Affiliations: [a] Information Systems and Operations Management, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA | [b] Aerospace Studies, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Theresa L. Jefferson, Information Systems and Operations Management, Loyola University Maryland, 4501 North Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21210, USA. E-mail:tljefferson@loyola.edu
Abstract: Scientific modeling systems contain extraordinary amounts of data and
produce mountains of output. These systems, often utilize Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), offer almost limitless options for providing the
user with informed knowledge. This article explores a new approach for
emergency managers to harness the capability of scientific modeling systems
when responding to disasters. In disaster response, emergency managers need
sound situational awareness to support critical decision-making. Obtaining
situation awareness is difficult because of the gap that exists between the
information that emergency managers have and the information that emergency
mangers need. However, comprehensive situational awareness is necessary to
form accurate estimates of physical impacts and response requirements. GIS
applications can be used to narrow the gap between known information and
required information. This study developed a methodology for obtaining a
common operating picture based on Hazus (Hazards U.S.), a GIS-based
application that performs loss and risk assessments on multiple types of
hazards. Hazus combines both scientific and engineering knowledge to model a
disaster event. The keyf to this new method is using subject matter experts
to penetrate the complex and chaotic decision environment and establish a
hierarchy of relevant information based on relative importance. This study
focused on the response required to save lives and property in catastrophic
earthquakes.
Keywords: Information systems, scientific models, decision support, gis, disaster response, earthquakes, mass care
