The geographic information system (GIS) in disaster management market is expected to be driven by the rising incidence of natural disasters and increasing utilization of advanced technologies in the government sector. As a result, the licensing and subscription of these solutions will fetch software vendors $9.4 billion by 2030. From $2.3 billion in 2019, the sales revenue will increase at a 13.7% CAGR during 2020–2030 (forecast period). By using geographic information systems to capture geographical and spatial data, the likeliness and impact of a disaster can be determined.
Based on solution, the GIS in disaster management market is classified into preparedness, mitigation, recovery, and response, among which the mitigation classification held the dominating share during 2014–2019 (historical period). This was because government bodies around the world are strongly focusing on reducing the impact of disasters on property and life. Geographic information system solutions designed for disaster mitigation help identify natural hazards and assess risk, providing precise data for the same, which allows emergency response departments to plan their containment and redevelopment efforts.
Similarly, under segmentation by technology, the categories in the industry are satellite imaging, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), remote sensing, and others. In 2019, remote sensing was the largest category in the GIS in disaster management market, as this technology is widely used for inspecting disaster-struck areas and assessing the impact. Compared to imaging by helicopters, remote sensing is cost-effective, and it also offers detailed spatial classification and coverage. During the forecast period, the LiDAR category will advance the fastest, as LiDAR helps identify the worst-affected areas and prepare detailed maps.
The increasing number of natural calamities is one of the key factors driving the requirement for geographic information systems for disaster management. The software is being utilized for assessing safe shelter areas, providing early warnings after real-time tracking, identifying the potential impact on bridges, roads, and buildings, and evaluating emergency supply distribution. The Weather, Climate, and Catastrophe Insight: 2019 Annual Report says that 409 natural disasters resulted in losses of $232 billion in 2019, with floods proving the most severe, leading to an $82 billion financial loss.
Another significant propellor of the GIS in disaster management market is the increasing adoption of advanced technology by government departments. Geographic information systems are being used to help people prepare for disasters, effectively manage disaster situations, predict emergencies, carry out search and rescue operations, and estimate the overall damage. For instance, after over 30 tornadoes hit Alabama, Florida, and Georgia in March 2019, the National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Alabama Emergency Management Agency deployed geographic information system to map their route and strength.
During the historical period, North America was the largest contributor to the GIS in disaster management market, and it will continue being so till 2030. Here, investments in geographic-information-system-equipped emergency management approaches are increasing, the government is offering strong support, and the public is becoming rapidly aware of disasters and mitigation strategies. The highest CAGR during the forecast period will be seen by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, as a result of the rising incidence of natural disasters in India, China, the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea and increasing containment efforts by governments.
Therefore, as the number and severity of natural and human-made disasters increases, the demand for advanced solutions that can help governments in limiting the impact will keep rising.
