Hazus risk assessment software has integrated into federal geospatial planning

Abstract

Hazus-MH is FEMA's powerful regional loss estimation methodology and software application that enables users to quantify losses from earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. In Hazus, current scientific and engineering knowledge is coupled with the latest GIS technology to produce estimates of potential loss of life and property (i.e. critical facilities, economic loss, and displaced households). Hazus has evolved from a "community-centric" tool that has been used for state and local risk assessments and mitigation planning to a geospatial tool that has been widely integrated into the mainstream of federal geospatial planning and consequence assessments. Hazus program manager, Mr. Berman will discuss the recent advances made in Hazus technology, including the development of the Comprehensive Data Management System (CDMS) geospatial web portal to support integration of mapping statewide data. Mr. Berman will also discuss how Hazus has been utilized by other federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, in an ongoing effort to develop a robust, scientifically-based model with inventories that are mission critical to federal and state users. Hazus is also major component of the DHS Geospatial Concept of Operations (GeoCONOPS), a multi-year initiative to promote the application of geospatial technologies to support federal response and recovery under the National Response Framework.