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GIS-Enabled Emergency Information Sharing Platform

Solution Overview

The Common Operational Picture is a GIS-enabled electronic platform that enhances emergency information sharing and support mechanisms for dealing with multiple hazards in Hong Kong.[6] Launched by the Civil Engineering and Development Department in 2019, this system enables real-time sharing of emergency information among government departments to improve coordination during extreme weather events and natural disasters.[4][1] The platform serves as a critical tool for more than 13 government agencies to monitor citywide situations and formulate rapid response plans during emergencies.[5][3]

Technical Components

The Geotechnical Engineering Office manages this common Geographic Information System platform, which facilitates real-time sharing of emergency information including details of landslides, flooding, building damage, and major road incidents among government departments.[1] The Civil Engineering and Development Department implemented Esri's ArcGIS on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform as part of their IT strategy to manage infrastructure and safety goals.[5] The platform integrates authoritative data sources including real-time weather information, satellite imagery, real-time traffic with CCTV feeds from the Transport and Housing Bureau, demographic information, and the locations of emergency management shelters.[5] The system displays the current status of various agencies' emergency operations centers and the locations of all reported emergency incidents across Hong Kong.[5] The Civil Engineering and Development Department collects and records vast amounts of geospatial slope and geotechnical data which provides crucial support for discharging its duties of keeping slopes safe and protecting lives and properties.[7]

Implementation Details

In December 2019, the Hong Kong Civil Engineering and Development Department entered into an Enterprise Agreement with Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited to develop this emergency management system.[5] The partnership between CEDD, Esri, and Microsoft resulted in the new Common Operating Picture for the emergency management operations of more than 13 government agencies.[5] The Interdepartmental Task Force on Emergency Preparedness, established in October 2014 and led by the Development Bureau, created this GIS-enabled platform to examine the potential impact of multiple hazards arising from extreme weather events.[6] The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre of the Security Bureau makes use of the Common Operational Picture developed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department to monitor the city's situation.[2]

Benefits and Impacts

This IT platform provides a timely overall picture of emergency situations, which greatly improves situational awareness across relevant departments and facilitates decision-making and coordination of emergency response.[6] The result is greater collaboration and more effective decision-making among the Hong Kong government agencies.[5] The system enabled enhanced coordination during Super Typhoon Saola approaching Hong Kong in August 2023, when government departments shared emergency information in real-time to improve emergency responses.[1] The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre utilizes the platform to conduct real-time citywide monitoring and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures.[3]

Climate Adaptation Relevance

The platform addresses multiple climate hazards by providing real-time monitoring and coordination capabilities for extreme weather events including typhoons, landslides, and flooding. The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre is activated when the no. 8 gale or storm signal is hoisted to coordinate resources and emergency response operations across various departments.[2] The system stands ready for full activation upon the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8, with directorate officers of relevant departments closely monitoring the community in real time.[3]

Sources