Showing how geographic information systems (GIS) technology can provide crucial and timely information and analysis to organizations involved in emergency response and homeland security, this hands-on manual is written for communities that face the threat of large-scale disasters, whether they be wild-fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, or terrorist attacks. With full-color maps depicting the landscape of real catastrophic events; community checklists, and lessons learned from the real world of catastrophe response and preparedness, this manual is essential reading for communities that seek to make themselves more prepared should the unthinkable happen. Included are examples of how technology-savvy organizations have used the digital mapping and analysis tools of GIS technology to help in response to disasters.