Using GIS in Emergency Management

Complete, easy-to-use and timely information about geographic objects and factors and their influence, is very important for making the right decisions. By the development and introduction of technologies as geographic information systems (GIS technology), this process should be much easier than before. Emergency management basically includes four phases, namely preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. In all mentioned phases, GIS could be used because emergency management actions are based on the analysis of information. The most of information, which is used in emergency management, has spatial characteristics and can be shown on maps. Also, when some information is mapped and data is linked to map, decision makers in all phases of emergency management have a powerful tool for making appropriate decision. Emergency situations nowadays occur more often than before and emergency management personnel have critical tasks to protect people’s lives, their property and environmental values. In solving these tasks, GIS will facilitate their work and raise public safety before, during and after some natural or other disasters. Institutions responsible for emergency management are aware of those facts and make big efforts to implement GIS in their work.