Agencies find that fusing webs of remote sensors with geospatial management systems is the next best thing to being there

Last year, the southern African nation of Namibia experienced its worst flooding in decades as the Zambesi and other rain-swollen rivers rose more than 25 feet and inundated several regions of the continent. The flooding caused large-scale destruction to homes, schools, health facilities, mahangu and maize fields, and infrastructure.

A result of heavy rains in neighboring Angola and parts of Zambia’s Western Province, the flood also displaced more than 300,000 people and contributed to cholera and other disease outbreaks. The disaster in March 2009 followed a similar season of flooding in 2008.

This year, Namibian officials hope to get a head start against catastrophic weather situations. Their approach is to create a geospatial application that taps satellite imagery and river-height sensors and get an early read on when and where the flood waters are coming — helping them decide where to deploy the right resources. An international team of experts, including representatives from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are contributing their expertise in satellite mapping and sensor technology.

To read the full, original article click on this link: Geospatial apps help temper Mother Nature's fury -- Federal Computer Week

Author: John Moore