Topcon, a US-based company in precision positioning technology, is providing assistance for rapid response disaster mapping operations in tsunami-affected areas of Sri Lanka. The company donated two GMS-100 instruments to MapAction, a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom. Topcon’s GMS-100 GIS Data Collection System is a lightweight backpack-style instrument that is rugged and highly portable, making it effective for mapping in debris and disturbed areas.
The MapAction team uses GPS to produce real-time maps that can be immediately used for rescue and relief operations. Once these emergency operations are complete, the maps can be used for reconstruction planning.
