Geospatial Intelligence: A Tool for Disaster Response and Preparedness | PWOnlyIAS 2023

September 26, 2023

GS Paper III Science and Technology

Subject: GS-03: Science and Technology

Context:

Geospatial intelligence has proven to be a valuable tool in providing critical insights to help governments aid in disaster response and preparedness efforts.

What is Geospatial Intelligence?

Geospatial intelligence is the collection and integration of data from a network of technologies, including satellites, mobile sensors, ground-control stations and aerial images.
Potential: The industry is projected to grow from a US$61 billion enterprise in 2020 to more than $209 billion in 2030.

Need for Geospatial Intelligence:

The need for geospatial intelligence is more important than ever due to the following reasons:
- Rising Temperature: Average temperature is projected to increase between 1.1 to 5.4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
- Growing Population: The global population is expected to reach 11 billion by 2100, and urban areas are becoming denser and more prone to disasters.

Whether reconstructing the past, describing the present or anticipating the future, geospatial intelligence provides valuable information to help keep people and communities safe.

Also read: Disaster Management in India

Applications of Geospatial Intelligence

Better Decision-Making: By providing comprehensive and accurate data using geospatial intelligence about the physical environment, policymakers can develop a better understanding of the risks and opportunities that exist in the country’s surroundings.
Real-Time Threat Assessment: This data is used to produce real-time maps and simulations to help identify when, where and to what extent a threat is likely to emerge.

What are Digital Twins?

Digital twins are virtual representations of real systems – buildings or cities, For example – that mimic the systems’ characteristics and can be updated in real-time to reflect changing conditions in the systems.
Digital twins have been highly effective in conflict settings by simulating weather and terrain to help militaries and peacekeepers develop and enact strategies.

Facilitating Search-and-Rescue and Recovery Operations: Geospatial intelligence also provides valuable guidance for search-and-rescue and recovery efforts following a disaster. For example, in the immediate aftermath of the February 2023 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, maps and aerial images quickly identified the extent of damage and the populations affected.
Environmental monitoring: Monitoring temperature, precipitation, snowpack and polar ice status through geospatial intelligence helps scientists and government officials anticipate and prepare for potential disturbances.
Forecasting Weather Events: For instance, understanding temperature profiles – past, current and forecasted temperatures over an area – provides information on when, where and to what extent that area is likely to be affected by events such as heat waves.
Digital Twins: It is used in the development, implementation and evaluation of digital twins.