4.5) topical review paper: map of the world
i. Specific Innovation of Interest: GIS in the field of disaster relief.
Geographic information system (GIS) is a relative of web-mapping that allows for spatial planning and recognition of geographical features. In the field of disaster relief, this is essential in assessing and thereby addressing the changes wrought by a disaster, especially in the long-term. This paper will therefore seek to examine how GIS has revolutionized disaster relief efforts, and outline the future of GIS in this field.
ii. Rationale for Selecting this Innovation:
Disaster relief is an area that is becoming increasingly important in an era where we are beginning to realize that disaster prevention is not a possibility. With the ever-increasing number of natural disasters occurring across the globe, crisis management is steadily gaining increased ascendancy. In a world where virtually everything can be done for us by technology, it follows that in a disaster, where we are at our most vulnerable, technology should play a significant role in addressing the disaster and rebuilding efforts.
GIS is a technology instrumental to the field of disaster relief where there is limited accessibility to affected areas. GIS also facilitates communication between relief workers and victims of the disaster, as well as to headquarters of relief efforts and it increases the likelihood of aid reaching victims.
GIS has changed the landscape of disaster relief in the years since it has been a viable innovation, and is likely to continue to do so in the future.
iii. Proposed Approach to Development of Paper:
- Background/Introduction
-What GIS entails
-Disaster relief efforts : what is involved
-Importance of geographical knowledge in relief efforts
-How GIS can solve this problem/improve the situation
- Historical Perspective
-Recce missions
-Death/highly dangerous
-Limited of chances of aid actually being administered
- Current Situation
-Prior knowledge available
-Risks are calculable
-Better gauge to administer appropriate relief
-Easier to formulate concrete rebuilding steps because there is accurate damage assessment
- Future Considerations
-More extensive coverage, (not limited to the first world UNTIL disaster strikes)
– Whether it may be used to administer aid in addition to assessing damages.
– External influences on disaster relief, and the significance of GIS in future efforts
- Conclusions
- References
Tech, You're It. 
Hello Davinia
Really interesting and exciting topic you got here about Geographic Information System! Will definitely be a revolutionary change as it becomes more pervasive and widely employed in the near future. You have provided a clear overview of what GIS does in the area of disaster relief and also covered the significance of such an innovation; so that’s good. More importantly, you’ve analysed the past and present situation of rescue missions well as more countries (especially the less developed nations) move towards embracing this new technology. Could also elaborate more on the pros and cons, and other impacts GIS would have!
Looking forward to see your paper’s progress. Good job!
– Weiwei
Michelle Says:
I would think your framework is comprehensive (if not overly – do you have enough space to expand on all?). A few points to consider, though. Do consider whether the innovation is revolutionary, or evolutionary. For now, right off the top of my head, you may want to include how GIS came about – knowing its roots could give some more refined insight to its development. Also, it’ll be great if you would substantiate your argument with relevant statistics! (It’s all about the figures in disaster – relief..?) Lastly, how GIS technology could potentially (or is it already) cause global impact.
Will think of more and get back to you!
Your paper looks great. Has great potential. 🙂
But like Michelle mentioned, don’t forget to emphasize how it was a revolutionary change.
I know you plan to show that by demonstrating the before/after effects so just do remember to explicitly flesh it out. 🙂
Maybe you could provide examples of how GIS is used for disaster management too because not everyone will be able to picture it i think.