Step 2: Choose Digital Mapping or Alternate Methods
Research indicates that about 80% of all government information has a geographic component.6 A GIS captures and stores data that are then displayed on a map for analysis. These systems can include a wide variety of information including geographic, social, political, environmental, and demographic data.
Mapping Resources
If you do not have access to digital mapping resources, you might want to consult with organizations that could become partners to help you map your at-risk populations. Examples of such organizations include:
- The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) or regional council that serves your area (in regional communities with populations over 50,000)
- Your state GIS coordinator
- Your state GIS data clearinghouse
- The geography department at local colleges and universities
- Your state department of transportation
- Your state or county department of emergency management
- Your local police, fire, or public works departments
In addition, your state demographer maintains data on populations in your state and can be a resource for analyzing these data. The state demographer will often have GIS professionals on staff. To locate resources with GIS software to help you, start with MPOs and regional councils. MPOs may be the most likely to have the GIS software to locate at-risk populations. You might also want to contact your state GIS coordinator to request information about the data clearinghouse for your state. The National States Geographic Information Council is the professional organization that will be able to direct you to the GIS coordinator or the contact for your state.
Although mapping technology is available in the United States, mapping of specific populations is sporadic. In many coastal communities, for example, mapping is used by fire departments and cities in evacuation planning. In other places, Area Agencies on Aging or county offices on elderly affairs have mapped older populations. Other local agencies might be using digital mapping techniques to display information ranging from neighborhood crime data to environmental information such as air quality and the amount of smog.
In addition, every state has a GIS coordinator who is familiar with the digital mapping activities in the state. In most states, resources to help update and interpret demographic data to map at-risk populations and track changing population dynamics are available at the state departments of public health, family services, transportation, commerce, economic development, ethnic affairs, or other similar offices.
When using GIS software to locate at-risk populations, you will bring the population data you collected to define populations into the mapping program. Some GIS mapping software comes with U.S. Census data embedded.
Remember that the timeframe between U.S. Census data updates and its reliance on self-reporting will require that you update your data periodically. Also, consider printing out the data at regular intervals so the information is accessible in emergencies should widespread power outages occur.
If you do not have access to or are unable to use GIS software, post a map of your community on a wall. Use the census and other data you have collected in the "define" phase and information gathered from community collaborators to determine where your at-risk populations might be found. Use pushpins or markers for a visual representation.
In small communities, mapping is often viewed as unnecessary because “everyone knows everyone else.” Yet, mapping—whether it is done with colored pins on a paper map or electronically—provides an exceptionally clear picture of where at-risk population groups might be found during an emergency. It is a time-saving benefit regardless of community size or diversity. Saving time is especially important when the people responding with emergency support come from outside a community and might be unfamiliar with the local demographics. The best planning efforts will incorporate both geographically mapping the populations with their gathering places and forming collaborations and partnerships to create additional lasting relationships with various groups and their trusted sources.
The geography or IT department at local colleges and universities might be able to provide names of students who would develop your GIS system in return for course credit. You might also locate knowledgeable students who are willing to serve as interns or even volunteer their time to help you. You can also contact departments of transportation or local police and fire departments to see if they use GIS software and are willing to assist. Ask to speak with someone in the GIS, research, or planning departments when seeking this information.
Mapping is a community-building process. You will collect information from sources at the local level and from those who know the community (e.g., police officers, public works crews, utility workers, tribal entities, social service providers, places of worship, barber shops, and schools).
This information will help you dig deeper into your community for information about neighborhoods and the people who live there, about community centers and the people who congregate there, and about the places and people to whom those most at-risk will turn in a time of crisis.
6Geographic Information Systems: Challenges to effective data sharing. United States General Accounting Office. June 10, 2003. http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d03874t.pdf
