Earth Observing Systems EOS and Emergency Management

1
Earth Observing Systems (EOS) and Emergency
Management

• Terry Egan, Ed.D.
• Emergency Management Division
• Washington Military Department

2
Themes

• What do State Emergency Managers Do?
• Challenges in using EOS data
• How is Washington involved in remote sensing?

3
Themes (continued)

• A national protocol for data acquisition
• What data would Washington State use if it were
  available?

4
What do State Emergency Managers do?

• Provide alert and warning
• Coordinate resources
• Assist with planning activities
• Assist with exercises
• Grant financial assistance

5
Challenges in using EOS data

• Inadequate resources
• Lack of understanding
• Responsiveness Issues
• Few emergency managers possess remote sensing
  skills

6
Challenges in using EOS data (continued)

• Cant define whats wanted or needed
• Perceived lack of value

7
Difficulties in using EOS data (continued)

• On the other hand, remote sensing suppliers need
  to
• Communicate
• Tailor products
• Price appropriately
• Meet needs
• Source Allen Hodges, GDIN

8
How is Washington involved in remote sensing?

• SPURS-EM - The EMD NASA-funded remote sensing
  project.

NASA
9
How is Washington involved in remote sensing?
(continued)

• SPURS-EM (Strategic and Practical Use of Remote
  Sensing in Emergency Management)
• NASA grant
• More emphasis on planning and mitigation
• Less emphasis on response and recovery

10
Hazards Analysis Support System
How is Washington involved in remote sensing?
(continued)
11
SPURS-EM Team Photo
How is Washington involved in remote sensing?
(continued)
12
A national protocol for data acquisition

• Difficulties during TOPOFF2
• Discussions with FEMA
• Protocol still needed

13
What data would Washington State use if it were
available?

• Near-real-time
• High-resolution
• True-color
• Remote sensing applications

14
What data would Washington State use if it were
available? (continued)
15
Recommended Actions

• Emergency Managers need the help of remote
  sensing experts
• Make remote sensing products user friendly
• Provide Federal funding of emergency management
  applications using remote sensing
• Near-real-time high-resolution true-color
  imagery of event location
• Formalize a national protocol for data
  acquisition

16
Questions?

• Terry Egan
• Manager, Mitigation, Analysis Plans Unit
• Emergency Management Division
• Washington Military Department
• Bldg 20
• Camp Murray, WA 98430-5122
• [phone]
• t.egan_at_emd.wa.gov