GIS Data Helps Miami-Dade County Prepare for Disasters

By: Laurie J. Flynn on April 01, 2011

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Illustration by Tom McKeith

The sprawling metropolis of Miami-Dade County, Fla., has endured hurricanes, floods, earthquakes — even the occasional tsunami warning — earning it the dubious distinction of being one of the most disaster-prone urban regions in the country.

So it’s no wonder that county officials have harnessed GIS, which captures, analyzes and displays geographical information, as a pivotal weapon in their ongoing battle with the forces of nature. In Miami-Dade, the technology transforms raw data into a vast range of interactive graphical maps, each of which tells a story.

And that means residents of Miami-Dade’s 35 municipalities are safer, better informed and more prepared than ever before. “The Police Department, the Planning Department, emergency management, fire, water and sewer — they all use GIS in different ways,” said Ali Fain, account executive at GIS software maker Esri, who works closely with Miami-Dade on its GIS implementation. “For productivity, enhanced analysis and basically just to provide better service.”

Go to Government Technology to read more about Miami-Dade County's use of GIS.

You may use or reference this story with attribution and a link to
http://www.emergencymgmt.com/safety/Miami-Dade-County-GIS-Data-040111.html

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