Understanding geographic information is critical if we are to build and maintain livable communities. Since computing has become almost ubiquitous in planning and managing our communities, it is probable that advances in geographic information science will play a founding role in smarter decision making. This paper examines the challenges that occur between humans and their environment under conditions thought to be hazardous to life and habitat. Emergency preparedness and response are reviewed, and recommended priorities for research, educational, and policy contributions to emergency preparedness and response are documented.

Reprinted with Permission from www.esri.com/publicsafety