ArcGis Animation

The following links are to a simple animation produced to illustrate the Deepwater Horizon oil spill extents, observed and predicted. These simple video files were produced with ArcGis software and the supplied data. ArcGis video capabilities seem to be adequate but the previews are lacking and full export to .avi file for preview is not practical. A time layer animation with time stamp that tracks the video are a few features to be explored when my schedule allows. The .mov file is much quicker to buffer and view on my mac.
JEL_DeepwaterExtents.avi
JEL_DeepwaterExtents.mov

The Role of GIS in the response effort in the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster has been apparent since the first days of the emergency. By providing timely digital and hard copy data assembled from disparate sources GIS can make sense of the scope and risk of such events.
The GIS operation in the gulf could be instrumental in assessing and recording the extents of damage as well as projected risks as the situation develops. From BP’s apparent stance on responsibility, this information may prove to be Important in future proceedings. Primarily at this time GIS has an important role in prediction and preparedness for the impending landfall of the oil. The various assets at risk, both socioeconomic and environmental should be considered. The animation exercise is a good example of the recorded and projected data at work. Many separate agencies and relief organizations can be represented, informed and updated with an efficient GIS. Efforts both onsite and off will be better able to coordinate there efforts and communicate relevant information.

Disaster recovery can utilize a GIS in many respects.
Relief efforts can benefit from an organized and current inventory of destruction and needs assessment. Aid facilities can be efficiently located considering demographics and geographic attributes of the disaster area. Transportation communication, and critical infrastructure status can be collected and analyzed and resources allocated efficiently.
Cause and effect data modeling, while most useful in risk assessment can also be used in a response situation to focus efforts on probable areas of need. It may also be necessary to forecast or budget resources and funds in the event of an emergency. The GIS operation is an excellent tool for estimating costs related to cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
GIS is also used to inform the public of changing situations and efforts as recovery proceeds. The various jurisdictions and agencies can also utilize the system for timely information and cost/results accounting.