New Study Shows Use of Before and After Satellite Imagery has Potential to Aid Comprehensive Earthquake Damage Detection and Recovery Efforts
Longmont, Colo., September 29, 2003 - A new study documents the potential high-resolution QuickBird satellite imagery from DigitalGlobeŽ can bring to post-earthquake damage detection and recovery efforts. The study, conducted by ImageCat, Inc., was partially funded by the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) headquartered at the University at Buffalo. The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), through its "Learning from Earthquakes" program, provided imagery to ImageCat, the University of Tokyo and several other research organizations around the world involved in the use of remote sensing for disaster response. This combined effort represents a significant milestone in the field of earthquake research.
For several years, researchers at ImageCat have investigated how remote sensing technologies can improve response and recovery activities after major earthquakes. This research has focused on various aspects of damage detection, including the distinction between extreme damage versus non-damage states, the quantification of damage states on a regional basis, and the assessment of damage sustained by individual buildings. In the study just-released by EERI and MCEER, satellite imagery is identified as an effective and valuable tool in the response and recovery phases of the emergency management cycle for reconnaissance and monitoring recovery operations.
To conduct its research, ImageCat used the events of May 21, 2003, when an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale rocked Algeria - drastically affecting the towns of Rouiba, Boumerdes and Thenia, among others. In its wake, the first priority was to assess and limit human injuries and fatalities, a monumental effort considering the total death toll reached 2,266 with 10,261 injured. Structural damage assessment and recovery was also a priority as 214 commercial buildings and 1,029 individual residences were destroyed.
To evaluate the potential of satellite imagery to assist in this assessment and its possible use for coordination of site visits and relief efforts, the researchers turned to DigitalGlobe, provider of the world?s highest resolution commercial satellite imagery that boasts a vast, up-to-date archive of digital images. EERI acquired before and after QuickBird data, including imagery dated April 22, 2002 - approximately one year prior to the earthquake - and May 23, 2003 - two days after. QuickBird imagery captured on June 18, 2003 enabled the further assessment of high-resolution imagery for monitoring recovery efforts during the following month.
During the evaluation phase, automated change detection algorithms were created, offering a "quick-look" damage assessment and providing the focus for more detailed inspection of building damage using visualization techniques. A visual comparison was then drawn between enlarged views of the before and after QuickBird images, which were displayed side by side within Research Systems? ENVI image processing environment. Due to the extremely detailed representation offered by QuickBird satellite imagery, severely damaged structures were readily identified. In addition to urban damage, the images also effectively showed the location of temporary tent camps housing displaced residents. Researchers hope to use such imagery in future events to provide "real time" assessments that will guide the work of field reconnaissance teams.
About ImageCat, Inc.
ImageCat, Inc. is a Long Beach, California-based advanced technology company, specializing in innovative solutions to risk assessment and emergency management. Established in March 2000, the company has developed a reputation for cutting edge research, focusing on designing tools to better quantify the built environment and its exposure to risks associated with terrorist attacks, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters. More information can be found at www.imagecatinc.com.
About EERI
The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) is a national, nonprofit, technical society of engineers, geoscientists, architects, planners, public officials, and social scientists working to reduce earthquake risk by advancing the science and practice of earthquake engineering, by improving understanding of the impact of earthquakes on the physical, social, economic, political and cultural environment, and by advocating comprehensive and realistic measures for reducing the harmful effects of earthquakes.
About MCEER
The Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) is a national center of excellence that develops and applies knowledge and advanced technologies to reduce earthquake losses. Headquartered at the University at Buffalo, the Center was established in 1986 by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as the country's first National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (NCEER). MCEER unites a group of leading researchers from numerous disciplines and institutions throughout the United States to integrate knowledge, expertise, and interdisciplinary perspective with state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities in the fields of earthquake engineering and socioeconomic studies.
About DigitalGlobe
DigitalGlobe is an Earth imagery and information company in Longmont, Colo., USA. With the 2001 launch of its QuickBird satellite, DigitalGlobe has established a market leadership position. The company offers the world's highest resolution commercial satellite imagery, the most up-to-date archive, the largest image size, and the greatest on-board storage capacity of any satellite imagery provider. The competition has no plans to launch a comparable commercial satellite until at least 2006. In addition to offering technical superiority, DigitalGlobe distinguishes itself in the market through its commitment to excellent customer service, relationships with business partners and open-systems philosophy. More information can be found at www.digitalglobe.com.
Note to photo editors: Color images showing the extent of earthquake damage are available for downloading from the ImageCat?s Web site at www.imagecatinc.com/AlgeriaNews.html. Published and broadcast images must be attributed to "DigitalGlobe."
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DigitalGlobe is a registered trademark of DigitalGlobe
Media Contacts for DigitalGlobe:
Chuck Herring
DigitalGlobe
(303) 682-3820
cherring@digitalglobe.com
Linda Lidov (for DigitalGlobe)
Accent Relations
(303) 417-6303
linda@accentrelations.com