Lost Communication Links Hamper Japan

Surveying companies flew out immediately to take aerial photographs of Japan recording the calamity, but disruption to communication links are the main issue, according to GIM International Editorial Advisory Board member Susumu Hattori of Fukuyama University. Following the earthquake and tsunami on Friday 11th March 2011 we contacted him and fellow EAB member Sunji Murai of the University of Tokyo, to confirm that they were safe and well.

According to Mr Hattori, neither mobile phone networks nor internet were active, so GIS and surveying techniques look of little use: ‘But both will be required soon, when restoration works start. Surveying is indispensable to knowing the area the tsunami covered, to plan roads and buildings and other infrastructures to restore the city or villages. However, it is imperative now to rescue victims, feed them, give fuel and medical treatment. These efforts are being operated by Japan Self Defense Force. We are not sure whether they are exploiting GIS tools for the rescue work. To prepare GIS beforehand and to operate it appropriately in such a sudden and huge disaster is hard, I think'.