Stephen Brown
University of Texas at San Antonio
Dept. of Earth and Environmental Science
6900 N. Loop 1604 W.
San Antonio, TX 78249
(210) 458-4956, (210) 680-4469 fax

In the aftermath of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster over eastern Texas, many technology lessons were learned about large-scale, multi-agency emergency response using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS). GIS and GPS have become commonly used technologies in community planning and emergency response throughout the United States. However, differing data standards, varying technology literacies and government knowledge of community resources greatly reduced the effectiveness and speed of utilizing GIS and GPS in recovering the Space Shuttle. The initial recovery response took 13 days to complete. Had there been a simple multi-agency, county and community plan for a single GIS and GPS data standard for use during time of emergency, this recovery period could have been cut by one-half or even less. While it is hoped no such large-scale disaster ever occurs again, the threat of global terrorism underscores the importance of preparedness.

This workshop will tell and show the story of the Space Shuttle disaster from a technology perspective. In doing so, it will reveal a new and very important role for Extension professionals in helping governments and communities be better prepared to coordinate multi-agency use of GIS and GPS technologies. Since Extension personnel are well connected to their communities, counties and state(s), it is logical that they lead they effort. This workshop will also present a simple plan for implementing and conducting such a program.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF format, 2,015 kb)