21st Century FEMA Study Course: Applications of GIS for Emergency Management (IS-922) - Geographical Information Systems Database Tools, Fundamentals, History, Usefulness

This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) independent training course manual from the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) describes how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) work and how using GIS can improve emergency management.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a database system with software that can analyze and display data, in a visual environment, using digitized maps and tables for planning and decision making. Maps and data may be layered, displayed, edited, and analyzed in literally thousands of different ways by careful selection of data-points being considered by the user. GIS is a very useful tool for many aspects of emergency management including emergency response, planning, mitigation, exercises, homeland security, planning, response, and recovery. GIS has robust modeling capabilities, allowing its users to adjust data and scenarios for prediction, planning, and estimation. GIS capability is enhanced when FEMA's Hazus software and other tools are incorporated. GIS provides emergency management personnel and decision-makers the information they need to make accurate and timely decisions. This course will introduce you to GIS and the value of using GIS in emergency management.

As a bonus, this compilation includes Disaster Response: Staff Officer's Handbook with Observations, Insights, and Lessons - Comprehensive Information on Military Response to Natural Disasters, Emergency Management, Terrorism.
This is a uniquely valuable, informative, and up-to-date guide to military emergency management response, covering all aspects of defense support to civilians in times of crisis. Contents: Introduction * Chapter 1 - The Language of Disasters and Incidents * Chapter 2 - The Legal Framework * Chapter 3 - The National Response Framework and National Incident Management System * Chapter 4 - Department of Defense Role in Incident Response * Chapter 5 - Emergency Support Functions * Appendix A - Unit Planning Considerations * Appendix B - Casualties * Appendix C - Biological Incidents * Appendix D - Nuclear and Radiological Incidents * Appendix E - Catastrophic Incidents * Appendix F - Terrorist Incidents * Appendix G - Mass Evacuation Incidents * Appendix H - Nongovernmental Organizations * Appendix I - Legal Considerations and Law Enforcement * Appendix J - Operations Security * Appendix K - Airspace Command and Control * Appendix L - Search and Rescue * Appendix M - After-Action Reviews * Appendix N - Composite Risk Management * Appendix O - State Points of Contact * Appendix P - Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers * Appendix Q - Websites.

Natural and man-made disasters in the United States cause pain and heartbreak to our fellow citizens. Picking up the pieces of shattered lives and homes is devastating, even to the stoutest among us. While the military cannot repair the emotional damage, it can mitigate the effects of tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildland fires, oil spills, and terrorist attacks.