GIS, Web Deployed in New York After Attack

The New York State Technology Office and New York City IT officials are using the Web and geographic information systems to disseminate information and coordinate resources during rescue operations following the Sept. 11 World Trade Center attack.

The city's Web site, www.nyc.gov, was taken down and an emergency page put up shortly after the attack that morning. The city has been adding disaster-related links and information to the page.

The site includes links to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for subway and bus schedules as well as phone numbers for blood and asset donations, medical personnel guidance and public school closures.

Meanwhile, State Technology Office computer specialists gave other state officials information on where every state office was located in Manhattan by using a GIS. The computerized map information was also used to coordinate the transportation of emergency generators by the Transportation Department from state offices around the city to the disaster site, said Tom Duffy, spokesman for the State Technology Office.

State officials mobilized a call center in the tax department to respond to public inquiries. They also deployed databases to track volunteers and provide information to blood donors and those seeking to provide money or supplies to disaster victims.

Gov. George Pataki used the state Web site to post emergency contact numbers, hotlines, information about blood donation sites and the state's overnight response plan.