Emergency Shelter Allocation Evaluation

Introduction

This project demonstrates how to make a spatial decision that determines the best use of monetary resources when further developing the emergency preparedness framework of a community. Spatial allocation decisions often can not be made most efficiently with consideration of only an independent variable, and scenarios realistically exist as multi-criteria based. This tutorial will demonstrate how this evaluation can be carried out using only Free and Open-Source Software(FOSS), particularly using the Quantum GIS (1.8.0) package and the GRASS Plugin.

Particularly the scenario that outlines what the objectives are for this tutorial involve the expansion of Emergency Shelters in Hawaii. The funding for this expansion has specific criteria which is as follows:

1. Funds must be concentrated to the area of highest risk to large waves within the State.
2. Shelter Location must be far away from Evacuation Land.
3. Shelter Location must be in area of highest population density.
4. Shelter Location must be far away from existing Shelters.

This tutorial is directed towards someone who has a minimal or basic understanding of GIS. The processes outlined throughout this tutorial may also be applicable to understanding gaps in public safety as a community evolves.