GIS in the World Trade Center attack—trial by fire

GIS technology proved its value in emergency operations in response to the World Trade Center attack on 11 September 2001. This unprecedented emergency subjected the use of GIS and spatial data technologies to perhaps their most severe test ever. GIS and related spatial technologies were widely used to support the response, rescue, and recovery efforts and, under the dire conditions of that emergency, they proved to be extremely valuable. This paper will describe the establishment of the Emergency Mapping and Data Center (EMDC) and its operations over several months. It will also provide information on the experiences and lessons learned from that experience. The City Office of Emergency Management recently conducted a post-emergency critique of all aspects of the EMDC and the GIS Utility. The findings of that critique reveal many valuable lessons based both on the successes and problems experienced during the World Trade Center response.