# Q7B · Discuss in detail application of GIS in drought-prone area mapping for drought manage…

Subject: Disaster Management

Exam: TEE

Reader: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/dm/#tee/papers/paper-2022-12-01/q7b

Canonical: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/read/dm/tee/papers/paper-2022-12-01--q7b/

Actual older TEE paper · 100 marks · Q1 compulsory; any four of Q2–Q7

### Q7B. Discuss in detail application of GIS in drought-prone area mapping for drought management. [10 marks]

#### Answer

GIS links information to location, allowing drought indicators and affected people to be analysed together. Remote sensing supplies repeated observations; field verification is still needed.

Swipe across the diagram to read its labels ↔

![GIS combines location-based layers for decisions](https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/dm/fig/gis.9072f68acf.svg)

Diagram: GIS combines location-based layers for decisions. Labels: GIS combines location-based layers for decisions | GIS combines location-based layers for decisions | Hazard layer | Flood extent / slope / drought | Exposure layer | People, homes, roads, hospitals | Resources layer | Shelters, teams, water supply | Decision supported | Which places face danger? Who needs | assistance? Which route is usable? Where | should resources go? | Check data dates, accuracy and field reports; a map is decision support.

Combine hazard indicators, exposure and resources to support decisions.

1. **Map rainfall deficits.** Compare rainfall with the local long-term pattern and map persistent deficits. For example, identify districts with deficient seasonal rainfall rather than applying one national rainfall threshold.
2. **Observe soil and vegetation.** Use soil-moisture information and vegetation indicators to locate crop stress. Ground observations help separate drought stress from disease, land-use change or poor data.
3. **Map available water.** Locate reservoirs, wells, streams and supply systems and track their condition. Overlay settlements to identify people far from reliable drinking-water sources.
4. **Assess vulnerability.** Combine rain-fed cultivation, livestock, poverty and access data with hazard indicators. Two equally dry areas can need different support because livelihood and service conditions differ.
5. **Prioritise and monitor action.** Select recharge, supply and livelihood interventions and map their progress. For example, direct emergency water to poorly served settlements while planning long-term watershed work.
6. **Communicate limitations.** Show data dates, uncertainty and update schedules. A map supports judgement; it does not automatically prove a village has water or that an individual household received relief.

#### Real programme and application · Satellite flood mapping

NRSC’s disaster-management support uses space-based information to assist decisions. A flood map can be combined with settlement and road layers to identify affected access routes. The imagery shows conditions at a particular observation time; responders must check its age and ground accuracy.

[Case reference ↗](https://www.nrsc.gov.in/nrscnew/Apps_DMS_overview.php?lang_code=en)