GIS should guide zoning decisions in states hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, says expert

As New York, New Jersey and other states hit hard during Superstorm Sandy begin their long road to recovery, the decisions they make on how to rebuild are crucial to determining how well they will weather the next big storm.

Careful study of GIS data, including weather data, population demographics, land use, and a variety of other factors, could uncover clues about the likely intensity and impact of future storms, as well as the extent to which zoning decisions can mitigate potential damage, according to Tom Fisher, dean of the University of Minnesota’s College of Design.

(http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2013/01/25/what-is-geodesign-and-can-it-protect-us-from-natural-disasters/)