Technology has changed the game for disaster management.
While traditional disaster management often involved a reactive approach – where response efforts focused mainly on the immediate aftermath of a disaster rather than prevention or preparedness – innovations such as satellites, sensors, geographic information systems and geo-visualisations are seeing disaster management moving towards its next generation: Disaster Informatics.
Disasters can now be predicted weeks in advance, and information can be shared in real time.
Here are some of our favourite technologies when it comes to gathering disaster data.
1. Satellites: predicting and responding from space
Today, satellites have become essential tools in disaster management, providing critical data for early-warning systems, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery.
Weather satellites, like Japan’s HIMAWARI-9 and GOES series in the US, monitor atmospheric conditions, storm development, and severe weather patterns.
They are essential for tracking cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons, and other weather-related disasters.
In Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), used HIMAWARI-9 to track ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Earth Observation Satellites and ground-based systems provide high-resolution images of the Earth's surface.
This is considered as the largest sensor system in the world for disaster management.
They are used for monitoring land use, detecting changes caused by natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, and assessing damage.
NASA’s Landsat Satellites, MODIS and the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 were the main earth observatory satellites used to monitor the California 2025 bushfire.
With cloud platforms such as Google Earth Engine, disaster researchers and response teams can access this satellite imagery for real-time analysis and modelling.
During disasters, traditional communication networks often fail. Communication Satellites such as Iridium, Inmarsat, and VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) support emergency communication networks during disasters, especially in remote or affected areas.
Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites are crucial in disaster management for locating affected areas, guiding rescue teams and planning evacuation routes.
It helps map out hazard zones and track real-time movements of disaster response teams.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Satellites such as COSPAS-SARSAT are specifically designed to assist in locating distress signals from ships, aircraft, or individuals during disasters, providing a lifeline for search and rescue operations.
These satellites have helped to rescue more than 35,000 people across the world in various disaster situations.
These satellites, in combination with other technological tools such as drones, sensors and GIS systems, significantly enhance disaster management by providing real-time data, improving early warnings, and facilitating faster recovery and response times.
2. Ground sensors: real-time data for faster disaster response
Ground sensor systems provide real-time data, helping scientists and emergency teams monitor, detect and respond to natural disasters.
These systems use environmental, seismic and temperature sensors to gather critical information about the disaster’s progression.
Seismic sensors such as those in the US ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System detect tremors and issue warnings before an earthquake strikes.
The data collected by these sensors enables response teams to act faster, minimise casualties and improve resource allocation..
3. Geo-visualisation: seeing disasters before they strike
Geo-visualisation combines geographic information with visual representation to enhance understanding and decision-making during natural disasters.
It uses maps, 3D models, and other visual tools to display spatial data related to disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or cyclones.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) power geo-visualisation by combining satellite images, sensor data, and real-time observations into a unified, interactive map for better disaster management.
During a cyclone, geo-visualization tools can track the storm’s path, highlight affected areas, and predict the impact on infrastructure, allowing authorities to plan evacuation routes and allocate resources efficiently.
Similarly, in the aftermath of an earthquake, geo-visualization can display the extent of the damage, helping first responders prioritise areas for search and rescue operations.
4. The role of Citizen Science and open data in disaster resilience
The Citizen Science and open data movement have revolutionised disaster management, making essential data more accessible, transparent and usable by a broad range of stakeholders, including governments.
When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, the technologies and data sharing systems available were limited, and response efforts were hampered by the lack of timely information.
However, since then, the availability of open data has drastically improved disaster response capabilities.
- Crowdsourced crisis mapping and real-time updates
In the 2011 Brisbane floods, citizens shared flood images and reports via social media, helping authorities map the flood’s progression in real-time.
During Australia’s 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires, open data platforms allowed communities to track fire movements and make informed decisions.
- Social media: a lifeline in disasters
Platforms such as X, Facebook, and other social media networks now serve as real-time communication channels for both official updates and public reports.
Images, videos, and location markers, provide valuable insights that might not be captured by traditional monitoring systems.
Hashtags like #CycloneAlfred help emergency teams and media outlets track infolding events.
- Digital tools: keeping communities connected
Digital tools like peer-to-peer wi-fi, bluetooth and telehealth applications have become essential in enhancing resilience and response efforts, especially when traditional communication networks are disrupted.
For instance, the American Red Cross mobile apps provide real-time safety tips, disaster alerts, and location-based resources, even when cellular networks are down.
Many Australian local councils have integrated similar tools into their disaster management strategies.
- Virtual volunteerism: global disaster response in action
Citizen Science enables greater participation in disaster response through virtual volunteering, where individuals across the globe can contribute skills and resources remotely.
Crowdsourced fundraising platforms and real-time video footage are becoming common tools for supporting affected communities.
These technologies allow for more decentralised and flexible responses to disasters, empowering people and organisations to act faster and more collaboratively.
The future of disaster management: smarter, faster and more resilient
Thanks to advancements in satellite technology, geo-visualisation and Citizen Science, disaster management is more predictive, proactive and data driven than ever before.
As digital technologies continue to evolve, we can expect even faster detection and smarter response strategies. ultimately saving more lives and minimising devastation.
The future of disaster management is here, and technology is leading the way.
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