Remote sensing based post-disaster damage mapping with collaborative methods

Abstract

Remote sensing has become an essential tool in post-disaster response, including damage assessment, traditionally done by professional analysts. However, geodata and—tools have become ubiquitous, which has allowed other organizations and laypersons to play a more prominent role in post disaster response and assistance. This chapter addresses the prospects and challenges of collaborative damage mapping. It discusses limitations and problems of traditional damage mapping that may be overcome by modern Web 2.0-based methods. The response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, in particular the collaborative damage mapping by the GEO-CAN initiative and a number of problems associated with this activity, are discussed in detail. These center on the analysis problem inherent in image-based damage assessment, but also the limited mutual understanding among the mapping organizers, map user and volunteer mappers. Cognitive task analysis (CTA) is recommended to address and overcome the cognitive challenges and demands in collaborative mapping.