Rapid Mapping in support of emergency response after earthquake events

Abstract

Earthquakes and other sudden onset natural disasters require quick and efficient emergency response. Earth observation data can make a valuable contribution to emergency response efforts if provided within hours and at the most days after the event. This paper provides an overview of earthquake damage assessment methodologies, their potential and their limitations in a rapid mapping context and outlines a methodology for casualty estimation including two case studies - the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2011 Van earthquake - where the Center for ssatellite-based crisis information (ZKI) provided rapid damage maps. Additionally, the application of a casualty estimation method in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake is outlined.