# Q6B · Describe in detail how GIS can be beneficial in real-time tsunami monitoring.

Subject: Disaster Management

Exam: TEE

Reader: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/dm/#tee/papers/paper-2023-02-07/q6b

Canonical: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/read/dm/tee/papers/paper-2023-02-07--q6b/

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

### Q6B. Describe in detail how GIS can be beneficial in real-time tsunami monitoring. [10 marks]

#### Answer

For tsunami management, GIS provides a common location-based picture for agencies. Data quality, access, update time and field verification determine its usefulness.

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.

Different layers answer different operational questions.

1. **Mitigation.** Combine coastal elevation, modelled inundation and exposed settlements to guide land use and locate critical facilities outside high-risk areas.
2. **Preparedness.** Map safe high ground, marked routes, travel time, shelters and people needing assistance. Use realistic scenarios in evacuation drills.
3. **Response.** Overlay verified inundation, blocked roads, stranded people and available rescue resources. Use updated information to select safer access and prioritise urgent assistance.
4. **Recovery.** Compare before/after imagery, map damage and service restoration, plan safer reconstruction and monitor whether assistance reaches affected settlements.

Remote sensing can update affected-area mapping, but weather, resolution, signal availability and processing time may limit observations. Protect sensitive household and health information when sharing maps.

For monitoring, GIS can display incoming seismic/ocean observations, modelled arrival/inundation information and affected coastlines. The sensors measure the phenomenon; GIS combines and presents geographically referenced information for decisions.

#### 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)