The recent damage and distress caused by Hurricane Harvey in southern Texas in the U.S. has led local, state and federal agencies to respond immediately in support of citizens requiring emergency medical care, shelter, water, food and supplies.
Nearmap immediately deployed aircraft replete with camera systems to the affected areas in Corpus Christi, Rockport, Houston and nearby towns devastated by the hurricane. These aerial maps were captured on August 31, 2017 and will continue to be captured the first week in September.
Here’s where we believe these aerial maps can help:
- Emergency Response and Rescue – Imagery can be used to analyse road access, dispatch 911 emergency services and navigate first responders to precise locations.
- Homeland Security and Police Services – Law enforcement and homeland security can analyse locations that present the most risk associated with unlawful activity and quickly deploy resources.
- Flood Management Analysis – Flooding from the hurricane extended beyond expectations in many locations. Using high resolution aerial maps, the environmental and physical impact of Hurricane Harvey can be analysed.
- Emergency Fund Allocation – FEMA and related agencies are quickly working to disburse funds and supplies to people in need. These aerial photographs show the extent of the devastation along with precise geospatial information useful in verifying and assessing damages.
- Utility, Telco and Electric Support – Down power lines present an immediate risk to first responders, fire, rescue and citizens in the area. Damage assessment in the form of truth on the ground is visible using aerial maps allowing utilities and telecom companies to focus on the areas hardest hit.
- Insurance Risk and Claims Management – Insurers are moving rapidly to respond to claims that help the victims of this hurricane. Nearmap aerial views can be used to expedite the claims process and get funds to those in need.