Transforming Disaster Response Through Satellite Data and AI
As weather disasters increase in both frequency and intensity, the stakes for government agencies and emergency responders grow higher by the day. Flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme weather events are now the norm, not the exception. And while the challenges are escalating, so, too, are the tools available to help us respond.
During a recent NSGIC-hosted webinar, “Leveraging AI and Satellite Data for Disaster Response and Hazard Mitigation,” Planet explored how near-daily Earth observation data and AI are combining to improve every stage of disaster risk management. What emerged was a clear message: government agencies now have the ability to see every natural disaster as it occurs, respond faster, and build more resilient systems.
A 360° View of Disaster, from Risk to Recovery
Planet’s daily scan of the Earth’s landmass, combined with AI, provides decision-makers with key insights across the disaster management lifecycle:
- Prevention and Preparedness: Monitor vegetation fuel loads and defensible space compliance across millions of properties. Predict wildfire hazards and prioritize community investments.
- Real-Time Response: Deliver AI-powered building damage assessments to emergency responders within hours of events like wildfires, floods, and tornadoes.
- Recovery and Resilience: Track long-term changes in land cover, infrastructure, and population patterns to guide rebuilding efforts and reduce future risk.
From the Lahaina fires in Hawaii to tornadoes in Arkansas, these tools are already helping local governments act with precision and speed.
Insights That Drive Policy and Action
In addition to satellite imagery and analytics, Planet is building critical partnerships with institutions like Microsoft and the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) to map where people live, how populations are shifting, and where population centers intersect with rising hazards. This population risk data is updated quarterly and will soon be available through early access programs.
These insights are catalysts for driving smarter policies, more equitable resource distribution, and stronger community resilience.
What Comes Next
As David Marvin, Senior Product Manager at Planet, noted: “This is just the beginning. We're not only revealing change—we're making it actionable.”
Whether you work for a state agency responsible for wildfire mitigation, a utility company protecting critical infrastructure, or a local government tasked with community preparedness, the message is clear:
Now is the time to integrate high-resolution satellite data and AI into your disaster workflows.
Learn More
Check out this webinar to discover how AI-powered satellite data is shaping disaster response and how your agency can be best prepared for the next disaster. Watch "Leveraging AI and Satellite Data for Disaster Response and Hazard Mitigation" now!
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