Professional Surveyor -
November 2005 Issue

by Michael Keister





USGS Supplies Critical Map Data in Katrina Aftermath

When the Colorado National Guard arrived in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, to carry out search and rescue missions in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the first order of business was to establish a base of operations. They needed an outdoor space large enough to accommodate tents, supply depots, and helicopter landing zones. The site also had to be safe and dry.

With much of the parish still under water, the options were few. Fortunately, the Guard personnel had base maps with post hurricane satellite imagery to help identify a feasible location to set up their operations. These maps were generated quickly the day before by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Denver and provided to the Colorado Guard while their convoys were in transit to New Orleans.

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