The clearinghouse concept: a model for geospatial data centralization and dissemination in a disaster

Area of Science:

• Disaster Management
• Geospatial Information Science
• Information Science

Background:

• Disaster clearinghouses originated in the earthquake research community to coordinate data collection.
• Previous clearinghouses were insufficient for large-scale disasters like Hurricane Katrina.
• The LSU GIS Clearinghouse Cooperative (LGCC) was established post-Katrina to manage geospatial data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the formation and development of the LGCC.
• To address challenges in organizing, disseminating, and archiving disaster-related geospatial data.
• To propose the LGCC model as a standard for future disaster research and management.

Main Methods:

• Formation of the LSU GIS Clearinghouse Cooperative (LGCC) by FEMA and LSU personnel.
• Development of systems for centralization and dissemination of geospatial information.
• Establishing protocols for data organization, dissemination, and archiving.

Main Results:

• The LGCC has become a functional model for managing geospatial information during disasters.
• The model facilitates organization, dissemination, archiving, and research of disaster-related data.
• The framework is adaptable for addressing geospatial data needs in disaster scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The LGCC model demonstrates an effective approach to geospatial data management in disaster response.
• Implementing this clearinghouse model can standardize data handling for disaster research and management.
• The LGCC serves as a vital resource for coordinating information during catastrophic events.