Spatial data handling capabilities in emergency response

Conference · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:6293849

Walker, H

The ability of organizations to respond effectively to emergencies requires the utilization of many types of data. For the Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC), an operational system at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory which provides assessments of the environmental consequences of an accidental release of radioactive material, much of the necessary data are geographical in nature. In support of this operation, a system has been created that integrates numerical models, data acquisition systems, data analysis techniques, and professional staff. The ARAC system relies on two types of spatial data. First, digital terrain data is used as input to atmospheric models and, when presented in a graphical form, also serve to orient ARAC staff in unfamiliar areas. Secondly, geographic features (roads, rivers, political boundaries) are used as a base map to provide a reference frame for the graphical output from the ARAC models. A terrain system has been developed that provides terrain data at 500 meter resolution around any location in the conterminous United States within five minutes after an emergency notification. The ability to quickly create an appropriate base map using paper map products and digital map data also exists. Interactive computer graphics is an essential part of both the terrain and base mapping systems because it is the most effective means to view large amounts of data in a time-intensive environment. 13 refs., 6 figs.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6293849
• Report Number(s): UCRL-93416; CONF-851252-2; ON: DE86005089
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

570000* -- Health & Safety
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
DATA PROCESSING
DISPLAY DEVICES
EMERGENCY PLANS
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
PROCESSING
TOPOGRAPHY