Whether it is quickly rising waters, freezing temperatures,
or the shaking of the ground, the intensity and frequency of disasters is
increasing.  This holds true throughout
the world, and Mongolia is no exception. 
The number and strength of events has been gradually escalating,
increasing the threat to life and property. 
A tool being used to better understand these changes and support
disaster managers, scientists and decision-makers is Geographic Information
Systems (GIS).  In
its most simple form, GIS is a computer based application that utilizes
location information to enhance decision-making.   A more detailed description of a GIS is a
system of hardware, software, data, processes, people, organizations, and
institutional arrangements for collecting, storing, analyzing, and
disseminating geospatial information about areas of the Earth.  Its use before, during, and after an emergency
can greatly enhance the government’s ability to respond more efficiently during
and after an emergency.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) brought three GIS
Specialists to Ulaanbaatar from May 28-31, 2012 to share geospatial knowledge,
skills, data, and software with a variety of Mongolian government institutions.  Representatives from the Mongolian Armed
Forces, Border Forces, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ulaanbaatar
City, and the Weather Forecast Institute worked side-by-side to enhance GIS
capacity and response to a variety of hazards that Mongolia faces.  Special emphasis was placed on the analytical
capability of GIS to derive quick and accurate results that can be visualized
on a map.  “Having an opportunity to
learn the skills featured in this workshop will help me in my everyday
job.  GIS can assist in so many ways, and
I am thankful for the opportunity to learn more about the technology and its
use in emergency management,” stated Ms. S. Tumurchudur from the Mongolian
Water Authority.

Over the course of three days, participants in the GIS
Workshop got to exercise software and skills, process and analyze various types
of remotely-sensed data, and learn how to use predictive disaster models.  The workshop also featured Global Positioning
System (GPS) topics, and how GPS data can be used in a GIS in real-time.  “The United States uses GIS resources to
support emergency management at all levels of government.  Having the opportunity to share best
practices, lessons learned, data, and software with our Mongolian friends has
been a truly rewarding experience,” stated Mr. Doug Swanson, Geographer, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.

GIS subject matter experts hope to meet again next year and
discuss more advanced topics related to emergency situations, land-use
planning, and water resources.

Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia, May 31, 2012