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The Synergy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Enhanced Disaster Management: Opportunities and Challenges

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 September 2023

Payam Emami*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Ameneh Marzban*
Affiliation:
Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
*
Corresponding authors: Ameneh Marzban, Email: [email protected]; Payam Emami, Email: [email protected].
Corresponding authors: Ameneh Marzban, Email: [email protected]; Payam Emami, Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

Type
Letter to the Editor
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health

Natural calamities are perilous occurrences stemming from the earth’s natural phenomena. Floods, earthquakes, hurricanes/cyclones, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, among other geological events, are examples of such disasters. Disasters instigated by human action or anthropogenic disasters result from human endeavors. These disasters negatively impact human beings, other life forms, and, ultimately, entire ecosystems. Instances of anthropogenic disasters encompass various forms of pollution, nuclear and chemical catastrophes, biological disasters, terrorist strikes, and other unintentional mishaps. Reference Karimiziarani, Jafarzadegan and Abbaszadeh1 Disaster reduction necessitates the consolidation of data from various origins. Geographic information system (GIS) is a powerful tool that enables us to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and visualize spatial data. It has proven invaluable in mapping and understanding geographic information, including topography, land use, infrastructure, and population distribution. At the heart of GIS lies a collection of maps that are assigned spatial references and stored as points, lines, polygons, or raster data. GIS simplifies the process of attributing characteristics to these spatial entities and merging disparate information layers. Reference Herath2

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into GIS has the potential to revolutionize disasters, analyze and respond, improving efficiency and saving lives. With the inclusion of AI, GIS can become even more robust and efficient in handling large-scale data analysis and decision-making in disaster management scenarios. AI algorithms can enhance GIS capabilities by automating data processing, pattern recognition, and predictive modeling. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can be trained to analyze historical disaster data and identify patterns that enable the prediction of future disasters and their impacts. This predictive ability is crucial for proactive disaster preparedness and resource allocation. Reference Ivić3,Reference Subhashini, Thomas and Sivasangari4

Furthermore, AI can support real-time monitoring and early warning systems. By analyzing sensor data, satellite imagery, social media feeds, and other relevant sources, AI algorithms can quickly detect anomalies, identify potential disaster events, and provide timely alerts. Reference Emami and Javanmardi5 This early warning can significantly improve response times and emergency preparedness. During a disaster, AI-powered GIS can assist in disaster response and recovery efforts. AI algorithms can analyze data sets in real time, enabling responders to identify critical areas of concern, such as damaged infrastructure, population density, and resource distribution. This information facilitates efficient resource allocation and coordinated rescue operations. Additionally, AI can aid in damage assessment. By combining pre-disaster GIS data with post-disaster imagery, AI algorithms can automatically analyze the extent and severity of damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, assisting authorities in prioritizing recovery and reconstruction efforts. Reference Ivić3

However, it is important to mention that the application of AI in GIS and disaster management also brings forth certain challenges. These include ensuring data accuracy and quality, addressing ethical considerations, and addressing potential biases in algorithmic decision-making. It is crucial to involve domain experts, policy-makers, and stakeholders in the development and deployment of AI in these contexts to mitigate risks and ensure responsible use. In conclusion, the synergy between AI and GIS holds immense potential for revolutionizing disaster management practices. By leveraging the power of AI algorithms, we can enhance GIS capabilities for predictive analysis, early warning systems, response coordination, and damage assessment.

Author contributions

PE: Conceptualized and designed the work; PE and AM: Drafted the work and revised it critically for important intellectual content and translation; PE and AM: Read and approved the final version and were accountable for all aspects of the work.

Funding statement

This research received no specific grant from any funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

References

Karimiziarani, M, Jafarzadegan, K, Abbaszadeh, P, et al. Hazard risk awareness and disaster management: extracting the information content of Twitter data. Sustain Cities Soc. 2022;77:103577.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
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Ivić, M. Artificial intelligence and geospatial analysis in disaster management. Int Arch Photogramm Remote Sens Spat Inf Sci. 2019;42:161-166.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Subhashini, R, Thomas, JJ, Sivasangari, A, et al. Artificial intelligence—based intelligent geospatial analysis in disaster management. Adv Artif Intel Green Energy Environ. Elsevier; 2022:203-221.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Emami, P, Javanmardi, K. Enhancing emergency response through artificial intelligence in emergency medical services dispatching: a letter to editor. Arch Acad Emerg Med. 2023;11(1):e60.Google ScholarPubMed