Powersim Studio GIS
Simulation with geographical information
”Connecting simulation with GIS makes a very efficient tool, and when used to prevent damage or increase emergency preparedness, safety for the population within the community is improved.”
By Torstein Nielsen, Chief of Emergency Management in Stavanger City
Stavanger municipality has started using geographical information system as an aid in planning for a better safety of their community. Digital maps is a good way of communicating information about high-risk areas, i.e. areas with danger of experiencing flood or where storage of inflammable substances constitute a potential danger to the surroundings.
Powersim Software and Norkart, have in cooperation developed a unique tool whereby event simulation and geographic data are integrated into one platform known as Studio GIS (Geographical Information System). In the municipal of Stavanger, two different GIS modules are in use in which simulation models are connected with geographical data. One module addresses the potential risk for landslide and water accumulation after heavy rainfall, while the other module relates to gas leakage risk, simulating the impact of such an event in populated areas.
Torstein Nielsen says;
”These simulations makes it possible to conduct risk and vulnerability analysis, plan alert units, conduct realistic drill exercises and last, but not least, be used in managing a real emergency. The tools support the important decision making in critical situations. To have the development of an event visualized is invaluable. The connections towards our existing systems work splendidly, and the tools are user friendly in the sense that they are logically built and easy to operate.”
Stavanger municipality is participating in the AREALIS-collaboration. Arealis is a national project where the goal is to make area, resource and planning information easier available in municipals and counties. The main goal is to organize an efficient arrangement where information in the shape of maps and information belonging to them flows from subject authority to planning authorities. A separate major issue is defined for security of communities which is under development. Plans are made for a structure of the following themes: risks within the nature, risks within enterprises, vulnerable objects, infrastructure, alert unit resources and perhaps even ROS-analysis. ROS stands for Risk and vulnerability analysis.
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