Abstract
In developed nations we assume that valuable geographic information (GI) is available for disaster management, but when a disaster strikes a developing nation little GI may be available. In some countries the national mapping agency does not have a comprehensive map; in others it is not up-to-date (Steklis et al, 2005; Karikari et al, 2005). If there is an up-to-date map it may not be accessible, as was the case in 2010 when the offices of the Haitian mapping agency, CNIGS, were destroyed by the earthquake (Richardson, 2010). In the event of a disaster, response agencies will not have the time or manpower to negotiate with the copyright owners of maps. What disaster response agencies need is an up-to-date digital map that is securely stored, has a permissive license and is freely available over the Internet. Ideally it should be possible to download the data in industry-standard format so it can be used in the field in GIS software and on GPS devices (OSM, 2010).
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Dealing With Disasters |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2011 |