Integrated geospatial information platforms for emergency management decision-support: Taiwan’s experiences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.1761Abstract
Taiwan’s emergency management practices have rapidly evolved over recent decades, driven by frequent large-scale natural disasters, a desire to enhance inter-agency collaboration, and advancements in geospatial technology. This paper introduces Taiwan’s integrated geospatial information systems and initiatives—including the National Geographic Information System (NGIS) initiative, the Civil IoT Taiwan programme, the Platform for Risk Information and Safety Management (PRISM), and the Hualien County Geographic Information Integration Application Platform—and their crucial roles in supporting decision-making at both national and local levels. We present the development history, system architecture, and practical applications of these systems, highlighting their integration of big data, IoT (Internet of Things), 3D spatial modelling, AI analytics, and real-time information exchange capabilities. Case studies such as the 2024 Hualien Earthquake and Hualien County’s comprehensive digital governance initiatives are used to illustrate how these systems facilitate effective disaster preparedness, emergency response, and post-event recovery. The Taiwan experience demonstrates how continuous technological innovation, robust cross-agency collaboration, and standardised spatial data management can significantly enhance national and local resilience and operational efficiency in emergency management and other business-as-usual operations.
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