The Risk and Recovery Mapping service

The Risky and Recovery Mapping (RRM) is developed in the international context of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. It aims to supply information layers that support decision making in the emergency management phases that are not directly related to response. The RRM focuses on the information extraction for hazard and risk characterization in a range of prevention, mitigation, preparedness and recovery contexts.

Emergency response is managed using the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) Rapid Mapping service while the RRM is supporting other phases of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) cycle, typically the phases after the immediate disaster response including recovery, rehabilitation, reconstruction and risk mitigation activities. Therefore, the RRM service concerns the on-demand provision of geo-spatial information in support to emergency management activities during the phases of the disaster emergency management cycle which are preceding (prevention or preparedness) or following (recovery phase) a disaster event. In addition, the CEMS has a component called Early Warning and Monitoring.

While both the Rapid Mapping service and the RRM service use satellite imagery and other geospatial data there are some key differences between them. The main difference is their focus and scope. Overall, Copernicus Risk and Recovery Mapping has the goal to improve disaster response and management in a complementary fashion to the immediate response phase (days to weeks) by looking at both disaster recovery following the emergency (weeks to months) and long-term risk mitigation efforts outside an emergency basis.

Examples of CEMS Rapid Mapping include damage maps of disaster-affected areas with information on the extent and severity of the disaster, as well as the location of affected populations and infrastructure. This information is used by emergency responders and disaster management authorities to plan and coordinate response efforts. These products are typically used in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, when timely information is critical for saving lives and minimizing damage.

The RRM service provides a range of different geoinformation products such as mapping the potential impact of future disasters, allowing authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate risks and minimize the impact of future events. The RRM service provides detailed information on the extent and severity of natural and man-made disasters, as well as potential risks and vulnerabilities. This information is used to plan and coordinate DRM activities including the development of strategies for recovery and risk reduction. This includes identifying areas that are at high risk of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and wildfires and characterizing the hazard (susceptibility mapping). In addition, the RRM service supports post-disaster recovery efforts by providing detailed information on the extent of damage and the location of affected populations and infrastructure, with more details than rapid mapping products and generally with longer production time. This information can help planning and prioritizing recovery efforts, including the allocation of resources and the development of rebuilding plans. RRM is designed to support both emergency response and long-term recovery efforts, providing detailed information on a wide range of factors, while the CEMS Rapid Mapping service is focused primarily on rapid response, providing fast and accurate mapping products in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Since 2012 the CEMS Risk and Recovery Mapping products have been effectively used in risk reduction studies and recovery efforts for all types of disasters or humanitarian crises around the world.

The Copernicus RRM combines standard Services and flexible i.e. tailored services. Standard services comprise 20 different components divided into nine categories from the list provided in the dedicated section.

Overall, the Risk and Recovery activity provides information and services relevant for supporting activities both on an emergency basis (disaster response) and activities not on an emergency basis (e.g. post-disaster recovery efforts, risk mitigation, preparedness, etc).