Risk Returns

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be obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Secondary

collection frequently represents a form of data sharing, and access

to data has been greatly augmented by the Internet.

Environmental data are often collected by sensors or other

devices that measure field conditions such as rainfall, river

levels, wind speeds and wave heights. These data help estab-

lish the spatial patterns, temporal trends, event probabilities and

seasonal variations relevant to developing risk assessments and

profiles. The data also support event description, analysis, and

the development of early warning protocols. Readings may be

manually recorded and reported, stored and retrieved periodi-

cally by agents in the field, or reported automatically by means

of telemetry systems.

Satellite imagery and aerial photography can also provide

information on the physical environment. With remote sensing

and GIS software, imagery can be used to identify relevant

social, environmental and economic patterns represented in

the physical landscape. Images can be used to create building

inventories without hand tracing or surveying every structure.

Series of imagery products can be used to monitor changes on

the earth’s surface. This provides context and indi-

cators of vulnerability and risk. In 2009, Pacific

Data Center (PDC) used satellite imagery to identify

potential settlements on remote Pacific islands in

the path of super typhoon Choi-wan, contributing

to the successful evacuation of the isolated popula-

tion prior to landfall. In the wake of a hazard event

such as a flood or landslide, images can also assist

in delineating the impact area and help support

hazard assessment. In a post-event context, imagery

comparisons provide a rough estimate of initial

damage.

Like imagery, portable global positioning systems

(GPS)

and GIS-enabled devices can be used to iden-

tify locations of elements of interest. A handheld GIS

makes it possible to record relevant attributes in the

field. Many phones now come with cameras and GPS

applications, which allow contextualization and docu-

mentation through location-tagged visuals. After an

event, portable GPS, GIS and phone applications facili-

Participants in the ASEAN Rapid Damage and Needs Analysis (DANA) Training practice using a GPS device. The training was facilitated by PDC

Image: L. Hillman 2008