Remote sensing support for the World Trade Center recovery effort

ABSTRACT The major focus of the paper is on the use of remote sensing systems in providing planning and advise in support of ground operations at the World Trade Center site and the related debris processing and disposal sites in the New York area. A summary of the World Trade Center recovery effort is presented. This was the largest most complex recovery effort of this nature ever to occur in the United States. Remote sensing was only a part of the total recovery activity but did provide important assistance throughout the recovery operation. Samples of geospatial technologies used in the recovery are reviewed. These include 3-D visualization, thermal infrared imagery, LIDAR data systems, IKONOS one-meter panchromatic imagery, SPOT imagery and the use of digital aerial imagery. The general area of disaster response management is also addressed and the findings of various studies in this area are related to the World Trade Center disaster. Observations and lessons learned from the World Trade Center disaster response are discussed with recommendations for the use of remote sensing systems and products in future disaster situations are presented. Keywords : World Trade Center Disaster, IKONOS satellite data, Digital imagery, Data management, Disaster management, LIDAR, Infrared remote sensing, GIS mapping, Global Positioning System 1. INTRODUCTION When terrorists attacked U.S. targets on September 11, America witnessed one of the worst days of its two hundred and twenty five year history. It also witnessed the best of the American spirit as people everywhere rushed to help. From giving blood to removing rubble to providing counseling and housing - we helped one another cope. And the geo-spatial community was no exception. Individuals and corporations lent their spatial expertise to those managing emergency situations in New York and Washington D.C. The form of this help was broad. Some staffed situation rooms. Others acquired aerial or satellite imagery or processed and interpreted data. Figure 1 is an example of aerial imagery collected several days after the attack on the World Trade Center area. For some, helping involved merging data from various agencies into coherent situational maps. Among the first spatial data providers into the breach were those providing satellite-based imagery. 2. CURRENT RECOVERY STATUS Six months after the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with state and local government in the ongoing recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site. Debris screening and removal activities are still under way at the site (see figure 2). Federal assistance has reached over $1.23 billion to date, which includes FEMA's Individual and Public Assistance programs and loans administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The funds provided to date reflect the initial focus on immediate rescue and short-term recovery efforts, with additional funds being released as long-term recovery projects are undertaken. According to FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh this $1.23 billion represents significant federal funding, it is only the beginning of the federal assistance that will be provided to help the city and state of New York recover from the September 11 attack. FEMA, SBA and the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) have distributed more than $381 million in assistance to households and businesses in the New York area. More than 63,000 applications have been taken through FEMA's tele-registration line, which represents the first step for individuals, families and businesses seeking federal and sta te assistance. These assistance programs provide a multi-faceted approach to helping the many victims whether they require crisis counseling, special unemployment compensation, or help with their rent or mortgage. Highlights of federal and state involvement in response and recovery through the first six months include: