Disaster Maps
In the wake of a disaster, Disaster Maps share real-time information with response teams, helping them determine things like whether communities have access to power and cellular networks, if they have evacuated, and what services and supplies they need most.
Features
Privacy
Disaster Maps use statistical techniques to maintain individuals' privacy. For example, we only share privacy-protected information and also add up data points in a given area (called a map 'cell' or a 'tile') to prevent re-identification. If there are only a few individuals in an area, we also smooth populations across tiles, meaning that we average the number of people in a given area with nearby areas, making it even harder to re-identify anyone.
Timeliness
Disaster Maps can be generated within 24 hours of a natural disaster — much faster than comparable tools— and update daily as the situation on the ground unfolds. This allows agencies to respond to changing circumstances in evacuations, connectivity, or supply needs.
Global Reach
Since the launch of Disaster Maps in June 2017, we have generated data for 100+ natural disasters, helping to guide response efforts around the world. During the 2018 hurricane season, our maps informed active disaster recovery in India, Guatemala, Indonesia, the Philippines, California, North Carolina, Florida, and other disaster-affected locations around the world.
Who Uses Disaster Maps
International agencies
International agencies and UN organizations like UNICEF and the World Food Programme use Disaster Maps data to guide their local deployments to disaster-affected areas and support local governments in their response efforts.
Domestic non-profits
Domestic organizations like the American Red Cross, SEEDS India, and Humanity Road use Disaster Maps to support their local communities, track evacuations, and route supplies to the areas that need them most.
Universities and researchers
Universities and researchers use Disaster Maps to analyze how disaster-affected populations are using social services, whether they evacuate based on official orders, and how social ties affect their resilience after a disaster.
This Facebook population map shows the shift in people during the Camp Fire from the town of Paradise to the nearby town...
A woman receives services from SEEDS India following the floods in Kerala. SEEDS used Facebook Disaster Maps to better...
A man receives supplies from a Direct Relief worker in Puerto Rico. Direct Relief uses Facebook Disaster Maps to better...
A child receives a respiratory mask in the context of a wildfire.
A Medical Professional explains the supplies in a Direct Relief kit to a colleague.
A Direct Relief staff member in Puerto Rico oversees the distribution of supplies in Puerto Rico.
Case Studies
In the News
Get Involved
Please email the Disaster Maps team if you're interested in becoming an NGO partner.