Turkey is a country prone to various devastating natural disasters. Especially, after two perilous earthquakes in 1999 (Izmit & Duzce), Turkey learned significant lessons. These lessons learnt gave rise to reviewing the entire disaster...
moreTurkey is a country prone to various devastating natural disasters. Especially, after two perilous earthquakes in 1999 (Izmit & Duzce), Turkey learned significant lessons. These lessons learnt gave rise to reviewing the entire disaster mitigation system. Nevertheless, the recent earthquake in the City of Van (24.10.2011) revealed some deficiencies in the process of implementing disaster mitigation measures. To remedy these deficiencies, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (MoEU) prepared a new law on “Transformation of Areas under the Disaster Risks” (Law No. 6306). The law sets out principles and standards of disaster mitigation and recovery process and procedures with respect to areas prone to disaster risks as well as buildings at risks in and out of disaster prone areas.
In view of the large number of transformation areas and risky buildings in Turkey, the spatial data infrastructure needs to be built for managing the relevant process and procedures by the authority in charge (DG of Infrastructure and Urban Transformation Services of MoEU). At present, the General Directorate collects and registers various spatial data. Annexes I, II, and III of the INSPIRE Directive provide a reference base for such data. This paper portrays the efforts of the General Directorate to collect and manage the aforementioned data in accordance with INSPIRE standards. The paper furthermore extends to other features of spatial data infrastructure with a view to reflecting the total capacity of the General Directorate in transforming risky areas into sustainable settlements. Finally, the paper designates some topics of cooperation in the frame of INSPIRE activities.
Keywords: Natural disasters, buildings and areas at risk, spatial data infrastructure
Turkey is a country prone to various devastating natural disasters. Especially, after two perilous earthquakes in 1999 (Izmit & Duzce), Turkey learned significant lessons. These lessons learnt gave rise to reviewing the entire disaster mitigation system. Nevertheless, the recent earthquake in the City of Van (24.10.2011) revealed some deficiencies in the process of implementing disaster mitigation measures. To remedy these deficiencies, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (MoEU) prepared a new law on “Transformation of Areas under the Disaster Risks” (Law No. 6306). The law sets out principles and standards of disaster mitigation and recovery process and procedures with respect to areas prone to disaster risks as well as buildings at risks in and out of disaster prone areas.
In view of the large number of transformation areas and risky buildings in Turkey, the spatial data infrastructure needs to be built for managing the relevant process and procedures by the authority in charge (DG of Infrastructure and Urban Transformation Services of MoEU). At present, the General Directorate collects and registers various spatial data. Annexes I, II, and III of the INSPIRE Directive provide a reference base for such data. This paper portrays the efforts of the General Directorate to collect and manage the aforementioned data in accordance with INSPIRE standards. The paper furthermore extends to other features of spatial data infrastructure with a view to reflecting the total capacity of the General Directorate in transforming risky areas into sustainable settlements. Finally, the paper designates some topics of cooperation in the frame of INSPIRE activities.
Keywords: Natural disasters, buildings and areas at risk, spatial data infrastructure