University Mapping Expertise Aids Haiti Relief Effort

Scientists from Bath Spa University have been lending their expertise in digital mapping to help earthquake victims in Haiti.

Staff and students on the University’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) course were among experts worldwide asked to access ‘before and after’ satellite and aerial photos of the disaster zone.

The Bath Spa team could then advise relief agencies in Haiti, via a central computer, on the extent of damage to buildings, roads, bridges and other key infrastructure, as well as where refugees were congregating. The collation of all such data into a detailed master map is enabling aid such as food and medical supplies to reach where it is most needed and repairs to be prioritised.

Three members of Bath Spa’s GIS staff – Alex Koh, Dr Esther Edwards and Dr Andrew Skellern – are involved, together with a dozen of their students.

They are all part of a global ‘virtual community’, comprising 500 scientists and engineers. The newly created organisation, called the Global Earth Observation Catastrophe Assessment Network (GEO-CAN), is using the latest web technology to make a real difference for Haiti’s shattered communities.

Alex Koh said: “We were glad to help and it’s really heartening that research can deliver clear humanitarian benefits after such an appalling disaster.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Alexander Koh, Principal Lecturer in Geographic Information Systems, on 01225 875580 a.koh@bathspa.ac.uk

Or Peter Cullimore, Bath Spa University Communications Officer, on 01225 876106 p.cullimore@bathspa.ac.uk

Or Tessa Alton, Head of Marketing & PR, on 01225 875725 t.alton@bathspa.ac.uk