## 2 Global Open Geo-Information and Integrated Framework  
### Available Global Open Dataset  
Disaster damage assessments are based on hazard, exposure, and disaster data of an appropriate scale and resolution. With the advent of web-based geo-information platforms and with the promotion of global open source data, an increasing number of global geo-datasets are now accessible for disaster management purposes. Although they are available at coarser scales relative to local geo-datasets, they are suitable for fast and large-scale damage estimations as they are offered in standard formats. Global datasets are typically derived from top down integration approaches. Some global open geo-datasets that could be used for damage assessments are described below. The scope and intensity of a hazard event must be defined for the estimation of other affected elements. The spatial characteristics of a hazard event are typically defined by combining theoretical and empirical knowledge with sparsely discrete observational hazard-related data. Real time or near real time access to hazard event information is critical for decision makers when first alerted to disaster situations. ShakeMaps is a widely used global open earthquake hazard information product developed through the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazard Program in conjunction with regional seismic network operators, which could provide near-real-time maps of ground motion and shaking levels following significant earthquakes through their website [18]. Global real time flood intensity (the depth above the threshold) and inundation maps are generated through the Global Flood Monitoring System using satellite-based precipitation and hydrologic models [19]. Near real time flood intensity levels at the \(1/8\)th degree and at a \(1\) km resolution can be accessed [20]. The Currently Active Tropical Cyclones system is a real-time tropical cyclone product of The Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch (RAMMB) of the NOAA that records the locations and intensity levels of track histories and forecasts [21]. The natural hazard viewer developed by the NOAA can monitor archives and assimilate tsunami, earthquake, and volcano data in terms of geo-locations and intensity levels [22]. Exposure data are critical for damage assessments. Empirical studies show that exposure data considerably influence the accuracy of disaster damage assessment results [23]. Resident, building, and infrastructure data are the most commonly used exposure elements for damage estimations. At the global scale, exposure data are typically based on national open statistical and census data, global databases, and remote sensing data. Complete and detailed geospatially linked exposure inventories are ideal information for efficiency damage estimations for all countries, but are rarely created and are not publicly available in most developing countries due to technical and policy-related limitations. Global open exposure dataset development is essential for global and national disaster damage assessments, for which a fine spatial resolution and up-to-date data are key features. The Gridded Population of the World, Version 4 (GPWv4) Population Density consists of estimates of human population density based on data consistent with national censuses and population registers for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Population count grids are derived by dividing population count grids by land area grids, and pixel values represent the number of persons per square kilometer [24]. Several global datasets derived from remote sensing imagery that describe spatial patterns of human settlement, artificial land, and built-up areas are important exposure data used for rapid post disaster impact estimations. The Global Urban Footprint was developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) based on the global datasets of the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X mission for between 2011 and 2013 at a 12-meter resolution [25] and has been available to scientists since the end of 2014.