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Supporting Disaster Response in LA: How Geospatial Insights Aid Disaster Response and Recovery

Jason Wolfe
In the face of unprecedented crises, the strength of a community lies in its ability to come together, adapt, and rebuild. As Los Angeles grapples with the devastating impact of the ongoing wildfires and the heightened risk of flash flooding and landslides, geospatial data and analytics are not just tools, they are lifelines. Geospatial data and advanced analytical tools can offer clarity amidst chaos and empower responders to make informed decisions when every second counts.

The Critical Role of Geospatial Data in Disaster Response

Satellite imagery, aerial surveys, and ground-based data provide responders with real-time insights into the scope of damage, helping them prioritize resources and protect lives. Geospatial tools allow teams to detect changes in the environment, assess structural damage, and monitor ongoing threats like shifting terrain or encroaching floodwaters.

This technology doesn’t just aid in immediate response—it plays a pivotal role in recovery and prevention. Identifying at-risk areas, such as slopes prone to landslides or flood zones, enables communities to take preemptive action, reducing future vulnerabilities.


NV5’s Commitment to Helping Los Angeles

We understand the urgency of the situation. To support the disaster response and recovery efforts in LA, we are offering a free 30-day temporary license for ENVI® and ENVI SARscape software to those assisting on the front lines. These tools are designed to analyze geospatial data and provide actionable insights that can make a real difference during these critical moments.

Here’s how these tools can help:


Fire and Change Detection for Damaged Structures
Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and other types of geospatial data, responders can detect and assess fire damage with pinpoint accuracy. Change detection can identify structural impacts, guiding teams to areas that need immediate attention. This information not only aids in rescue operations but also helps homeowners and businesses begin the recovery process.


Flash Flooding and Landslide Monitoring
With the recent fires stripping vegetation from hillsides, the risk of flash flooding and landslides has surged. ENVI’s advanced analytics can process satellite and aerial data to map terrain changes, identify unstable slopes, and forecast areas at risk of flooding. These insights are crucial for evacuation planning, infrastructure protection, and long-term land management.


Long-Term Resilience Building
Beyond immediate needs, geospatial data fosters sustainable recovery. By analyzing historical and current data, communities can design smarter infrastructure, restore ecosystems, and build resilience against future disasters.


The image above shows a fire hotspot from the start of the Pacific Palisades wildfire on January 7. The hotspot was derived from a Sentinel-2 shortwave-infrared (SWIR) signature, displayed over a true-color image in ENVI.

Support in Challenging Times

Our commitment goes beyond providing software—it’s about empowering those who are working tirelessly to protect lives and rebuild communities. If you or your organization are involved in disaster response efforts in LA, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. The 30-day license provides access to the same tools trusted by geospatial professionals worldwide, with a focus on ease of use and actionable insights.

In times like these, technology is only part of the solution. The courage, dedication, and humanity of those on the ground are what truly drive recovery. At NV5, we are honored to play a small part in supporting your efforts. For more information about the temporary license or how our solutions or services can assist in disaster response, please contact us. Together, we can help Los Angeles recover and rebuild stronger than ever.