The response to natural disasters and environmental hazards is usually a visualization of the extent or impact, specifically during or after the event. While these actions are responsive in monitoring and assessing damages, a proactive and potentially more fiscally responsible approach is to consider the planning and mitigation as equally important. As part of the strategic plan of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the USGS has become more active and visible in disasters and hazards response because their base science supports the solutions to the problems associated with these events. The USGS has a lead role for the use of classified government assets and providing real-time imagery exploitation. Real-world mitigation solutions to the human impacts of these events can result in huge economic benefits to everyone, but more importantly could result in the saving of human life and property. The Mid-Continent Mapping Center, a major production center for the National Mapping Division, is creating a Regional Scientific Response Center (RSRC) to work as a partner with federal, state, and local agencies to develop solutions. The RSRC will bring together facilities, expertise, and capabilities not currently available in the central United States. The RSRC, established to educate, develop, and research these events, will be the focus for practical solutions using geographic information systems tools and technologies. The Center not only will address disaster and hazard response but also will integrate most planning and management activities in one holistic application.