Explain how a GIS-driven hazard map supports business continuity planning for a manufacturing facility.

• A. It reduces energy consumption for manufacturing operations.
• B. It identifies exposure to hazards relative to the facility and supply chain, quantifies risk tiers, informs evacuation routes, emergency resource placement, and contingency site selection.
• C. It predicts market demand for products.
• D. It eliminates the need for insurance by providing risk scores.

Answer: (B)

GIS-driven hazard maps translate geographic data into actionable continuity planning decisions by showing how different hazards affect a facility and its suppliers. They layer hazard information with the locations of critical assets, transportation routes, and supplier facilities, allowing you to identify exposure relative to both the facility and the supply chain. This enables ranking of risk levels (risk tiers) so you can prioritize protection and recovery actions. The maps also guide practical response decisions: evacuation routes that remain viable under different hazard scenarios, placement of emergency resources like backups, responders, or fuel, and the selection of backup or contingency sites that would offer greater resilience if the primary site is compromised. In short, this integrated spatial view supports the entire lifecycle of business continuity planning—from risk identification and prioritization to response logistics and recovery strategy—making it the most effective tool among the options.