Haiti Earthquake Response

摘要

The Gi4DM held in Italy from 2nd to 4th February again demonstrated the crucial role of geo-information in assessing disaster damage. At the forefront of discussions was the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on 12th January 2010. Timely triggering, and absence of cloud cover, allowed GeoEye to acquire very high-resolution satellite imagery (50cm) over the main affected areas within a few hours of the disaster, and Google made the imagery immediately and universally accessible, overcoming licensing issues that may interfere with rapid response. Aerial imagery at ground-sample distance (GSD) up to 15cm followed a few days later. The eager efforts of satellite-data providers and space agencies resulted in national coverage with optical and radar data immediately disseminated through Google: a crucial turning point.