Critical data source, tool or even infrastructure? Challenges of geographic information systems and remote sensing for disaster risk governance

ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 2015, 4, 1848-1869; doi:10.3390/ijgi4041848:

This paper summarizes key contributions and challenges in utilizing and accepting Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) methods and data for disaster risk governance, which includes public bodies, but also risk managers in industry and practitioners in search and rescue organizations.

It analyzes certain method developments, such as vulnerability indicators, crowdsourcing, and emerging concepts, such as Volunteered Geographic Information, but also investigates the potential of the topic Critical Infrastructure as it could be applied on spatial assets and GIS and RS itself. Intended to stimulate research on new and emerging fields, this article’s main contribution is to move spatial research toward a more reflective stance where opportunities and challenges are equally and transparently addressed in order to gain more scientific quality.