HDM Project Featured at Hazard Conference

For Immediate Release

CAMBRIDGE, MA ... Jim Aylward, Executive Vice President of Harvard Design and Mapping (HDM), was a featured speaker at the 27th Annual Hazards Research and Applications Workshop held July 14-17, 2002 in Boulder, Colorado. Mr. Aylward presented the Multi-hazard Mapping Initiative (MMI), developed by HDM for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

MMI is an interactive mapping resource for multi-hazard planning and management. It combines data archive and upload capabilities with an online, interactive web atlas, providing the first ever simultaneous, nationwide view of multiple natural hazards. It includes both a public map server found at www.hazardmaps.gov, and an internal, secure FEMA development site.

HDM developed MMI using state-of-the-art geographic web services and easy-to-use graphical interfaces that promote the concept of geographic data interoperability--enabling web users to access any format GIS data on any compliant GIS data server on the Internet. The system can integrate nearly any GIS or mapping data anywhere on the web in real time, providing the user with instant access to the most currently available data.

The public MMI site, www.hazardmaps.gov, debuted in May 2002. Since then, the site logged more than 85,000 visitors and 300,000 web site hits, and was named a USA Today "Hot Site of the Day."

"HDM has worked with FEMA for over ten years. We are excited about the opportunity to extend that relationship to help support FEMA's efforts to coordinate data exchange capabilities through the development of MMI," said Mr. Aylward. "By participating in the Annual Hazards Research and Applications Workshop, HDM can help FEMA get information about this great tool out to those who will benefit from its availability."

The Annual Hazards Research and Applications Workshop is sponsored by the Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center, a national and international clearinghouse for information on natural hazards and human adjustments to hazards and disasters. Over 300 federal, state, and local emergency officials, representatives of nonprofit, humanitarian organizations, hazards researchers, and disaster planners for private industry attended the conference.

Ms. Kija Kim, HDM'1s President and CEO, will also be presenting the MMI project at the New England Multi-Hazard HAZUS Workshop in September 2002.

Specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), HDM provides state of the art location based technology services and products to businesses and governments worldwide. One of the first GIS consulting companies in the United States, HDM's innovative solutions-based approach has successfully helped a wide range of clients maximize the value of their data. Founded in 1988, HDM has offices in Cambridge, MA and Washington, DC. For more information visit www.hdm.com or contact Jim Aylward at 703-224-1414 x211.