Regional health authorities, disaster management, and geomatics: opportunities and barriers Online publication date: Thu, 07-Jun-2007
by Kenton Friesen, Doug Bell
International Journal of Emergency Management (IJEM), Vol. 4, No. 2, 2007
Abstract: As society becomes increasingly urbanised the relationship between the built environment and risk also becomes increasingly complex. Disaster management and public health professionals are employing technology as tools to assist them with understanding these complexities. Specifically, geomatics technology is connecting the power of spatial analysis with the efficiency of database management. Within the public health system, implementing geomatics technology has barriers related to a misconception or misunderstanding of its capabilities. Overcoming the barriers at Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) requires a coordinated effort or strategy. With the absence of these coordinated efforts and strategies RHAs will struggle with implementing geomatics technology. In order to take full advantage of geomatics technology for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery purposes, RHAs will need to evaluate their commitment to the technology and allocate valuable resources appropriately.
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