3 minute read
GIS-Based National Database for Emergency Management
Overview
Rapid technological advancements have exponentially improved our collective ability to respond to inevitable disasters over the past few decades. Spearheading this competence through efficient and holistic disaster management, Geospatial technologies are helping improve planning, response times, collaboration, and communication during the most challenging circumstances through the establishment of a robust data framework.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a comprehensive space-based Disaster Management Support (DMS) Programme and institutionalised the same in association with concerned ministries/ agencies towards supporting the country’s efforts in the efficient management of natural disasters. The DMS programme addresses disasters such as floods, cyclones, droughts, forest fires, landslides, and earthquakes. Earth observation satellites together with meteorological and communication satellites and aerial survey systems form the base for providing timely support and services for disaster management.
Vision: To support the total cycle of disaster/emergency management for the country, in near real-time, with the help of a comprehensive database and decision support tools.
Objectives
y To create a GIS-based repository of data to support disaster/emergency management in the country in real/near real-time. y To develop a decision support system in the form of customised user interfaces with necessary security mechanisms.
Stakeholders Involved
Monitoring Departments including Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Forecasting Departments including Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Central Water Commission (CWC), Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Relief & Rescue Forces including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), State Disaster Departments spanning all States/UTs DM Dept. officials, and District Disaster Departments spanning 780+ Districts from all state & UTs.
Solution and Implementation Plan
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India implemented the National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) with a structured framework and multi-institutional participation to assist the disaster managers of all States/UTs for preparedness, and emergency response.
A multi-scale geospatial database was organized for the entire country using spatial integration procedures, hosting services for situational assessment, and developing Decision Support Tools for Disaster Risk Reduction. NDEM services were made operational from 2013 onwards, hosting disaster-specific products derived from satellite imagery.
Having introduced NDEM V1.0 in 2013, the database has undergone several progressive changes over time. Currently, NDEM V4.0 is in operation and has been made available to the district level administration. It was launched by the Honourable Union Home Secretary in May 2021. Use of Geospatial Technologies
Spatial integration procedures were used for the organization of the multi-scale geospatial database and development of decision support tools. Geospatial technologies also proved useful in the identification of facilities within given buffers, for optimal route analysis, on-the-fly statistics generation for damage assessment, and development of mobile apps for spatial database enrichment and visualization. To enable effective decision-making during emergency situation, a comprehensive and secured web hosting was leveraged along with dynamic scale-based rendering.
Key Outputs
y National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, has implemented and operationalized the NDEM for 37
States/UTs since 2013. y A multi-scale geospatial database has been organized for the entire country. y Decision support tools have been developed for addressing emergency management. y High computing infrastructure established at NRSC, Shadnagar campus. y Disaster-specific products for possible natural disasters are being generated in near/real time and disseminated through NDEM. y NDEM services available in user-friendly formats with dynamic and scale-based rendering through device independent platforms. y The national level geo-portal is providing space-based support along with services of forecasting organizations addressing all phases of natural disasters for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the country
