Impact Assessments

Here are the three images. I can't say I really had any problems when I followed the directions but I did misread one where I was trying to do the field calculations in the wrong table. Aside from that I did run into problems on the first one like you said may happen so I just used the one you provided us to finish. Thanks for sparing us many headaches there!!!

Natural Hazards Participation Post

GIS plays an important role in disaster response. Responders and managers can use GIS to look at where aid and certain supplies are, what is damage and to what severity, needs of victims, and even estimated costs to repair structure or habitat. By looking at parameters, such as the ones previously listed, decisions can be made to expedite response by making informed choices on where to move supplies, focus efforts, and even where the money needs to be spent. GIS can even be used to predict future impacts in ongoing events such as forest fires or hurricanes.

Hurricane Wilma Storm Surge Study on Key West Florida

When Hurricane Wilma struck Key West it built up a storm surge of 8 ft. By looking at the elevation we can see that the majority of the key is below the storm surge elevation.

Upon further analysis we can create a map showing the parts of the key that will be flooded by the surge and which parts will not.

This can further be broken down by looking at the land cover of the flooded areas. When we do this, we find that the developed areas make up the majority of the area being flooded.

We can also look at certain parts of the infrastructure to see what may or may not be affected. Areas of importance can include airports, hospitals, churches, and schools. Using this information, authorities can make the logistical decisions needed to quickly respond and hopefully recover.

Tables of the flooded areas can also be made showing the size of the impact.