Abstract: Understanding geographic information is critical if we are to build and maintain livable communities. Since computing has become almost ubiquitous in planning and managing our communities, it is probable that advances in geographic information science will play a founding role in having more-informed decision making available to all. We examine the challenges that occur between humans and their environment under conditions thought to be hazardous to life or habitat. Emergency preparedness and response are reviewed and the results from focus groups at the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science Summer Assembly (1999), which identified and recommended priorities for research, educational, and policy contributions to emergency preparedness and response, are documented.