- NASA’s AI tools and satellite data help predict, monitor, and assess the impact of natural disasters like hurricanes.
- During Hurricane Ida, NASA used its Disasters Mapping Portal and AI-based tools to aid relief teams.
- Open science partnerships with IBM are making NASA’s AI tools accessible for broader disaster management.
NASA is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Through its Disasters Program, NASA provides advanced tools and datasets to help communities manage natural calamities. A prime example of this was during Hurricane Ida in 2021, where NASA supported relief teams with critical data on soil moisture, precipitation, and vegetation changes using its Disasters Mapping Portal.
One standout AI application identified roof damage by detecting blue tarps on buildings. Originally tested after Hurricane Maria in 2017, this tool has evolved to quickly assess damage and prioritize recovery efforts.
NASA’s collaboration with IBM furthers these efforts by creating open-source AI models, processing vast satellite data for disaster prediction, agricultural management, and more. As climate disasters become more frequent, NASA’s AI innovations are crucial for improving global disaster management.
