text: NetPMD has teamed up with IQ Geo to be part of their latest written panel series.
  In their third installment of the series, they asked a panel of experts across the geospatial, telecom, and utility industries questions about the key issues impacting our world today. The panel was asked how they think organizations can best use geospatial network data to support disaster response.
  With extreme weather events continuing to rise globally, we are starting to see a serious impact on critical utility and telecom infrastructure. From the Texas Groundhog Day blizzard in the US to Storm Eunice in the UK, network operators are contending with forces that can be brutal and unpredictable. Geospatial data is a key tool for helping organizations and wider society be prepared in the event of natural disasters.
  The panel series discussed how NetPMD likes to adopt a “prevention rather than cure” approach at the design stage in order to support future extreme weather events. VP of Network Design Patrik Lowenborg and Chief Information Officer Stuart McNeil explained how previously NetPMD considered 100-year flood events when designing but now uses the latest 500-year flood mapping to identify future risks and mitigate them.
  Similarly, they now consider the impact of solar gain and increased ambient temperatures on fiber equipment cabinets and shelters to ensure they can cope with projected temperature rises.
  They add that having accurate geospatial network records means you can plan your response to help ensure the swiftest possible service restoration. It can help tell you which critical customers are likely down, what assets have been impacted, and even inform you where you should prioritize your work crews for maximum impact. Furthermore, it allows you to ensure you have suitable spares onboard ahead of any truck roll to the repair. This insight will become more and more important as the frequency and scale of weather events increases.
  NetPMD is proud to work in partnership with IQGeo to address the key issues impacting the globe today using the ingenuity within both companies.