Future Directions and the Top Ten Things to Know About Space Systems and Disasters

Abstract

Space technologies provide vital information to all phases of the disaster cycle and form a growing suite of tools that effectively support the disaster management community worldwide. What emergency managers need are reliable tools and proven partners that fit into their existing organizational structures and work flows. These two vital capabilities can expand their ability to respond effectively. They need actionable intelligence, not more and more complex computer systems and mountains of data. They also need tools that are reliable, robust, and that they can incorporate into their training and response structures. Ad hoc and experimental advanced technologies that are not reliable or consistently available are of little interest and can have a negative overall effect because they can make the EM world wary of adopting useful advanced technologies. It is vital that the space and IT communities study and learn the realities of the emergency management communities so that we can meet their needs with appropriate tools and capabilities.