GEOG 882
Geographic Foundations of Geospatial Intelligence

8.1 Overview

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This lesson continues our three-week examination of homeland security, emergency preparedness, and disaster management. The last lesson introduced you to the basic concepts of emergency management and allowed you to become certified in the National Incident Management System and the Geospatial Concept of Operations. This lesson will introduce you to the background and importance of the "All Hazard" approach to the study of hazards, risk, and vulnerability. We will also look at federal disaster planning by examining the National Preparedness System, FEMA's geospatial support activities, and support provided by the Department of Defense in domestic emergency planning and response.

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • evaluate the pros and cons of a policy that would make Geographic Science and Technology the “linchpin” of the US Emergency Management System and conclude with a solid approve/disapprove recommendation that logically derives from your analysis;
  • defend your own analysis using your higher order and critical thinking skills;
  • write a graduate level political analysis paper.

Assignment Preview

A heads up- your deliverable this week is a policy analysis paper for the Secretary of Homeland Security. You must recommend whether the Secretary should approve/disapprove a policy to make GIScience the linchpin of the US Emergency Management System. The lesson and the readings provide information that will support your paper. A word to the wise: your ability to think critically and address the following topics will bolster your recommendation in your political analysis paper. Have a thorough understanding of:

  • Cutter's concept of an "All Hazards" approach to disaster management;
  • federal disaster preparedness and response efforts;
  • the capabilities and limitations of geospatial intelligence in support of the disaster management process;
  • how geospatial intelligence can be of value to the first responder and provide examples;
  • the practice of geospatial intelligence for disaster management and other national security applications.

Questions?

If you have any questions now or at any point during this week, please feel free to post them to the GEOG 882 - General Discussion Forum in Canvas.