2007 Emergency Mapping Center Constructing Common Operational Pictures with GIS

Abstract

Emergency Mapping Center (EMC) activities at Chuetsu-oki Emergency Operation Center (EOC) are an innovative approach to disaster management, originating in Niigata Prefecture. This represents three important “firsts” in Japan – (1) the first disasterresponse digital mapping providing common operational pictures (COP) to local responders in real time, (2) the first collaborative emergency operations center (EOC) information analysis team, and (3) the first EMCstaff not directly supporting operation function but supporting staff function of EOC.