Article Entry
13 Jan 2010
Comments:5
Earthquake in Haiti: Role of GEOINT and Natural Disasters
Added by USGIF Category: Daily Intelligence Brief, General
In what is being called the worst earthquake to hit the Caribbean in 200 years, aid workers from the Red Cross and Save the Children, as well as first responders, are all scrambling to deal with the aftermath and help those that have been impacted (estimated 3 million people). Right now is a very critical time for dealing with this disaster. And, while this has not yet been publicized, we can surmise that the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is already playing a vital role in providing the satellite imagery and data required to assess the damage of this epic earthquake. In a recent issue of NGA’s Pathfinder, NGA Director Vice Admiral Murrett discusses how, “When manmade or natural disasters strike, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) saves lives. NGA delivers detailed maps and analysis of damage, routes and infrastructure—whatever crisis teams need to get supplies and relief to where they are needed and to minimize loss of life. By providing a unique perspective to understanding the Earth, GEOINT provides the situational awareness required to expedite the disaster-relief and humanitarian-assistance mission.” Stay tuned for more coverage of the role of GEOINT and this natural disaster.
Tags: GEOINT and Natural Disasters, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, NGA, Red Cross, Save the Children, United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, USGIF
Commercial change detection techniques need to be applied to the before and after images of Haiti. Many times the full impact of a disaster can not be assessed on the ground. Because of the vulnerable hillsides involved, the water content needs to be monitored to save lives before the ground gives way. Day-to-day change detection needs to be employed until all the after shocks have stopped. The ten and hundred year flood plains need to be assessed before hurricane season.
[...] earthquake hit Haiti on Monday has caused untold property damaged and casualties. As we posted yesterday, GEOINT plays a critical role in natural disasters and GeoEye is certainly helping by providing the [...]
I was just in the region in December and I can imagine how bad this was. 90% of the structures are made of cinderblocks. It started as a fairly lawless place. I can’t imagine what is going on now that the government is effectively knocked out for months. There was a UN team along the Dominican border with a CAS force on the other side trying to deal with illegal immigration and drugs. Now there will be a refugee situation.
I see this as speeding along the inevitable peaceful annexation of Haiti by the Dominican Republic. Replace the crippled government in Haiti with a functioning one from DR and it may help ease the troubles. The Dominican economy is in fantastic shape.
This will take a long time to sort out. I hope civil order remains stable while relief comes in. I found the Haitians to be generous in heart and spirit, emotional and beautiful people that are often misunderstood.
[...] worst earthquake in 200 years in the Caribbean. And, we covered extensively the role that GEOINT has played in humanitarian efforts. When a disaster of this magnitude strikes, we can’t help but reflect [...]
The Dominican economy is by no means in fantastic shape. Don’t even joke around about a “peaceful annexation of Haiti by the Dominican Republic.” First of all D.R. is a developing country that can barely support its own people. Even if the D.R. was a developed country the Haitians would take it as an invasion because of the history between the two countries. Both countries share an island, have a large population of African descent and mulattoes and the majority practices Catholicism but speak different languages.
The international community needs to provide continuous support to Haiti instead of sending aid when there is a crisis or hoping that the two countries will eventually unite under one!