The management of disaster risks of different kinds (manmade, technological and natural) is regulated at European level by a number of policies covering various sectors (e.g. environmental, industrial, civil protection, security, health), scales (EU wide, regional, national) and operational actions (preparedness, mitigation, adaptation, prevention, response, recovery and restoration). A range of research and technological developments are motivated to support the implementation of these policies and actions across various scales reaching local level. However, the effectiveness of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) depends greatly on the efficiency of managing relevant information. Complex forms of decision-making need technological support for achieving DRM objective of reducing risk. Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre (DRMKC) is currently developing a web-based geographical information system (WebGIS) aiming to support the implementation of international actions for DRM from global or regional level to local-national level. With this study, we present the DRMKC Risk Data Hub, a tool that improves the access and sharing of curated EU-wide disaster risk information relevant for DRM related actions. We also identify the key characteristics of a WebGIS platform needed to address in the most efficient way aspects of disaster risk management. Risk Data Hub acts as a knowledge hub bridging the gap between the collection of data regarding past impacts and the possibility to manage potential future impacts, i.e. to manage risk. The DRMKC Risk Data Hub links policy and practice through geospatial technology and mapping, combines top-down strategies with bottom-up methodological approaches and sets the bases for science-based information for DRM policies. Currently, Risk Data Hub structures the information into three modules that covers the: Exposure Analysis - as one of the main drivers of risk; Historic Events - as a EU-wide loss and damage database and Risk Analysis module - as collection of good practices (under development). The DRMKC Risk Data Hub is a collaborative platform where, starting from a strong partnership across different scientific groups dealing with different hazards, the scientific information is harmonised and translated into evidences for policies. It also demands for the future work a strengthening of partnership and collaboration with local authorities and institutions, in order to establish a collaborative development that matches the needs and realities expressed at local level.
