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GIS is the "invisible guardian" during extreme weather!

GIS is the "invisible guardian" during extreme weather!

2026-01-22

In fact, GIS and meteorology were inextricably linked as early as the 1960s and 70s. At that time, the core function of GIS was to store, query, and visualize geographic data. Meteorological data, as observational information with spatial attributes, was used by early GIS systems for basic map creation and simple spatial analysis. For example, overlaying meteorological station data to generate contour maps or regional distribution maps supported the initial visualization of weather models. With technological advancements, the integration of GIS and meteorology deepened. For instance, by integrating remote sensing imagery and meteorological model outputs, more complex spatiotemporal analyses were supported, laying the foundation for modern weather forecasting and climate research.

In responding to extreme weather, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a crucial role as the "brain" and "eyes." Their core value lies in integrating multi-source spatiotemporal data, accurately depicting disaster patterns, and supporting the entire emergency management process. This enables intelligent support across the entire chain, from risk warning and emergency response to post-disaster recovery, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of extreme weather response. GIS will play different roles at different stages of extreme weather events.

Before: Risk Assessment and Early Warning

Before extreme weather occurs, the core role of GIS is to identify high-risk areas, optimize early warning thresholds, and support defense planning, shifting from passive response to proactive prevention.

During: Real-time Monitoring and Emergency Response

During extreme weather, GIS serves as the "central brain" of emergency command, with its core role being to monitor the disaster situation in real time, optimize the allocation of rescue forces, and ensure the safety of life and property.

After: Loss Assessment and Recovery and Reconstruction

After extreme weather has subsided, the core role of GIS is to accurately assess disaster losses, optimize recovery and reconstruction plans, and summarize response experiences.

The core role of GIS in extreme weather response is to deeply integrate the "temporal attributes" of meteorological data with the "spatial attributes" of geographic elements, providing spatial, refined, and intelligent support for the entire emergency management process. From pre-event risk prediction to real-time command during the event, and then to efficient post-event reconstruction, GIS remains a key link connecting data, models, and decision-making, helping to improve the comprehensive response capabilities to extreme weather and minimize disaster losses.