Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop prioritization maps in urban search and rescue operations, after a natural disaster. Case study: the municipality of Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece.

Abstract

Abstract A natural phenomenon often entails considerable consequences, such as the destruction of infrastructures and the loss of human lives. However, the number of casualties does not only depend on the severity of the natural phenomena but also on the effectiveness of the Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) operations, coordinated by the Operation Center (OC). The number of the incoming information is usually large, while the available USAR teams are limited, resulting in misleading decisions, regarding the prioritizing of the USAR operations, and huge delays. This ineffectiveness could result in a disproportionate number of casualties and decline the civilians’ trust to the national and local government, producing political instability to the region or the country. Thus, an automated process, which prioritize the USAR operations is absolutely necessary, in order to ensure that the OC will take the best possible decisions in minimum time. In this study, a methodology is developed, regarding the production of prioritization maps (heatmaps), which identify and prioritize the most critical regions in an area prior to the occurrence of the natural disaster. At the time that the natural disaster occurs, their use from the OC, combined with the incoming information, will contribute to an effective and quick decision-making process, which in turn will minimize the casualties, and ensure the rapid return to normality and stability of the whole area. In order to develop this methodology several scenarios are taken into account, depending on the time and the day of the natural disaster and determining the most likely distribution of the population in the area under consideration. Statistical data (population and building data) and data of vulnerable social groups (eg disabled persons, children) are processed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop heatmaps. Finally, the previous described methodology has been applied for the municipality of Agia Paraskevi (a suburb of Athens), and the corresponding heatmaps are developed. The produced maps present the most critical areas of the municipality and their use, in a case of a natural disaster, is expected to enhance the effectiveness of USAR teams ensuring political stability.