GDACS Data
Overview
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) is a cooperation framework between the United Nations and the European Commission that provides real-time alerts about natural disasters and tools to facilitate response coordination. It serves as a comprehensive multi-hazard disaster monitoring and alert system.
Data Specifications
- Provider: Copernicus Emergency Management Service in partnership with UN OCHA
- Frequency: Event-based, near real-time updates
- Data Latency: Real-time to 2-4 days post-event (depending on event type)
- Data Type: Multi-hazard event data and impact assessments
- Temporal Coverage: 2003 to present
- Data Format: XML, GeoJSON, KML, CAP (Common Alerting Protocol)
- Coverage: Global
Variables Available
- Tropical cyclone tracks and intensity (wind speed, pressure)
- Earthquake magnitude, depth, and estimated impacts
- Flood extent and severity with population exposure
- Tsunami wave height and arrival time modeling
- Volcanic eruption alerts
- Drought monitoring indicators
- Event alerts and risk scores (green, orange, red) based on severity and population exposure
Key Features
- Automated impact analysis based on hazard data and population/infrastructure exposure
- Multi-hazard monitoring system with standardized alerting protocols
- Integration with satellite-based emergency mapping
- Virtual OSOCC (On-Site Operations Coordination Centre) for information exchange
- Near real-time event detection and continuous monitoring
Use in Parametric Insurance
GDACS data is valuable for:
- Multi-peril parametric insurance products
- Early warning triggers for contingent payouts
- Rapid assessment of disaster impacts
- Validation of other event data sources
- Event definition and classification standards
- Population exposure analysis for portfolio management
Data Access
The data is freely accessible through the GDACS website, API services, and RSS feeds for real-time alerting.