1. Introduction

This volume is a compilation of recent research using geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and other technologies such as global positioning systems (GPS) to examine urban hazard and disaster issues. The goal is to improve and advance the use of such technologies during the four classic phases of hazard and disaster research: response, recovery, preparation, and mitigation. Reflecting what has become common practice, the above technologies have been folded into a single term, “geographic information technology” (GIT), along with other spatial-technical aids that appear later in the book. We use GIT interchangeably, regardless of the number of technologies employed in any given study, or whether one or more is given primacy in the work. Chapters were solicited using a broad multidisciplinary call resulting in contributions from scholars representing Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America. All of the chapters underwent a double-blind peer-review process. It is every author’s goal in this book to reduce the impact of future extreme events in urban environments by improving understanding of GIT and expanding its role at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.