
Thootigunta West Godavari Polavaram
kondrukota West Godavari Polavaram
Singnapalle West Godavari Polavaram
Pydipaka West Godavari Polavaram
polavaram West Godavari Polavaram
Patha pattiseema West Godavari Polavaram
 SOFTWARE

 LISS –III  QGIS 3.1 version

 DEM (30 meters Contour )
 Village boundary
PROCESSING STEPS 3D FLOOD MODEL
WORKFLOW

QGIS
Bhuvan (NRSC) software

DEM LISS-III Study area

5km Buffer

Qgis2threejs

3D WEB
APPLICATIONS
CONCLUSION

1. The 3D Web GIS application provides a better platform

for visualizing flood situations.

2. This provides a better tool for analyzing and preparing

for emergency measures. It also presents a near to
reality situation that can easily be understood.

3. Simulation can also be used to trace and analyze

underground utilities by making all top layers above
them transparent.

4. Flood scene animations can be published to website for

public access.