A conceptual vulnerability and risk framework as outline to identify capabilities of remote sensing

Abstract

Abstract. This study aims at creating a holistic conceptual approach systematizing the interrelation of (natural) hazards, vulnerability and risk. A general hierarchical risk meta-framework presents potentially affected components of a given system, such as its physical, demographic, social, economic, political or ecological spheres, depending on the particular hazard. Based on this general meta-framework, measurable indicators are specified for the system "urban area" as an example. This framework is used as an outline to identify the capabilities of remote sensing to contribute to the assessment of risk. Various indicators contributing to the outline utilizing diverse remote sensing data and methods are presented. Examples such as built-up density, main infrastructure or population distribution identify the capabilities of remote sensing within the holistic perspective of the framework. It is shown how indexing enables a multilayer analysis of the complex and small-scale urban landscape to take different types of spatial indicators into account to simulate concurrence. The result is an assessment of the spatial distribution of risks within an urban area in the case of an earthquake and its secondary threats, using an inductive method. The results show the principal capabilities of remote sensing to contribute to the identification of physical and demographic aspects of vulnerability, as well as provide indicators for the spatial distribution of natural hazards. Aspects of social, economic or political indicators represent limitations of remote sensing for an assessment complying with the holistic risk framework.

"Last-Mile" preparation for a potential disaster – Interdisciplinary approach towards tsunami early warning and an evacuation information system for the coastal city of Padang, Indonesia

“…Leone et al (2007) focus on physical vulnerability correlating physical parameters of buildings visible from space with damage grades surveyed after the 2004 tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Papathoma et al (2003) and Taubenböck et al (2008a) incorporate multiple vulnerability indicators from the natural and built environment to socio-demographics. With the focus on vulnerable conditions of people a global survey of capacities and gaps for early warning systems, identified warning dissemination and preparedness to act (response capability) as the weakest elements (ISDR Newsletter, 2006).…”

Risk management - a conceptual foundation

“…In recent years, a shift from hazard-oriented research strategies towards more integrative approaches to assessing risk and its components, incorporating also human, societal, and cultural factors, can be observed (Pelling, 2003;Taubenböck et al, 2008). This change can be related to the realisation that natural hazards do not have an intrinsic dangerous character themselves, but become disastrous if several unfavourable parameters come together.…”

The Marine Environment: Hazards, Resources and the Application of Geoethics Principles

“…1. Am ong them , earthqu akes, Taubenböck et al, 2008) volcanic eru ptions and gravity-d riven processes are natu ral hazard s that cannot be preven ted , bu t their im pacts on society can be m in im ized if geoethical princip les are ap plied at d ifferent stages of the risk m anagem ent, like in the early w arning, prevention and m itig ation. After these processes, several hu m an -ind u ced hazard s are d iscu ssed , and how these can be avoid ed if societies w ill reach the aw areness of the d am age they m ean.…”