A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

Most of us can appreciate how difficult it can be to comprehend the vast amounts of information contained in traditional databases and spreadsheets. Trying to make decisions based on a seemingly endless series of numbers, rows and columns can be tremendously time-consuming and extremely inefficient. GIS's greatest strength lies in its ability to paint a visual image of complex data in a way that is intuitively understandable. This visual synthesis and display of multiple data sets has revolutionized the decision making process for the development and humanitarian communities. The value to our customers is helping translate this data into actionable intelligence.

Macfadden's Geospatial Solutions Division specializes in providing users with the ability to overlay multiple layers of information to accurately convey a common operating picture to decision makers. Macfadden provides GIS solutions during the chaos of emergency and disasters, where time and clarity are of the utmost importance. Lives depend on our ability to provide accurate and timely visual information in this environment. A high-quality GIS product can greatly improve disaster response by providing decision makers with much needed information about impact areas, demographics, needs and resource gaps.

Our team of GIS specialists consists of well-known experts and has worked in and with various international and government agencies. Through this extensive network, we are able to engage partnerships with a vast group of international and domestic partners that bring together an extensive data network. Our clients benefit from a strong, reliable pipeline of information sources around the globe. We continually build and acquire data and information before an action is required. Macfadden helps train, deploy and support the humanitarian community so they can successfully participate in field based data capture in an effective, timely and accurate manner.

Areas of Expertise

Geographic/Information Services
Emergency Response
Mapping Support
GIS Data: Acquisition, Development, Management & Dissemination
Image Processing & Interpretation
Information Coordination
Application Development
Information Management Tools & Models
Program Management
Staffing & Surge Capacity
Systems Analysis, Evaluation, Development & Integration
Training/Training Support

Greece - Wildfires: August 2007 Macfadden used GIS Spatial Techniques to assess the severity of fire damage in Greece. Using commercial satellite imagery, this map visually displays previously burnt areas as well as current fires and demonstrates both population density and economic impact. Click here to see a larger version of this image.

Peru - Earthquake: August 2007 Macfadden created this reference map using satellite imagery to assess damaged areas and ensure relief services were accurately depicted for deployed Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) members. Click here to see a larger version of this image.

Lebanon - Humanitarian Emergency: May - September 2007 The U.S. government used Macfadden-created program maps to track the ongoing humanitarian response in Lebanon. This map depicts Israeli Military strikes in perspective to population density and refugee movements. It was used to supplement situational reports provided to decision-makers. Click here to see a larger version of this image.

International - Avian Flu Prepositioned Commodities: FY 2006 As concerns about outbreaks of Avian Influenza grow, so too have demands for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in various parts of the developing world. This map was created by Macfadden to track the distribution of commodities after a recent outbreak in Africa and Asia. Click here to see a larger version of this image.