|
Trishan R. De Lanerolle, Ralph A. Morelli, Norman Danner, Danny Krizanc, Gary Parker, & Ozgur Izmirli. (2008). Creating an academic community to build Humanitarian FOSS: A progress report. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 337–341). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes The Humanitarian FOSS Project, a National Science Foundation funded effort to help revitalize undergraduate computing education by getting students and faculty involved in building open source software that benefits the community.
|
|
|
Trishan R. De Lanerolle, William V. Anderson, Sam DeFabbia-Kane, Eli Fox-Epstein, Dimitar Gochev, & Ralph A. Morelli. (2010). Development of a virtual dashboard for event coordination between multiple groups. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Collabbit is an open source web-based application that aims to increase emergency management efficiency through distributed asynchronous information sharing. The software is targeted to loosely coupled non-profit disaster relief agencies that coordinate response to and recovery from disasters. Disaster relief agencies create a common operating picture of an emergency incident through remotely posted incident updates. Individual users subscribe to topics of interest and receive near-instantaneous updates on those topics. Where information is lacking, users may access a topically organized contact registry. This report describes the development and deployment of the Collabbit project.
|
|
|
Massimiliano De Leoni, Fabio De Rosa, Andrea Marrella, Massimo Mecella, Antonella Poggi, Alenka Krek, et al. (2007). Emergency management: From user requirements to a flexible P2P architecture. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 271–279). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The most effective way to design an emergency management system matching user needs is to perform a User-Centered Design; it relies on continuous interactions with end-users in order to understand better and better how organizations are arranged during emergencies, which data are exchanged and which steps are performed by organizations to face disastrous events. In this paper we (i) illustrate the methodology used to collect the user requirements for the emergency management system developed in the European research project WORKPAD, and (ii) describe the WORKPAD high level architecture stemming from such requirements. Specifically, the methodology is applied in the context of Regional Civil Protection of Calabria (Italy) and is used as basis to provide more general user requirements for emergency management systems.
|
|
|
Marnix De Ridder, & Chris Twenhöfel. (2004). The design and implementation of a decision support and information exchange system for nuclear emergency management in the Netherlands. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 33–38). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: An information system for decision support and information exchange is designed and a prototype has been build for use in the Back Office Radiological Information (BORI) of the EPAn; the Dutch nuclear emergency organisation. System developments are directed at a fast and efficient production of a radiological status report and the improvement of information exchange and communications between the participating institutes of BORI. Special attention has been given to network security and the information infrastructure to manage virtual workplaces. We have chosen for a standard web based system development for the presentation and communication facilities. This is supplemented by a GIS based system for the aggregation of measurement data and model calculations. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
|
|
|
Valerio De Rubeis, Paola Sbarra, Diego Sorrentino, & Patrizia Tosi. (2009). Web based macroseismic survey: Fast information exchange and elaboration of seismic intensity effects in Italy. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: A renewed method of macroseismic survey, based on voluntary collaboration through Internet, is running at Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) since June 2007. The macroseismic questionnaire is addressed to a single non-specialist person; reported effects are statistically analyzed to extrapolate Mercalli-Cancani-Sieberg and European Macroseismic Scale intensity referred to that observer. Maps of macroseismic intensity are displayed online in almost real time and are continuously updated. The aim of the questionnaire is to evaluate seismic effects as felt by the compiler. The final result is the definition of a particular intensity degree, with the evaluation of the associated uncertainty. Results of medium-low magnitude earthquakes are here presented showing the ability of the method in giving fast and interesting results. Effects reported in questionnaires coming from towns are analyzed in deep and assigned intensities are compared with those derived from traditional macroseismic survey, showing the reliability of webbased method.
|
|
|
Debora Robles Perez, Manuel Esteve Domingo, Israel Perez Llopis, & Federico J. Carvajal Rodrigo. (2020). System and Architecture of an Adapted Situation Awareness Tool for First Responders. 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. 928–936). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: First responders (FRs) in Europe are currently facing large natural and man-made disasters (e.g. wild fire, terrorist attacks, industrial incidents, big floods, gas leaks etc.), that put their own lives and those of thousands of others at risk. Adapted situation awareneSS tools and taIlored training curricula for increaSing capabiliTies and enhANcing the proteCtion of first respondErs (ASSISTANCE) is an ongoing European H2020 project which main objective is to increase FRs Situation Awareness (SA) for helping and protecting different kinds of FRs' organizations that work together in large scale disasters mitigation. ASSISTANCE will enhance the SA of the FRs organisations during their mitigation activities through the integration of new paradigms, tools and technologies (e.g. drones/robots equipped with a range of sensors, robust communications capabilities, etc.) with the main objective of increasing both their protection and their efficiency.
|
|
|
Deborah Bunker, & Anthony Sleigh. (2018). The Future of Spatial Systems for Disaster Management. In Kristin Stock, & Deborah Bunker (Eds.), Proceedings of ISCRAM Asia Pacific 2018: Innovating for Resilience – 1st International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Asia Pacific. (pp. 279–285). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: The Spatial Futures Forum, held in Sydney in September 2017, highlighted issues that governments, emergency management organisations, academics and spatial systems research and development groups should carefully consider as they work towards a future that provides 'inter-connectedness with inclusiveness' for individuals and the societies in which they live. This is especially important when we consider the implications for disaster management when situational awareness and community resilience will be reliant on the: successful connection and integration of the 'islands' of spatial information generated by and stored in current systems; development of a real-time 'data on demand' approach to spatial systems; and the development and careful curation of an individual's 'virtual identity' from an ethical, legal, property ownership and risk perspective.
|
|
|
Deena Disraelly, & Laura Itle. (2020). Providing Reliable Assistance Faster: Secure, Modern, Mission-Capable Credentialing to Support Disaster Operations. 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. 1140–1143). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: The public sector, including state and local government, public health, and emergency management; the private sector; and the Federal Government jointly face challenges with rapidly collecting and validating credentials for individuals applying for employment or volunteering for emergencies, vetting security clearances, and ascertaining suitability. In 2017, for instance, credentialing gaps delayed employees and volunteers from contributing much-needed skills in disaster areas during one of the worst hurricane and wildfire seasons on record while Federal agencies inadvertently issued interim clearances to individuals with criminal records. We propose a secure, modern, mission-capable information technology solution to these with the United States Postal Service hosting this streamlined process by serving as the hub for collection, validation, and transfer of pertinent data. The solution would introduce access points in over 5,000 communities for citizens participating in disaster support operations, as well as those requiring credentialing for employment as part of day-to-day operations.
|
|
|
Philip Degener, Henning Gösling, & Jutta Geldermann. (2013). Decision support for the location planning in disaster areas using multi-criteria methods. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 278–283). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In this paper, a multi-criteria facility location model is represented. The model is meant to support relief organisations to determine the best warehouse location to stock emergency relief supplies in the pre-disaster phase of a natural disaster. As a result of the prepositioning of the goods the relief organisations are able to respond immediately to an occurring disaster. In consideration of a multiplicity of quantitative and qualitative objectives a criteria hierarchy is developed which can be adapted to any specific disaster area by omitting irrelevant goals. Afterwards the multi-criteria methods PROMETHEE I+II as well as different sensitivity analysis are described and the model is applied on a local level in a flood-prone area in Bangladesh. Small organisations with restrictive financial and personnel resources can especially benefit from the clear structure of the model and the user friendliness and high transparency of the PROMETHE I+II methods.
|
|
|
Lívia C. Degrossi, Guilherme G. Do Amaral, Eduardo S. M. De Vasconcelos, João Porto De Albuquerque, & Jo Ueyama. (2013). Using wireless sensor networks in the sensor web for flood monitoring in Brazil. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 458–462). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Flood is a critical problem that will increase as a result of climate changes. The problem of flooding is particularly challenging over the rainy season in tropical countries like Brazil. In this context, wireless sensor networks that are capable of sensing and reacting to water levels hold the potential of significantly reducing the damage, health-risks and financial impact of events. In this paper, we aim to outline our experiences with developing wireless sensor network for flood monitoring in Brazil. Our approach is based on Open Geospatial Consortium's (OGC) Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) standards, so as to enable the collected data to be shared in an interoperable and flexible manner. We describe the application of our approach in a real case study in the city of São Carlos/Brazil, emphasizing the challenges involved, the results achieved, and some lessons learned along the way.
|
|
|
Sébastien Delhay, Mahamadou Idrissa, & Vinciane Lacroix. (2005). PARADIS: GIS tools for humanitarian demining. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 213–219). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Landmines and UXO (UneXploded Ordnance1) represent a constant and long-lasting threat to the life of millions of individuals. Moreover, these weapons have a strong socio-economic impact on contaminated countries as they involve serious effects as the loss of agricultural fields or access to water. Demining is a critical issue since contaminated areas are large and their clearance often requires investing much time and money into it. It is then fundamental to manage demining activities in an efficient manner. PARADIS 2 is a tool dedicated to Mine Action and helps demining campaigns planners take rational decisions. It fits the needs of all campaign actors, as it is based on the tasks assigned to both the campaign planner and the field operator. The tool is built upon GIS technology and uses satellite imagery as a substitute for background maps, in order to represent all data involved in demining in their most explicit form: a map.
|
|
|
Barry Demchak, & Ingolf H. Krüger. (2008). Rich feeds for RESCUE. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 566–575). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Effective responses to emergency situations require accessing both information that is known ahead of time and information from emergent sources. Whereas emergency providers have succeeded in formalizing acquisition and distribution of information from pre-existing sources, emergent and unconventional sources remain a challenge, especially in the context of rapid system-of-systems integration. The Rich Feeds project demonstrates the use of the Rich Services architectural pattern to incorporate data capture facilities into a framework that attends to crosscutting concerns such as authentication, authorization, encryption, and governance. By organizing a system-of-systems, Rich Services fosters the rapid incorporation of novel data sources while promoting scalability, low overall system risk, and fine grained policy definition and evaluation. In this paper, we demonstrate Rich Feeds' use of Rich Services in accessing multiple data streams during research and disaster drills. Additional opportunities include adding data sources and extraction methods, and increasing flexibility of policy definition and evaluation.
|
|
|
Ur?ka Demsar, Olga Patenková, & Kirsi Virrantaus. (2007). Centrality measures and vulnerability of spatial networks. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 201–209). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Effective management of infrastructural networks in the case of a crisis requires a prior analysis of the vulnerability of spatial networks and identification of critical locations where an interdiction would cause most damage and disruption. This paper presents a preliminary study into how a graph theoretic structural analysis could be used for this purpose. Centrality measures are combined with a dual graph modelling approach in order to identify critical locations in a spatial network. The results of a case study on a street network of a small area in the city of Helsinki indicate that 'betweenness' is the most promising centrality measure for this purpose. Other measures and properties of graphs are under consideration for eventually developing a risk model not only for one but for a group of co-located spatial networks.
|
|
|
Sebastian Denef, Tobias Dyrks, Leonardo Ramirez, Sebastian Denef, Berthold Penkert, & Daniel Meyer. (2009). Designing for firefighters-building empathy through live action role-playing. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper we present a role-playing workshop in a firefighting scenario conducted within the frame of a multidisciplinary consortium. Our work focuses on developing a navigation ubicomp infrastructure leveraging the cognitive skills of firefighters. Technology for navigation must understand existing navigation practices in order to provide adequate support. To deal with the complexity of this process, we use a participatory design approach based on a strong synergy among partners. We argue that a key aspect for the creation of this synergy is the construction of a bond of empathy allowing technology experts to understand the needs of the users of technology and also allowing firefighters to understand the role and activities of technology developers in the process. We present an account of the workshop conducted and some insights of the role that this method can play for complex, multidisciplinary teams working on developing safety-critical technology.
|
|
|
Denis Barcaroli, Alex Coletti, Antonio De Nicola, Antonio Di Pietro, Luigi La Porta, Maurizio Pollino, et al. (2019). An Automatic Approach to Qualitative Risk Assessment in Metropolitan Areas. 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: Risk assessment aims at improving prevention and preparedness phases of the crisis management lifecycle.
Qualitative risk assessment of a system is important for risks identification and analysis by the various stakeholders and often requires multi-disciplinary knowledge. We present an automatic approach to qualitative
risk assessment in metropolitan areas using semantic techniques. In particular, users are provided with a computational support to identify and prioritize by relevance risks of city services, through generation of
semantic descriptions of risk situations. This approach is enabled by a software system consisting of: TERMINUS, a domain ontology representing city knowledge; WS-CREAM, a web service implementing risk identification and ranking functions; and CIPCast, a GIS-based Decision Support System with functions of risk
forecast due to natural hazards. Finally we present the results of a preliminary validation of the generated risks concerning some points of interest in two different areas of the city of Rome.
|
|
|
Derya Ipek Eroglu, Duygu Pamukcu, Laura Szczyrba, & Yang Zhang. (2020). Analyzing and Contextualizing Social Vulnerability to Natural Disasters in Puerto Rico. 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. 389–395). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: As the third hurricane the U.S. experienced in 2017, Hurricane María generated impacts that resulted in both short term and long term suffering in Puerto Rico. In this study, we aim to quantify the vulnerability of Puerto Ricans by taking region and society specific characteristics of the island into account. To do this, we follow Cutter et al.'s social vulnerability calculation, which is an inductive approach that aims to represent a society based on its characteristics. We adapted the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) for Puerto Rico by using data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. We analyzed the newly calculated SoVI for Puerto Rico and compared it with the existing deductive approach developed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Our findings show that the new index is able to capture some characteristics that the existing vulnerability index is unable to do.
|
|
|
Paola Di Maio. (2008). Ontologies for networked centric emergency mangement operations. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 177–188). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Emergency Management, like other fields of Operations, consists of information, communication and decision making. Thanks to the pervasiveness of real time networked infrastructures, such as the internet and the web, new models of operations are emerging, designed to leverage the aggregate the power of 'collective intelligence' and 'distributed action' facilitated by 'open world' systems environments. In order to develop effective information systems capable of supporting the distributed nature of emerging 'architectures of participation', it is necessary to devise adequate 'semantic structures', which in turn rely on sound and explicit conceptual frameworks, such as ontologies. However, there aren't enough 'ontologies' in the public domain that can be referenced to establish compatibility of architectures and serve as guidelines for the development of open, neutral and accountable information systems. In this paper we a) describe and analyse the 'distributed' and 'networked' nature of emergency operations b) put forward the notion information systems to support of emergency management today should be modeled on 'distributed' and networked organizational structures, and that ontologies in this domain should be built accordingly.
|
|
|
Nicolas Di Tada, & Timothy Large. (2010). Emergency information system. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes an information system designed to be deployed in emergencies caused by sudden onset natural disasters. The aim is to streamline the communication flow and collaboration between media, aid workers and government agencies with the affected population, to help the latter get verified, accurate and actionable information that will enable them to make decisions and recover from the disaster. The Emergency Information Service (EIS) system also provides means for affected population and field workers to channel vital data back up into aid response. This tool is part of a free information service run by Thomson Reuters Foundation to help survivors of natural disasters. It will serve the affected populations, local media and relief responders by providing fast, practical and verified information in local languages through the best means available.
|
|
|
Diana Fischer, Carsten Schwemmer, & Kai Fischbach. (2018). Terror Management and Twitter: The Case of the 2016 Berlin Terrorist Attack. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 459–468). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: There is evidence that people increasingly use social networking sites like Twitter in the aftermath of terrorist attacks to make sense of the events at the collective level. This work-in-progress paper focuses on the content of Twitter messages related to the 2016 terrorist attack on the Berlin Christmas market. We chose topic modeling to investigate the Twitter data and the terror management theory perspective to understand why people used Twitter in the aftermath of the attack. In particular, by connecting people and providing a real-time communication channel, Twitter helps its users collectively negotiate their worldviews and re-establish self-esteem. We provide first results and discuss next steps.
|
|
|
Dick Ooms, Willem-Jan van den Heuvel, & Bartel Van de Walle. (2018). A Conceptual Framework for Civil-Military Interaction in Peace Support Operations. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1003–1015). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: In complex emergencies, civil and military organizations often find themselves being partners in an international effort aimed at peace keeping, humanitarian relief, and development support. Civil and military partners need to exchange information and to cooperate as required. This assumes effective and efficient Civil-Military Interaction (CMI). However, CMI research literature shows that, in practice, this is far from a reality. In particular, our research indicates that deficiencies in knowledge processes and knowledge management within international civil and military organizations contribute to the causes of ineffective and inefficient CMI. Our research aims to investigate the feasibility of developing technical solutions exploiting knowledge engineering, to support fieldworkers in overcoming these CMI problems. As a first step, this paper introduces a Conceptual Framework (CF) that captures reference models of the CMI domain. The CF has been developed to analyze CMI problems and underlying KM deficiencies. It is being illustrated, explored and validated using real-world case studies.
|
|
|
Diego Fabian Pajarito Grajales, Livia Castro Degrossi, Daniel Barros, Mohammed Rizwan Khan, Fernanda Lima E Silva, Maria Alexandra Cunha, et al. (2022). Enabling Participatory Flood Monitoring Through Cloud Services. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 213–223). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Flooding events are more impactful due to climate change, while traditional top-down approaches to flood management give way to new initiatives that consider citizens and communities as active strategic actors. Researchers and practitioners have started to place communities in the centre of creation processes or invite them to co-design digital platforms. However, many citizen science projects re-use well-known technological components without reflecting about how the technology is able to effectively support citizen participation in data generation, including the provision of flexible data storage and exchange. This paper describes a novel digital platform design which adopts cloud services to integrate official and citizen-generated data about urban flooding. It summarises the results of a participatory design process of a digital platform to collect, store and exchange flood-related data, which includes components such as data lakes, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and web and mobile interfaces. This work in progress paper presents insights and lessons learned from using cloud services to enable citizen participation and engage communities with flood monitoring.
|
|
|
David Díez, Paloma Díaz, & Ignacio Aedo. (2010). Virtual communities of practice: Design directions for technology-mediated collaboration in the early warning activity. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The performance of early warning activities involves the management of complex situations as uncertainty is common, information is frequently scattered and the number of stakeholders affected is large. In this context, the performance of early warning activities is distinguished by the significance of internalized experience as well as the generalized use of cultural knowledge, internalized domain knowledge and tacit knowledge. A suitable and well-known way to endorse the creation and exchange of this kind of knowledge -usually called soft knowledge- is the application of communities of practitioners. Based on the review of the communities of practice approach, its principles and rationale, this paper proposes a set of design guidelines aimed at addressing the technological design of technological platforms that support the creation, exchange and acquisition of soft knowledge for its application in early warning activities.
|
|
|
Dilek Ozceylan Aubrecht, & Michael R. Bartolacci. (2012). The impact and opportunities for wireless communications in chinese disaster planning and management. 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: Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires as well as those of manmade origins, such as dam breaches, necessitate communication between and among emergency responders, governmental officials, and the impacted populace. As the third largest country in terms of area and first in terms of population, China is no stranger to natural and manmade disasters of varying kinds. Until recently, the country had no central focus on dealing with such events and allowed local officials for the most part to plan and carry out all of the activities involved in disaster planning and management. Advances in the Chinese economy and more of a nationalist slant on policies have attempted to broaden the planning scope and management across the country with varying results. The deployment of wireless communications across China has assisted in disaster planning and management activities, but inconsistent policies and a haphazard approach to its deployment have hindered its ability to fully aid such activities. With a population of more than 1.3 billion (2010 Census) and its wide geography, China is one of the most natural disaster-affected countries in the world. Many natural disasters occur in China frequently and often result in severe damage and loss of life. In response to these events, several strategies for emergency management should be implemented, but in particular the integration of the deployment of wireless networks throughout the rural parts of the country with disaster/emergency planning for the same areas should be undertaken. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
|
|
Naci Dilekli, & Tarek Rashed. (2007). Towards a GIS data model for improving the emergency response in the Least Developing Countries: Challenges and opportunities. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 57–62). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Over the past few years, several standardized GIS data models have been developed to document “best practices” database designs for various application domains including the domain of emergency management. The majority of such models, however, have been developed in the context of developed countries as in the case of the Homeland Security geodatabase data model by ESRI®. These data models fail to be successful when transferred and used in the context of Least Developing Countries (LDCs) due to significant contextual differences in the domains of information systems and emergency practices. Therefore, developing GIS data models that are specifically designed for emergency response activities in LDCs are needed to improve existing emergency response practices in these countries. This paper reviews the state of development in GIS data models and the potential benefits and applications of building models that are specifically designed to support emergency response activities in LDCs. We first discusses why it is important to differentiate emergency response activities in LDCs from other contexts. We then present some theoretical considerations in developing GIS data models that can overcome contextual difficulties in LDCs in general and in the domain of information systenms. We finally attempt to provide key guidelines that may help designing a GIS Data Model, while is specifically referenced to the LDCs context.
|
|
|
Rahele B. Dilmaghani, B.S. Manoj, & Ramesh R. Rao. (2006). Emergency communication challenges and privacy. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 172–180). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Communication and interoperability between different organizations of first responders has been a problem for a long time. There have been examples of failure in communication between different organizations at World Trade Center on 9/11, for example some of the police warnings were not heard by fire fighters that resulted in several lives lost. In most cases, network unavailability or incapability of coordination among networks causes much damage. Therefore, we present a highly reliable communication infrastructure that is suitable at ground zero where the existing communication network is damaged or unavailable. We used Hybrid Wireless Mesh Network (HWMN) as a candidate for communication infrastructure with the capability of working in a heterogeneous environment with different available backhaul technologies. In addition to the use of WMNs, we also present some special requirements for a cellular networks generated by simulation models investigating different scenarios that occur at ground zero. For example, when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, people outside the ground zero area could place a call, but were not able to receive phone calls. This happened because the cellular network elsewhere was not able to contact the Home Location Register (HLR), located at New Orleans. We, in this paper, propose a solution in which the important user or network information databases such as HLR and VLR (Visitor Location Register) are replicated to provide a sufficient amount of fault tolerance.
|
|