integration of artificial intelligence (aye) and by open science NASA This has reportedly led to significant progress in disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts. According to the space agency, NASA’s disaster program, supported by the agency’s commitment to open science, is developing innovative tools and datasets to help manage natural disasters such as hurricanes. These tools are intended to equip communities and emergency responders with accurate, timely data to make informed decisions, as highlighted by the program’s application during Hurricane Ida in 2021.
Hurricane Ida and NASA’s contribution
hurricane Ida, which hit Louisiana on August 21, 2021, was one of the US’s most destructive hurricanes. HistoryWhile emergency teams worked on the ground, NASA’s disaster program used satellite based Models and tools to provide critical data.
Reports indicate that information on soil moisture, rainfall, vegetation changes and power outages was shared through the NASA disaster mapping portal. This data enabled organizations to understand the impact of the storm and effectively prioritize response strategies.
Innovative use of AI in disaster assessment
One notable application of NASA’s AI tools was the detection of blue tarpaulins covering roofs after a hurricane, a method designed to assess the extent of damage in affected areas. Based on a study by the Interagency Implementation and Advanced Concepts Team (IMPACT), such techniques have been recognized as valuable for assessing the severity of damage and aiding recovery efforts.
This approach was initially tested after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and has since been refined, as reported.
Open science and future applications
NASA, in collaboration with IBM, is currently developing open-source AI models to process the agency’s extensive satellite data archives. According to Kevin Murphy, NASA’s chief science data officer, these models are intended to reduce technical barriers, allowing users to apply the data for a variety of purposes, including disaster prediction and agricultural management.
According to the report, Murphy said such efforts are in line with NASA’s objective of making scientific resources accessible to global communities.