29GIS information in the stages of a crisis event in the coastal areas of Rowy, Ustka and Darłowo

Krzysztof ROGOWSKI

Pomeranian University, Slupsk

Poland

ORCID: 0000-0001-9392-1906

krzysztof.rogowski@apsl.edu.pl

GIS INFORMATION IN THE STAGES OF A CRISIS

EVENT IN THE COASTAL AREAS OF ROWY, USTKA

AND DARŁOWO

INFORMACJA GIS W ETAPACH ZDARZENIA

KRYZYSOWEGO W STREFIE PRZYBRZEŻNEJ

MIEJSCOWOŚCI ROWY, USTKA I DARŁOWO

Abstract: The article is a presentation of adverse events that may occur during storms as they

relate to noticeable climate change. In recent years there has been a constant increase in sea

water levels and therefore forecasts and analyses for the coastal area should be made. The focus

is on presenting methods for forecasting and mitigating impacts. The possibility of using a geo-

graphic information system is described, with particular emphasis on the situation of extreme

weather phenomena – storms, in the coastal areas of Rowy, Ustka and Darłowo.

Zarys treści: Artykuł stanowi prezentację niekorzystnych zjawisk, jakie mogą wystąpić pod-

czas burzy w związku z zauważalnymi zmianami klimatu. W ostatnich latach obserwuje się

stały wzrost poziomu wód morskich, dlatego należy sporządzać prognozy i analizy dla ob-

szaru przybrzeżnego. Nacisk położono na przedstawienie metod prognozowania i łagodzenia

skutków. Opisano możliwość korzystania z systemu informacji geogracznej, ze szczegól-

nym uwzględnieniem sytuacji ekstremalnych zjawisk pogodowych – sztormów – na obszarach

przybrzeżnych Rowów, Ustki i Darłowa.

Keywords: GIS information, crisis event, security

Słowa kluczowe: informacja GIS, zdarzenie kryzysowe, bezpieczeństwo

Use of GIS and information contained in the phases of crisis management

The 21st century has been characterized by great technological development and

the introduction of many improvements and solutions aecting the lives of everybo-

dy. The process of technological dissemination is related to the growing demand for

29gl;;

Nr 6 ss. 29–38 2021

ISSN 2543–7321 Przyjęto: 11.02.2022

Oryginalna praca badawcza DOI: 10.34858/SNB.6.2021.003

STUDIA NAD BEZPIECZEŃSTWEM

30 Krzysztof Rogowski

current and up-to-date information because today information has become a strategic

resource.

New technological solutions have improved many decision-making activities and

processes, both for individuals and for services and government. It has improved the

work of dozens of areas of the state economy, making decision cycles in many sectors

dependent on the use of information processing systems.

With the help of software and computer hardware, it has become possible to store,

process and analyze the acquired data, both spatial (relating to location) and descrip-

tive (representing exact characteristics).

The eectiveness of state crisis management depends mainly on the correct circula-

tion of information both within and outside the country. This suggests that crisis mana-

gement systems must be based on recognised international standards. In Poland, so far,

the circulation of security-relevant information takes place through web applications

or websites developed independently by various commercial companies, organizations

and institutions. Due to the use of specic technologies, it is dicult to create a single

information infrastructure from these solutions. As a result, solutions from dierent su-

ppliers cannot, in most cases, cooperate or exchange information with each other.

The methods and forms of obtaining information aect the quality of currently

stored les and data necessary for analysis based on GIS applications. Many methods

of data acquisition are known, but the safe collection of information is possible only

through databases and local servers which are made available to the public and which

are protected by security systems.

Several forms of information acquisition have been identied, but the most com-

mon one has been digitization, which consists of scanning space and terrain and pre-

senting data on a computer screen. Another method is photogrammetry, which allows

instant collection of information.

One of the main systems responsible for data storage and analysis is the Geographi-

cal Information System (GIS).1 This system, through an interactive presentation of data

in the form of a digital map, allows tracking of evolving events and processes occurring

in the environment and at the same time inuences the key decision making at the time

of the threat. Hence, it has become crucial to provide information about space and ways

to use resources for administrative purposes and there has been a great increase in inte-

rest in GIS systems in the areas of public security and crisis management.

The key element in building GIS systems are people who, having analytical skills,

use the capabilities of systems to carry out data analysis based on which they provide

the information needed to make the right decisions, which improves the operation of

emergency services at the scene. Thanks to the very wide range of analytical and visu-

alisation capabilities, GIS systems have found wide application in crisis management

systems, which has an impact on improving the security and eciency of the system

in crisis situations. This is because spatial information technology enables constant

and rapid access to information and contributes to tasks such as:

1 https://www.esri.pl/co-to-jest-gis/ [access: 04.12.2020].

31GIS information in the stages of a crisis event in the coastal areas of Rowy, Ustka and Darłowo

▪deployment of a network of preventive and patrol units;

▪the location of individual facilities and resources held by the security services;

▪creating maps with accurate data on crisis events;

▪reducing time and improving activities by organizing smooth transit of preven-

tive services to the scene of the event;

▪analysis of the likelihood of a hazard occurring;

▪statistical interpretation of existing dependencies, through the use of digital

maps with access to multiple thematic layers;

▪investigating the causes and correlations of dangerous events and alerting the

population to such events;

▪ creating schemes and their constant analysis in terms of the behaviour of specic

security actors;

▪ planning of rescue operations and verication of the decisions taken;

▪work on information and the ability to encrypt sensitive data;

▪monitoring the risks that may occur, but also identifying vulnerabilities and fu-

ture hazards;

▪the creation of geoportals that have an impact on security building;

▪ design and work with layered congurations.

Spatial analyses are procedures and operations performed on data sets such as sa-

tellite and aerial imagery, point clouds from laser scanning, or data obtained from eld

measurements. They are at the heart of spatial information systems because they allow

data to be converted into useful information that allows patterns, trends or anomalies

to be found.

As a result of spatial analysis, the obtained spatial information may take various

forms, such as: raster maps, vector datasets or tabular statements. This information is

often used in crisis management as a tool to support decision-making. Depending on

the crisis management phase and the available spatial data, appropriate spatial analy-

ses are performed to provide the spatial information sought.

The following is an example of an analysis carried out for the purposes of crisis

management depending on the type of the crisis event, in this case a storm and its ef-

fects in the form of ooding occurring as a result of the so-called retreat at the mouth

of rivers.

During the response phase,2 at the time of the arrival of submersible waves, up-to-

-date images are compiled with archival images to determine the actual extent of the

oods. This information, combined with a terrain sculpture model, enables determina-

tion of how deep the water is in dierent parts of an area. With continuously supplied

satellite (optical and radar) data, aerial imagery or drone data, the up to date situation

in ooded areas can be monitored. Radar images, which accurately depict the surface

of the earth regardless of the time of day, weather and height above sea level, are ex-

tremely useful for detecting ooding.

2 W. Molek, K. Stec, R. Marciniak, Zarządzanie kryzysowe w systemie kierowania bezpieczeństwem

narodowym, “Pozamilitarne Aspekty Bezpieczeństwa” 2011, t. IV, Wrocław, s. 45.

32 Krzysztof Rogowski

During the reconstruction phase,3 spatial analyses are carried out which provide

information on the areas aected by the oods and the extent of losses. Thanks to

satellite (or aerospace) data and a hydrological model, spatial analyses are performed

indicating drain-free spaces and the optimal location of high-eciency pumps for

water pumping after ooding.

Use of Geographic Information Systems in selected crisis events

Based on information from NASA scientists, global warming is accelerating and

will continue to accelerate if greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere are not

reduced. The consequence of this is already seen in sea level rise, which will be cata-

strophic if the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica melt. Higher sea levels have al-

ready caused increased coastal erosion and frequent ooding of coastal towns during

periods of increased storms (Poland – spring and autumn-winter period).

Fig. 1. Sea level change in years

Source: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/GlobalWarming/page6.php, [access date:

04.12.2020].

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)4 estimates that sea levels

will rise by 0.18 to 0.59 m by 2099. Referring to this data and adopting the highest

sea level rise value, i.e. approximately 0.6 m, it is possible to estimate areas exposed

to irreversible ooding on the basis of GIS systems, which are systems supporting

decision-making in crisis management. One such system is the Operational Graphics

Package (PGO) on which this analysis was conducted.

However, the conditions determining the ood plains involve a certain measure-

ment error, due to the level of accuracy of the vertical altitude measurements adopted

3 K. Włodarczyk, Oprogramowanie wspomagające zarządzanie kryzysowe na szczeblu lokalnym,

Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Śląskiej, Gliwice 2011, s. 5.

4 Special Report Climate Change and Land, An IPCC Special Report on climate change, deserti-

cation, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas uxes

in terrestrial ecosystems, IPCC 2020, p. 58–68.

33GIS information in the stages of a crisis event in the coastal areas of Rowy, Ustka and Darłowo

in the above-named program, of 1 m. In spite of this, the program allows an appro-

ximate illustration of the eects of crisis events, which will be irreversible ooding

in the coastal zones in the selected areas in the future, in this case Rowy, Ustka and

Darłowo.

The results are presented in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2. Flooding in Ustka, Darlowo and Rowy in the event of a sea level rise of 1 m (simulation

based on PGO 2014 program)

Source: self-analysis based on Operational Graphics Package 2014.

Using the data received, i.e. oodplains, further analyses can be made related to

the development of a population evacuation plan or facilities to ensure the functioning

of local communities based on another GIS system supporting crisis management,

which can be the Arc GIS application.

An example of analysis, based on the use of Arc GIS, of the occurrence of ooding

in Darłowo-Darłówko is shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3. Isolated ood zone with a sea level rise of 1 m

Source: own study based on Arc GIS.

Analysis of ood zones in PGO 2014 made it possible to use the data, from which

the layer was created, to perform an analysis isolating objects completely inside the

source layer, i.e. the ood zone. As a result, 223 objects located within the border of

34 Krzysztof Rogowski

the towns of Darłowo and Darłówko were identied which, in the future, will be ex-

posed to ooding, Fig. 3.

Fig. 4. Darłowo. Extracted objects in the ood zone

Source: own study based on Arc GIS.

Based on this data analysis and using the information contained in the object attri-

bute tables, it is possible to plan well in advance projects related to the evacuation of

people, animals and property from areas at risk of ooding, as well as the relocation

of facilities belonging to critical infrastructure ensuring the functioning of local com-

munities. This is the future.

Today coastal areas are struggling with storms of great force which destroy not

only coastal clis but also ood urban areas and destroy beaches and coastal defences.

Fig. 5. Destroyed bike path in Kołobrzeg after a storm

Source: https://tvn24.pl/tvnmeteo/informacje-pogoda/polska,28/sztorm-rozprul-morski-

-brzeg,18372,1,1.html?p=meteo, [access: 04.12.2020].

Strong winds occurring in the Baltic Sea, especially in the spring and autumn

- winter periods, cause higher water levels at the mouths of rivers, an eect called

35GIS information in the stages of a crisis event in the coastal areas of Rowy, Ustka and Darłowo

“backwater,” i.e. the north wind pushes the water from the sea into the land, which

threatens to ood urban (or rural) infrastructure.

With the many possibilities of obtaining “historical” GIS data on areas at risk of

ooding, especially in coastal areas with stormy periods, it is possible to develop

maps of oodplains depending on the scale of the storm, based on GIS applications

that enable the analysis of threats to objects located in oodplains. This information

thus gives decision-makers and emergency management services time to make deci-

sions and take actions to prevent the possible evacuation of populations, animals and

property from ood-prone areas.

An information-rich internet portal for GIS data on oodplains – is Hydroportal-

-ISOK (https://wody.isok.gov.pl/imap_kzgw/?gpmap=gpPDF).

Fig. 6. Ustka. Sea ood risk map, including internal sea water, 1% probability of ooding

– once every 100 years

Source: https://wody.isok.gov.pl/imap_kzgw/?gpmap=gpPDF, [access: 04.12.2020].

Fig. 7. Darłówko-Darłowo. Sea ood risk map, including internal sea water, 1% probability of

ooding – once every 100 years

Source: https://wody.isok.gov.pl/imap_kzgw/?gpmap=gpPDF, [access: 04.12.2020].

36 Krzysztof Rogowski

Fig. 8. Rowy. Sea ood risk map, including internal sea water, 1% probability of ooding

– once every 100 years

Source: https://wody.isok.gov.pl/imap_kzgw/?gpmap=gpPDF, [access: 04.12.2020].

By treating the data obtained from the geoportal adequately, as in the case of data

obtained from PGO 2014, an analysis is developed as a result of which we obtain

information on the threats to objects located in the ood zone. The analysis identied

726 objects exposed to ooding, Fig. 9.

Fig. 9. Darłowo. Isolated objects in the ood zone resulting from the so-called storm retreat

Source: own study based on Arc GIS.

In the considerations made so far, it can be noted that the services involved in the

crisis management system suer from an information decit. Each crisis is characteri-

zed by certain parameters, including a shortage of time and information. Not having

37GIS information in the stages of a crisis event in the coastal areas of Rowy, Ustka and Darłowo

complete and up-to-date data, or lacking data on the size of an event, can be a factor

in the success or failure of decision-makers and services.

Conclusions

The presented issues were focused on meeting the needs in the eld of knowledge:

▪ what factors inuence the use of GIS applications in the area of crisis manage-

ment and

▪understanding and using the acquired knowledge to improve the functionali-

ty of the Geographical Information System, understood as a multi-component

tool (methods, technical means, hardware, software, database, procedures and

people interested in its functioning) for obtaining, publishing, processing and

analysing spatial information.

In order for GIS to function eectively, it is necessary to have a harmonious and

proportionate balance of the above-mentioned components, as each of them plays an

important role in the construction of a reliable information ow system.

Through extensive analytical and program capabilities, GIS contributes to the im-

provement of decision-making and faster access to information, which makes this

system an indispensable tool in the work of emergency services and emergency deci-

sion-making bodies in crisis events.

The geospatial tool has many advantages and development perspectives. In addi-

tion to improving the safety assurance process, it enables: precise orientation in the

eld, quick access to up-to-date data and maps in digital form, and analysis of multi-

ple situations simultaneously. However, attention should be paid to the dangers that

may be encountered in using said system.

One of the threats to the functioning of the system is access to out-of-date

data,which usually escalates anxiety. Other risks relate to hacking groups and terrorist

groups stealing data and using it for illegal purposes.

It should also be noted that the use of digital maps may aect the ability to use

maps in analogue (paper) form.

The users of GIS applications face big challenges in improving their functions and

accuracy of data presentation. This requires increasing system self-suciency and

forgetting the fact that GIS systems are an auxiliary tool rather than a decision-making

tool. The system cannot be held responsible for decisions that save lives or property.

Users of the map tool should be aware of its objective, the purposes of environ-

mental threat analysis, as well as the fact that the system is designed to assist with

decision-making, not to take over the role of decision maker.

However, it should be remembered that in order to be able to consistently and

safely use the Geographic Information System, a number of actions are needed to

improve the eciency of the system, which include:

38 Krzysztof Rogowski

– the creation of extensive databases that will be kept up-to-date;

– analysing the quality of information obtained by ocials;

– building data security systems and creating bodies that ensure access to secure

information;

– facilitating access to published data and computer maps;

– the establishment of legal standards related to access to spatial information;

– making the public aware of the high impact of GIS systems on the development

of all sectors of the state economy;

– conducting training for users to use devices equipped with spatial technology.

GIS technology enriches our lives and improves security and supports the functio-

ning of many systems: preventive, crisis management, security, health and military

services. The Geographical Information System is constantly being improved and its

development capabilities are unlimited, therefore activities related to ensuring securi-

ty depend on its conscious use.

Bibliography

Molek W., Stec K., Marciniak R., Zarządzanie kryzysowe w systemie kierowania bezpieczeń-

stwem narodowym, Pozamilitarne Aspekty Bezpieczeństwa, t. IV, Wrocław 2011.

Włodarczyk K., Oprogramowanie wspomagające zarządzanie kryzysowe na szczeblu lokal-

nym, Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Śląskiej, Gliwice 2011.

https://wody.isok.gov.pl/imap_kzgw/?gpmap=gpPDF [access: 04.12.2020].

https://tvn24.pl/tvnmeteo/informacje-pogoda/polska,28/sztorm-rozprul-morski-brzeg,183

72,1,1.html?p=meteo, [access: 04.12.2020].

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/GlobalWarming/page6.php, [access: 04.12.2020].

Summary

As a result of climate change, ocean levels are rising at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, this

will continue to worsen and, if not addressed on a global scale, could result in the migration of

people from coastal areas that may soon be ooded. One of the main systems used for data sto-

rage and analysis has become Geographic Information System (GIS). This system allows the

tracking of unfolding events and processes in the environment and at the same time inuences

key decision making when a threat occurs.