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Pictured Above: NASA Team members and regional partners following the workshop.
On June 11th, Multnomah County Emergency Management hosted a comprehensive workshop in collaboration with the NASA Disasters Program. This event brought together a diverse group of local, regional, and state partners, all united by a common goal to integrate advanced remote sensing capabilities into our collective disaster response frameworks.
The workshop provided a platform for agencies to engage directly with NASA, exploring how satellite data and scientific expertise can bridge existing gaps in situational awareness, response coordination, and long-term planning. For many participants, the event served as an introduction to NASA's three-pillar program structure: preparedness and recovery, response coordination, and the centralized data portal.
A key focus was the Disasters Response Coordination System. NASA highlighted this as a no-cost, request-driven service available to federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local government agencies. Partners can email their request to NASA and receive a response typically within hours to one day with products to help disaster decision-making.
Participants explored how NASA’s data can help monitor unfolding disasters—like tracking the spread of floods, pinpointing wildfire hot spots, or detecting landslide risks. The group also reviewed different types of satellite technology, helping emergency managers understand which tools are best suited for specific response needs. A standout example was a new tool that can "see through clouds" using radar technology, which is a major improvement for our region, where cloud cover can block standard cameras from capturing what’s happening on the ground.
Breakout sessions for GIS specialists and emergency management leadership revealed both the potential of these tools and the work remaining to integrate them. GIS professionals identified critical operational gaps, such as the need for real-time flood extent data during dark conditions (e.g., "where is the water at 2 AM?") and high-resolution post-disaster damage assessment imagery for wide-area triage. NASA found these insights valuable as it continues to refine its platform for its planned launch later this year.
In the leadership breakout, discussions highlighted the need for "data burden easing." NASA's experts emphasized that they do not just deliver imagery; they provide ongoing "Ask a Scientist" consultations to help local managers interpret complex hyperspectral data. NASA clarified its role as a supportive coordinator, ensuring they do not duplicate the statutory authorities of agencies like the National Weather Service, but rather complement their efforts during active incidents.
The workshop was the beginning of an ongoing relationship rather than a one-time event. As we look toward future exercises and "blue sky" planning, local, regional, and state partners are encouraged to continue this engagement. Moving forward, key action items include reviewing NASA’s portal, strengthening coordination and integrating data. By aligning our local, on-the-ground expertise with the global scientific capabilities of NASA, we are building a more resilient, data-informed future for our region.
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