DHS makes available geospatial data for first responders

The Department of Homeland Security of USA is using the imagery-hosting web service Terra Pixel to provide easy access to location-based imagery for state and local first responders.

Using the cloud to upload, manage and store geospatial data, DHS is able to deliver relevant imagery from past 24 hours to first responders allowing them to quickly react during disasters.

Through the Terra Pixel platform, built on the basis of the Amazon Web Service’s cloud storage infrastructure, emergency officials can have access to location-based and searchable geospatial information.

Collected imagery is sent to DHS when an incident is emerging or has just happened, Terra Pixel is then used to transfer that data with GIS-based information to personnel on the ground. In this way responders can see the incidents happening nearest to them when they access the platform.