The use of remote sensing and GIS technologies by New South Wales Agriculture for emergency management

NSW Agriculture uses spatial information technology to assist in the management of agricultural emergencies such as pest and disease outbreaks, bushfire and flood. GIS, GPS and remote sensing combine to add value to the outcomes of emergency management activities. This paper outlines 4 case studies where spatial information systems (SIS) have been used for emergency management, including Newcastle Disease containment, flood mapping and fire damage assessment. The capabilities and limitations of SIS for emergency management are discussed.