What are the emerging trends in disaster risk assessment and mapping software?

1 GIS and remote sensing

One of the main components of DRAM is geographic information system (GIS), which allows users to create, store, manipulate, and display spatial data and information. GIS can integrate data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, ground surveys, census, and social media, to create dynamic and interactive maps that show the location, extent, and severity of hazards and risks. Remote sensing is a technique that uses sensors mounted on satellites, aircraft, or drones to collect data about the earth's surface and atmosphere, without direct contact. Remote sensing can provide timely and accurate information about the conditions and changes of the disaster-affected areas, such as land cover, vegetation, soil moisture, flood extent, damage assessment, and recovery progress.

3 Cloud computing and web-based platforms

A third trend in DRAM is the adoption of cloud computing and web-based platforms to facilitate the access, sharing, and collaboration of DRAM data and tools. Cloud computing is a service that provides on-demand computing resources, such as storage, processing, and software, over the internet, without requiring users to own or manage the physical infrastructure. Cloud computing can enable DRAM users to store and process large volumes of data, run complex analyses and models, and access advanced software and applications, without investing in expensive and specialized hardware and software. Web-based platforms are online interfaces that allow users to access, visualize, and manipulate DRAM data and tools through a web browser, without requiring installation or download. Web-based platforms can enable DRAM users to easily and securely share and communicate DRAM data and results with other stakeholders, such as government agencies, NGOs, media, and the public.

4 Mobile devices and applications

A fourth trend in DRAM is the use of mobile devices and applications to collect, disseminate, and utilize DRAM data and information. Mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are portable and ubiquitous devices that can connect to the internet and other networks, and have various features, such as cameras, GPS, sensors, and touchscreens. Mobile devices can enable DRAM users to collect and upload real-time and geo-referenced data from the field, such as photos, videos, reports, and surveys, using apps or web forms. Mobile devices can also enable DRAM users to access and download DRAM data and information from online sources, such as maps, alerts, guides, and dashboards, using apps or web browsers. Mobile devices can help DRAM users to improve the timeliness, accuracy, and usability of DRAM data and information, and to enhance the situational awareness, coordination, and communication of emergency management activities.

5 Citizen science and crowdsourcing

A fifth trend in DRAM is the involvement of citizen science and crowdsourcing to supplement and enrich DRAM data and knowledge. Citizen science is a form of public participation in scientific research, where volunteers collect, analyze, or interpret data for a specific project or purpose. Crowdsourcing is a form of online collaboration, where a large number of people contribute data, ideas, or solutions to a specific task or problem. Citizen science and crowdsourcing can help DRAM users to obtain additional and complementary data and information from the local communities and the general public, such as observations, perceptions, opinions, and feedback. Citizen science and crowdsourcing can also help DRAM users to engage and empower the local communities and the general public in the disaster risk management process, by raising awareness, building trust, and fostering collaboration.