Tags: Satellite Imagery, Disaster Recovery, NGA
Publication: CNN.com
Publication Date: 05/22/2013

Before and after satellite images from Oklahoma. Image credit: AmericaBlog.com

Shortly after the deadly twister struck Oklahoma on May 20, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requested help from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) to provide expert analysis on video, pictures and satellite imagery of the destruction. The agency’s assessments can help rescue workers conduct search and rescue operations and begin recovery efforts.

For the first time, the NGA is using an unclassified website to share that information with first responders. While the agency has provided humanitarian and disaster assistance to federal agencies before, this is the first time the information is available in real time on the Internet.

The website only contains unclassified material and is available to authorized first responders and other approved federal, state, and local government personnel via personal computers and mobile devices.

Since first responders don’t have time to sit down and evaluate data, the NGA analysts use videos and live television to search for clues what will help first responders determine what to focus on such as how weakened the structures of buildings are. They also compare the video with existing satellite imagery to identify key locations where people may congregate such as schools, theaters, municipal buildings and other. The NGA also takes care of receiving new satellite images and aerial shots that can help assess the damage. Then, the agency passes this information to first responders so they can act accordingly.

The NGA has currently deployed three analysts and three technicians to Oklahoma to help coordinate the efforts.

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