Abstract
In the United States presidential disaster declarations are typically issued after major disaster events to provide assistance (in the form of monies, staff, geospatial data, etc.) to states when the disaster overwhelms the resources of the state. Geospatial support is one of the forms of assistance and a frequent item noted by Federal agencies in demonstrating their relevance. During the disaster the state is ‘in charge’ of the disaster response while the Federal government provides assistance. Are the geospatial data (including remotely sensed imagery of all types) needs met by the states (based on their experience)? What are the expectations of the states for Federal help in geospatial data? Are states embracing newer paradigms for collecting/exploiting geospatial data, such as volunteered geographic information or crowd-sourced data/information? In the winter of 2011–2012 a nationwide survey of the geospatial data, methods, and problems in all fifty United States emergency management offices (EMOs) was conducted. Responses to the key questions on geospatial data priorities, remotely sensed imagery, timeliness, expectations, staffing, and emerging technologies are presented in this article. This nationwide survey of state EMOs provides a unique view of the EMO director’s view of geospatial methods during emergency response/recovery.
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