This lab demonstrated how GIS supports multiple phases of disaster management, from storm tracking through post-disaster damage assessment and analysis. Hurricane Sandy track data were imported into ArcGIS Pro to create a map showing the storm's path, intensity, and progression using custom hurricane symbology, labels, and map elements. A Survey123 form was also developed to demonstrate how citizen-generated damage reports can be collected and standardized during disaster response.
The project continued by preparing pre- and post-storm imagery through raster mosaic datasets and creating geodatabase domains to standardize FEMA damage classifications. Using parcel boundaries and aerial imagery, each structure within the study area was evaluated and assigned attributes describing structural damage, wind damage, inundation, and structure type. Finally, the relationship between structural damage and distance from the coastline was examined to identify potential spatial patterns in storm impacts.
The analysis demonstrated how GIS integrates mapping, imagery analysis, data management, field data collection, and spatial analysis into a single workflow that supports emergency management decision-making. While structures located closer to the coastline generally experienced greater damage, the results also illustrated that factors such as storm surge dynamics, wind direction, local topography, and building characteristics influence damage patterns. Consequently, proximity to the coastline should be considered one of several variables when assessing hurric
ane impacts rather than the sole predictor of damage.
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