Saturday, June 12, 2010

Deepwater Horizon Oil Extent Animation


Kind of a large file still, but here it is. I used a 4 pt line on the line types and 4pt for outline and No Fill on solids to make things match. With more time spent, could have reproduced the single lines into shapes with, perhaps a progressively darker fill to produce a more interesting transition.

GIS Summary

Since long before GIS, successful disaster response required detailed information on what happened, where, and how to help. GIS allows organizers to assemble many types of information. This results in a more accurate analysis of accessibility and recovery logistics and planning.

GIS allows the assembly of a multitude of different types of data including maps and statistics, even hand written field data, perhaps from the first responder that spray paints the X on a home to indicate that it has been checked and found to be empty in the aftermath of a hurricane. GIS also allows the analysis of information in very specific ways which provides resultant data and maps for very specific end users. For example, utility crews will be very interested in existing distribution infrastructure but may not necessarily be interested in cultural divisions within the area. At the same time, responders trying to disseminate information and critical supplies may not be concerned with utility data but may indeed want to know of areas that may require interpreters or particular religious or cultural awareness.

From the assembly of many types of data, relationships which may not have been apparent might be revealed. GIS analysis lets organizers and responders implement the best possible plans of access, recovery and stabilization not to mention reconstruction planning.

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