Remote Sensing for Resilient Multi-Hazard Disaster Response, Volume V: Integration of Remote Sensing Imagery and VIEWS Field Data for Post-Hurricane Charley Building Damage Assessment

Keywords: Remote sensing imagery.  Disaster resiliency.  Multi-disaster hazard response.  Hurricane Charley.  Damage assessments.  Field data.  Post-event reconnaissance.  Extreme events.  VIEWS system.  Spatial distribution.  Data analyses.  Debris.  Windstorm damage.

Abstract: This report investigates the use of remote sensing and advanced field data collection technologies to improve response to extreme windstorm events.  Perishable field data collected by the VIEWS (sub TM) system in the aftermath of Hurricanes Charley and Ivan were analyzed, resulting in the development of a HAZUS-compatible remote sensing-based damage scale for wind.  Then, quantitative characteristics of windstorm damage to buildings, debris surrounding buildings, and surrogate indicators of damage such as the presence of blue tarpaulins or roof covers, were investigated.  The study found that while remote sensing and advanced field survey techniques do not replace detailed forensic studies of building damage, they provide complementary information about the overall damage conditions of buildings as well as the spatial distribution of perishable damage characteristics throughout a region.  This report is Volume V of a five part series that investigates the use of remote sensing techniques for resilient multi-hazard disaster response.