Martin Hilljegerdes, & Ellen-Wien Augustijn-Beckers. (2019). Evaluating the effects of consecutive hurricane hits on evacuation patterns in Dominica. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: The Caribbean island of Dominica is at constant risk of being hit by tropical storms during the hurricane season.
Therefore, Dominica and areas in similar situations need to raise their resilience to natural hazards. The potential
consequences of climate change intensify this risk. After a hurricane hit, repair of damage to buildings and
infrastructure can take several months. As hurricane frequency is increasing and time between hurricanes
fluctuates, modeling sequences of hurricane events can help to determine different evacuation strategies. This
paper introduces an agent-based model, simulating two hurricane events in one season. The prototype simulates
the movement of evacuees over a road network and damage to buildings and infrastructure. Initial results show
marked differences between road movements of evacuees during a second evacuation. Although shifts in the
average shelter occupation are small (up to 2%) for our case study, this can indicate that adjustments to shelter
capacities are necessary.
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Susannah McClendon, & Anthony C. Robinson. (2012). Leveraging geospatially-oriented social media communications in disaster response. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: Geospatially-oriented social media communications have emerged as a common information resource to support crisis management. Our research compares the capabilities of two popular systems used to collect and visualize such information – Project Epic's Tweak the Tweet (TtT) and Ushahidi. Our research uses geospatially-oriented social media gathered by both projects during recent disasters to compare and contrast the frequency, content, and location components of contributed information to both systems. We compare how data was gathered and filtered, how spatial information was extracted and mapped, and the mechanisms by which the resulting synthesized information was shared with response and recovery organizations. In addition, we categorize the degree to which each platform in each disaster led to actions by first responders and emergency managers. Based on the results of our comparisons we identify key design considerations for future social media mapping tools to support crisis management. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Ulrich Meissen, & Frank Fuchs-Kittowski. (2014). Towards a reference architecture of crowdsourcing integration in early warning systems. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 334–338). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Crowdsourcing has the potential to become a crucial information source in disaster management. In order to become effective as an integrated part of disaster management systems it is important to set the general architectural foundations for such integrations beyond prototypical experiments. This paper discusses general architectural principles of the application of crowdsourcing in Early Warning Systems (EWS). An integrated architecture is proposed to use classical sensor data and crowdsourcing in an EWS solution. Therefore, typical components of crowdsourcing applications are identified and mapped to monitoring subsystems of EWS's. Three main structural variants of applying crowdsourcing in early warning systems along the example of a prototypical extension of two existing large-scale hydro-meteorological warning systems are presented.
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Michael Auer, Melanie Eckle, Sascha Fendrich, Luisa Griesbaum, Fabian Kowatsch, Sabrina Marx, et al. (2018). Towards Using the Potential of OpenStreetMap History for Disaster Activation Monitoring. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 317–325). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: “Over the last couple of years, the growing OpenStreetMap (OSM) data base repeatedly proved its potential for various use cases, including disaster management. Disaster mapping activations show increasing contributions, but oftentimes raise questions related to the quality of the provided \emph{Volunteered Geographic Information} (VGI). In order to better monitor and understand OSM mapping and data quality, we developed a software platform that applies big data technology to OSM full history data. OSM full history data monitoring allows detailed analyses of the OSM data evolution and the detection of remarkable patterns over time. This paper illustrates the specific potential of the platform for disaster activations by means of two case studies. Initial results demonstrate that our flexible and scalable platform structure enables fast and easy information extraction and supports mapping processes and data quality assurance.”
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Michael Erskine, Scott Seipel, & Cayson Seipel. (2022). Development of a Geospatial Agent-Based Simulation of Disaster Evacuations for Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Policy. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 532–540). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Several nations have signaled their intent to phase out petroleum-based engines for passenger vehicles and promote a transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). While researchers have established the long-term environmental benefits of BEVs, there are critical considerations for policymakers in areas prone to natural disasters. This research intends to develop a geospatial-based model to explore and simulate the evacuation of BEVs during a disaster. This work-in-progress (WiPe) paper examines the variables essential to creating an effective hurricane simulation. The final simulation model is intended to allow for the evaluation of BEV policy options under a variety of scenarios. We describe the considerations made during the development of this geospatial agent-based simulation under various hurricane parameters. Finally, we mention the expected benefits of our work and hint at possible policy directions.
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Marius J. Paulikas, Andrew Curtis, & Thomas Veldman. (2014). Spatial video street-scale damage assessment of the Washington, Illinois Tornado of 2013. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 329–333). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper advances a growing body of mobile mapping work which captures building scale tornado damage in order to reveal vulnerabilities, or protections, within an otherwise apparently homogenous damage path. The hope is to find how micro geography, or built environment structure patterning might lead to policy advances with regards to rebuilding of critical infrastructure in tornado prone areas. This paper will use spatially encoded video to record damage patterns for the Washington, Illinois tornado of November 17, 2013. What makes this event notable is the location and time of year which can be considered outside the norm. Individual building damage data are coded using the Tornado Injury Scale (TIS) and then analyzed using two forms of local area spatial analysis – a Getis-Ord (Gi) z-score analysis to identify hotspots of damage, and a Local Moran's I to identify building outliers within hotspots.
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Kenneth S. Pelman, & Anthony C. Robinson. (2011). An interactive mapping application for rapid evacuation planning. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Current GIS solutions for evacuation planning are frequently based on expensive and difficult to use commercial software solutions. These tools require a GIS analyst to generate and interpret results for decision makers. This paper introduces a web-based interactive mapping tool called EvacSpace that can provide emergency managers with actionable spatial information to develop plans for potential citizen evacuations in common emergency situations. Easy-to-use web mapping software and services are blended together with cloud computing methods to support interactive, visually-enabled evacuation planning and scenario evaluation. Here we show our current progress through a case study application to characterize the usefulness and utility of EvacSpace for the rapid, interactive development and assessment of evacuation plans.
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S. M. Dassanayake, I. Mahakalanda, D. M. R. Sanjula, B. Dissanayake, R. M. Pasan, I. Gunathunga, et al. (2023). Geospatial Impact Analytics of Hydrometeorological Hazards: A Study on Urban and Suburban Floods in Sri Lanka using Online Textual Data. In V. L. Thomas J. Huggins (Ed.), Proceedings of the ISCRAM Asia Pacific Conference 2022 (pp. 156–163). Palmerston North, New Zealand: Massey Unversity.
Abstract: Urban and suburban communities in tropical countries like Sri Lanka typically experience hydrometeorological hazards that substantially damage property and lives. Although accurate forecasts of weather events are available, the decision-makers often fail to mitigate the actual impact of these forecasts alone. The adverse impacts experienced by the community and reported by news and online media complement this fact. The forecast-impact disparity underpins the scope for holistically linking the forecast data with actual impact. This paper presents a work-in-progress study that develops a geospatial analytics framework using online textual data for assessing the spatiotemporal impact of the hydrometeorological hazards in disaster hot spots. The preliminary findings show prospects for extending the study to impact-focused visualization and forecasting that capture the community's and decision makers' attention for better interventions. For example, these include the degree of disaster response, planning and scheduling critical infrastructure and estimating damages, compensations and insurance claims.
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André Sabino, Rui Nóbrega, Armanda Rodrigues, & Nuno Correia. (2008). Life-saver: Flood emergency simulator. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 724–733). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper proposes an agent-based simulation system for Dam Break Emergency Plan validation. The proposed system shows that integrating GIS data with an agent-based approach provides a successful simulation platform for the emergency plan validation process. Possible strategies to emergency plan modeling and representation are discussed, proposing a close relation with the actual workflow followed by the entities responsible for the plan's specification. The simulation model is mainly concerned with the location-based and location-motivated actions of the involved agents, describing the likely effects of a specific emergency situation response. The simulator architecture is further described, based on the correspondence between the representation of the plan, and the simulation model. This includes the involving characteristics of the simulation, the simulation engine, the description of the resulting data (for the later evaluation of the emergency plan) and a visualization and interaction component, enabling the dynamic introduction of changes in the scenario progression.
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Volkmar Schau, Christian Erfurth, Gerald Eichler, Steffen Späthe, & Wilhelm Rossak. (2011). Geolocated communication support in rescue management. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Efficient communication on base of consistent and up to date information is the key factor to cope with hard rescue missions. With the new generation of mobile devices local peer-to-peer communication in conjunction with geolocated information is promising to improve information's quality. Thereby, the routing of information in ad-hoc networks is very dynamic. This contribution, based on work of the SpeedUp project, analyses protocols and presents an approach which combines mobile software agents, routing in ad-hoc networks, and geolocated information to build up a reliable communication infrastructure. The 2MANS simulator allows efficient graphical model building. Geolocated information will be utilized as a map representation to improve the overall situation for unified rescue forces management.
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André Simões, Armanda Rodrigues, Patricia Pires, & Luis Sá. (2011). Evaluating emergency scenarios using historic data: Flood management. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The evaluation of an emergency scenario is often based on the use of simulation models. The specificity of these models involves the need for a complex evaluation of the problem domain, including the physical conditions behind the considered threat. Based on emergency occurrences data, provided by the Portuguese National Civil Protection Authority, we are currently developing a methodology for evaluating a real situation, based on past occurrences. The aim is to develop a platform that will enable the evaluation of a risk scenario based on existing civil protection data. The methodology under development should enable the evaluation of different scenarios based on the collected available data. This will be achieved thanks to the facilitated configuration of several aspects, such as the geographical region and relevant properties of the considered threat. In this paper, we describe the methodology development process and the current state of the platform for risk evaluation.
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Stathis G. Arapostathis. (2019). Instagrammers report about the deadly wildfires of East Attica, 2018, Greece: An introductory analytic assessment for disaster management purposes. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: This article contributes to identifying the capabilities of Instagram when utilized as a source of Volunteered
Geographic Information (VGI) for disaster management (DM) purposes. The geographic focus of this research is
in the Mediterranean area. As case study, the fire event of East Attica 2018, Greece, was chosen. This major fire
occurred on the 23rd of July 2018 and caused the death of 100 people, the injury of additional 164 while the total
burnt area was about 1275,9ha. It is the deadliest in modern Greece?s history and the second deadliest at a global
level, within the 21st century. About 15000 related photos along with the corresponding captions and timestamps
were crawled from Instagram. An initial sample of about 1100, was analyzed, by using a certain methodology
divided in certain steps, the most important of which include the classification of the information to certain
categories, geo-referencing and the creation of graphs and maps that visualize the processed data.
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Tim-Jonathan Huyeng, Timo Bittner, & Uwe Rüppel. (2022). Examining the Feasibility of LoRa-based Monitoring in Large-scale Disaster Response Scenarios. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 541–550). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Following a natural disaster or other large-scale events which require emergency response assessing and monitoring the situation at hand is of critical importance. However, some infrastructure that is often relied upon such as cellular service or the power grid might be temporarily disrupted or entirely unavailable. In order to be able to still transmit relevant monitoring data gathered from sensors, the use of a low-cost LPWAN with LoRa modulation technique is suggested in the approach presented here. Combined with an analysis of disaster response in Germany the relevant aspects are consolidated in a concept utilizing LoRaWAN with a ChirpStack backend that is easy to set up and entirely independent of external infrastructure. The proposed addition which aims to support disaster control management in Germany is then tested in conjunction with a fictional flooding scenario where an area is monitored with autarkic sensors using LoRaWAN technology.
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Tinghao Zhang, Lida Huang, Tao Chen, & Shuo Bai. (2021). GIS Based Emergency Management Framework for Large-scale Events: A Case Study of the Torch Relay Activity. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 503–514). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Due to the high popular concentration of large-scale events, once an emergency (like a stampede) occurs, it will often cause severe casualties. Moreover, since the widespread of the COVID-19, the prevention of the novel coronavirus should also be considered during mass gatherings. How to reduce the probability and potential consequence of emergencies is of great significance. This research designs an emergency management framework using ArcGIS-based geographic information technology for large-scale events. To verify the effectiveness of our framework, we take the Winter Olympic torch relay in university as an example. The paper is mainly divided into two parts, emergency resource allocation and the emergency prevention model. The former part focuses on the site selection of emergency sentries and emergency hospitals during the torch relay. In the latter part, an emergency prevention model is designed for two significant emergencies: stampede and epidemic.
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Tomasz Opach, Carlo Navarra, Jan Ketil Rød, & Tina - Simone Neset. (2020). Towards a Route Planner Supporting Pedestrian Navigation in Hazard Exposed Urban Areas. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 517–528). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This study aims to design a route planner functionality that includes real-time context information from physical sensors and citizen observations to support pedestrian navigation in urban areas exposed to extreme heat and floods. Urban population is growing and people living in urban areas are especially exposed to heat and urban flooding, which are two of the anticipated effects of climate change. Route planning functionality can be of value to individual citizens, especially those with limited mobility, as well as for healthcare professionals and authorities who are responsible for crisis response and management. Although the route planner functionality is to be experimentally implemented in a specific tool with the use of broadly available web technologies and real time data, a major generic outcome is the framework that can be used to develop the functionality as part of a decision support tool of any kind.
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Tomasz Opach, Jan Ketil Rød, Bjørn Erik Munkvold, Jaziar Radianti, Kristine Steen-Tveit, & Lars Ole Grottenberg. (2020). Map-based Interfaces for Common Operational Picture. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 506–516). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Common operational picture (COP) map-based interfaces display operational information to support integration of emergency responders. Such interfaces integrate different subsystems and present the resulting information into an overview for enabling situation awareness. Literature shows that they are often developed from non-user-centric perspectives and are defined in technological terms that are not adequately capturing the users' needs. Therefore, the aim of this particular work in progress is to get insight into the features and the role of COP map-based interfaces currently being used in Norway to (1) examine their content, functionality, and design; and (2) to understand how such displays are incorporated into the service context. This study structures the knowledge on map displays that constitute part of the COP services. Using workshop and interviews with the developers and users of existing COP map services, we identify requirements for a common operational symbology and common operational functionality to improve such map services and make them interoperable.
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Varsha Hassan Vishwanath, & Brian Tomaszewski. (2018). Flood Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk Assessment for Uttarakhand State in India. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 362–375). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The Indian state of Uttarakhand, located in the valleys of the Himalayan Mountains, is severely prone to flash floods. High intense rainfall, slope, river channels are some of the significant factors responsible for flash floods. In this work-in-progress paper, we address these challenges via a geospatial flood risk analysis that utilizes hazard and vulnerability assessments, computed using satellite, hydrologic and demographic data by employing Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The entire analysis was carried out in geosprocesing framework. The resulting maps indicate that flood risk regions have significant correspondence to regions that are highly hazardous and vulnerable. These maps could help in developing better disaster management measures for Uttarakhand. Flash floods still being a globally challenging problem, these methods and results could be used to expand research and improve flash floods prediction and warning systems in many countries.
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Vitaveska Lanfranchi, Nadia Noori, & Tudor Sirbu. (2018). GPS-based solution for tracking and protecting humanitarians in conflict zones. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 334–349). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The operational environment in which humanitarians operate is unstable and high-risk; when operating in such environments, time becomes a critical factor. Thus, real-time location systems (RTLS) are often deployed in the operational environment to provide awareness of the location of personnel and assets in real-time that would support an informed decision making in the event of responding to emergency. Whilst standard RTLS are very precise, they are not suitable to outdoor spaces; GPS position technology can be used to identify the location of objects and people and to track them. In this paper, first, we present a description of threat scenarios identified based on information from existing security incidents datasets and from interviews with aid workers and security professionals operating in high-risk regions. Second, we describe the implementation of a GPS-based real-time location tracking and alert system for humanitarians operating in conflict zones that supports the identified scenarios.
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Wang, R., & Li, N. (2023). Revealing social disparities under natural disasters using large-scale mobility data: A dynamic accessibility perspective. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 797–807). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Accessibility is an essential indicator for measuring the functions and equity of urban services, and could be harnessed to provide insights into the social disparities in urban residents’ interaction with urban services. In this study, we attempt to measure urban residents’ accessibility patterns to urban services during natural disasters using an improved gravity model method. Firstly, by analyzing human digital trace data in the Wilmington metropolitan area over three months, we assessed the residents’ accessibility levels of grocery stores and restaurants before, during and after Hurricane Florence, and captured the diverse trends of residents’ responses to the hurricane. Then, we identified and statistically tested the social disparities in residents’ accessibility behaviors in response to the hurricane. The findings may provide new insights for city planners and policymakers in terms of equity evaluations of resource accessibility and resource allocations among different communities and improvement of their resilience against natural disasters.
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Zachary Sutherby, & Brian Tomaszewski. (2018). Conceptualizing the Role Geographic Information Capacity has on Quantifying Ecosystem Services under the Framework of Ecological Disaster Risk Reduction (EcoDRR). In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 326–333). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The use of ecosystems for EcoDRR is a beneficial and a viable option for community stakeholders. For example, ecosystems can mitigate the effects of hazards experienced in anthropogenic communities. Ecosystem services are the underlying reason for this benefit. EcoDRR is the idea of sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems to maximize ecosystem services and reduce disaster risks and impacts. The use of geospatial technologies to monitor large-scale ecosystems are often subject to Geographic Information Capacity (GIC), or the ability of ecosystem stakeholders to utilize all existing geographic information, resources, and capacities to monitor ecosystem services. Though these tools are useful, currently there is not a tool that specifically quantifies ecosystem services in the context of DRR. The main contribution of this paper is a conceptual framework intended to quantify ecosystem services in the context of EcoDRR.
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Zainab Akhtar, Ferda Ofli, & Muhammad Imran. (2021). Towards Using Remote Sensing and Social Media Data for Flood Mapping. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 536–551). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Ghana's capital, the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) is most vulnerable to flooding due to its high population density. This paper proposes the fusion of satellite imagery, social media, and geospatial data to derive near real-time (NRT) flood maps to understand human activity during a disaster and the extent of infrastructure damage. To that end, the paper presents an automatic thresholding technique for NRT flood mapping using Sentinel-1 images where four different speckle filters are compared using the VV, VH and VV/VH polarization to determine the best polarization(s) for delineating flood extents. The VV and VH bands together on Perona-Malik filtered images achieved the highest accuracy with an F1-score of 81.6%. Moreover, all tweet text and images were found to be located in flooded regions or in very close proximity to a flooded region, thus allowing crisis responders to better understand vulnerable communities and what humanitarian action is required.
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Øyvind Hanssen. (2021). Improving Trails from GPS Trackers with Unreliable and Limited Communication Channels. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 489–502). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this document we explore position tracking in the context of land based search and rescue operations, where we also may have a limited and unreliable communication channel. This is the case when using APRS (amateur radio tracking) in voluntary SAR services in Norway. We have looked more closely into trails of movements and how to plot these on the map to present informative real-time pictures to the incident commanders. A simple scheme is proposed to improve trails by piggybacking positions at the end of regular transmissions.Experiments show that a significant amount of positions are recovered. In some cases this can recover useful information, though it depends on the actual situation.
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