Abstract

Salvation Army Uses GIS For Haiti Earthquake Response
Track: Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs
Authors: Finn Dahl

It was April 20th, 2010, just three months and eight days after a
catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.0 in magnitude shook the country of
Haiti. Since the quake, 59 aftershocks ranging from 4.2-5.9 in magnitude
continued rattling the country. The aftermath was devastating and it is
estimated that 230,000 lives were lost, 250,000 homes were destroyed or
severely damaged, and 1.3 million people were displaced. Countries and
Non-Government Organizations (NGO) around the world responded by
bringing, food, water, and humanitarian aid. One of the largest needs
were shelters for displaced families and the Salvation Army responded by
providing both temporary and transitional type shelters. Being adept
with integrating mobile GIS technologies led to my joining a Salvation
Army World Service Office (SAWSO) planning team to assist in their efforts to locate, assess, and
inventory families who have had their homes destroyed by the earthquake
and needed shelter.