Title: Using GIS for emergency management: a case study during the 2002 and 2003 flooding in south-east France

Authors: Sophie Sauvagnargues-Lesage, Pierre-Alain Ayral

Addresses: Ecole des Mines d'Ales – Centre LGEI, 6 Avenue de Clavieres, F-30319 ALES Cedex, France. ' Ecole des Mines d'Ales – Centre LGEI, 6 Avenue de Clavieres, F-30319 ALES Cedex, France

Abstract: Emergency management has always required tools to get geographic information from the affected area. The objectives are to have a general view of the theatre of operations with its geographic characteristics, troop|s location, roads and railways, and fighting location. The emergency management of natural hazards is specific because it is necessary to evaluate the appropriate number of emergency units for the dimension and probable evolution of the situation; it is necessary to know how to transport emergency units, to anticipate the outcome of the situation and to give the best missions to the units. Geographic aspects are essential because every minute is important when rescuing people. This paper aims to outline the position of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for emergency management of natural hazards, and especially during the 2002 and 2003 south-east flooding in France.

Keywords: geographic information systems; GIS; crisis management; emergency management; firefighters; flood warning service; flash floods; south-east France; natural hazards.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2007.015738

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2007 Vol.4 No.4, pp.682 - 703

Published online: 11 Nov 2007 *

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