360-Degree Imaging Advances Earthquake Damage Assessment in Turkey

Mobile Panoramic Imaging Supports Disaster Response

Following the devastating magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the Van region of Turkey in November 2011, disaster management teams deployed a new mobile imaging technology capable of capturing panoramic, 360-degree views of affected areas. For the first time in the country, specially equipped survey vehicles fitted with multi-camera systems recorded high-resolution, georeferenced imagery across damaged neighborhoods, providing authorities with detailed visual documentation to support emergency planning and recovery operations.

The data collection effort was carried out within the framework of the Disaster Information System (ABIS), a national initiative coordinated by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) in collaboration with geospatial technology provider Netcad. The captured imagery was processed using high-performance computing resources and integrated into geospatial analysis workflows, enabling rapid preliminary damage assessments and more efficient allocation of disaster assistance.

High-Speed Data Capture and Processing

The imaging system employed an array of eight high-resolution cameras mounted on a survey vehicle, allowing panoramic image acquisition while traveling at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. This mobile approach significantly accelerated data collection compared with traditional ground-based survey methods. Integrated GPS and inertial measurement technologies ensured accurate georeferencing, enabling analysts to align the imagery with mapping datasets and perform detailed measurements directly within digital environments.

Once collected, the imagery was processed into a unified dataset and analyzed to identify structural damage, determine affected housing areas, and support compensation evaluations. The rapid availability of this geospatial information allowed responsible agencies to complete damage assessments more quickly and coordinate emergency aid delivery more effectively.

ABIS: A National Platform for Disaster Data Management

The ABIS Disaster Information System provides centralized infrastructure for collecting, managing, and analyzing disaster-related data across Turkey. By consolidating historical records, field observations, geospatial datasets, and assessment reports, the system supports coordinated response activities before, during, and after emergencies. ABIS also enables authorities to track affected populations, evaluate housing needs, conduct geological studies, and plan mitigation strategies for earthquake-prone areas.

A complementary component of the initiative, the Turkish National Disaster Archive, stores documentation, imagery, and analytical outputs that can be accessed by government agencies, researchers, and other stakeholders. The system’s interoperability with international disaster-monitoring programs further strengthens access to global satellite and spatial information resources.

Future Applications Beyond Post-Disaster Assessment

Officials view the Van earthquake deployment as a pilot implementation demonstrating how mobile 360-degree imaging can enhance disaster management nationwide. Beyond post-event assessments, the technology is expected to support hazard identification, urban risk analysis, and long-term resilience planning across all provinces. By combining panoramic imaging, geospatial analysis, and centralized information management, the ABIS initiative represents a significant advancement in Turkey’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to natural disasters while improving preparedness for future events.