Sebastian Kurowski, Heiko Roßnagel, Jan Zibuschka, & Wolf Engelbach. (2012). A concept for interoperability of security systems in public transport. 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: In the field of public transport, operators and first responders collaborate in the prevention of and reaction to security issues. In order to optimise their specific daily operational business needs in a timely manner heterogeneous information and communication systems are deployed. In case of an incident however it is crucial that the various involved parties exchange relevant information to develop a shared understanding and act in a coordinated way. Yet, heterogeneous communication and information system infrastructures often hinder this crucial flow of information. To address this shortcoming it is crucial to enable the design of interoperable system-of-systems approaches in this domain. This paper describes a conceptual model to construct system-of-systems environments in the domain of security in public transport. By building on the results of several European research projects this concept offers a starting point for modelling and documenting individual systems inside a system-of-systems architecture. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Kimmo Laakso. (2012). On improving emergency preparedness and management with Delphi. 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: An emergency brings together a group of individuals who often represent different organizations, resources, and roles. In order to be able to make the right decisions, individuals need to understand each other although they may be from different lines of business. In our research the target is to stress the importance of a common language in emergency management. Our plan is to gather a group representing the authorities, i.e. public sector actors, and a group representing companies, i.e. private sector actors, to communicate with the Delphi method on possible differences in the language used in different lines of business. The aim of this paper is to discuss the possibilities of using the Delphi method to make improvements to emergency management and to evaluate which kinds of organizations should be represented in our Delphi panel. This paper forms a part of a larger research study, the results of which will be useful, for example when improving the interoperability of management and communications systems. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Matthias Lendholt, & Martin Hammitzsch. (2011). Generic information logistics for early warning systems. 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 delivery of user-tailored warning messages for heterogeneous user groups is a challenge rarely covered by hazard monitoring and early warning systems. While attention is mostly focused on sensor measurements and disaster prediction, warning message dissemination is often based on technical terminology and is not appropriate for the majority of interested user groups. This article describes the concepts of generic information logistics developed for the distant early warning system (DEWS). It is designed to not be limited to specific hazard types, languages or other deployment specifics. Instead, it enables the generation of user-tailored warning messages that account for specific needs and it provides several filter mechanisms to avoid unintended message flooding in emergency situations. Moreover, the importance of spatial references in messages is highlighted and accounted for in both automatic message processing and message reception by humans. Warning messages are based on the common alerting protocol (CAP) to allow interoperability with other early warning systems.
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Matthias Lendholt, Martin Hammitzsch, & Peter Löwe. (2013). Harmonization of data formats for tsunami simulation products. 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. 365–369). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The development of sustainable tsunami early warning systems (TEWS) requires the adoption of proven standards for components on all system levels. This is crucial to ensure the successful operation of the overall system in the long term. Currently, components, data formats and models used to build an individual TEWS come from independent development efforts, using non-standardized proprietary interfaces. Integrating these components into a TEWS requires additional work effort due to the proprietary technologies and formats. This article discusses alternative cost-effective approaches. The successful integration of the TEWS system components depends critically on the adoption and application of industry standards and good practices. From this perspective, this article examines the role of tsunami simulation models, and the challenge to integrate the data products generated from independent tsunami models for a TEWS. The significance of tsunami simulation products, consisting of data and metadata, for the overall early warning workflow is described, including data exchange (among multiple TEWS) and information visualization in combination with additional spatial information. As an outcome, the use of standardized data formats for simulation products is recommended for future work. This approach is demonstrated on a simulation of the March 2011 Tohoku-Oki mega thrust earthquake.
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Linda Elmhadhbi, Mohamed-Hedi Karray, & Bernard Archimède. (2019). A Modular Ontology for Semantically Enhanced Interoperability in Operational Disaster Response. 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: Up to now, the world has witnessed how inadequate communication capabilities can adversely affect disaster response efforts. There are various Emergency Responders (ERs) that potentially must work together towards a successful resolution of the disaster. However, the different terminologies and technical vocabularies that are being exchanged between the ERs may lead to a misunderstanding and lack of semantic integrity. Yet, understanding the semantics of the exchanged data is one of the major challenges. The purpose of this work is to define the complex knowledge of the ERs by proposing a common and modular ontology shared by all the stakeholders so as to come up with a common shared vocabulary in order to ensure semantic interoperability between ERs. In this paper, we present POLARISCO and we discuss how it was developed using Basic Formal Ontology as an upper-level ontology and Common Core Ontology as a mid-level ontology to define each module.
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Shuming Liu, Christopher Brewster, & Duncan Shaw. (2013). Ontologies for crisis management: A review of state of the art in ontology design and usability. 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. 349–359). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The growing use of a variety of information systems in crisis management both by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and emergency management agencies makes the challenges of information sharing and interoperability increasingly important. The use of semantic web technologies is a growing area and is a technology stack specifically suited to these challenges. This paper presents a review of ontologies, vocabularies and taxonomies that are useful in crisis management systems. We identify the different subject areas relevant to crisis management based on a review of the literature. The different ontologies and vocabularies available are analysed in terms of their coverage, design and usability. We also consider the use cases for which they were designed and the degree to which they follow a variety of standards. While providing comprehensive ontologies for the crisis domain is not feasible or desirable there is considerable scope to develop ontologies for the subject areas not currently covered and for the purposes of interoperability.
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Lucas Dorigueto, Carlos Brumatti, Erick Figueiredo, & Jugurta Lisboa-Filho. (2021). A Framework for Landslide Information Management Systems Development. 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. 515–526). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) integrated with Disaster Information Management Systems (DIMS) has great potential to assist managers and the community in times of emergency. However, there is little research focusing on integrating VGI with DIMS, in addition, there are a lack of use of standards of interoperability and emergency, which can impair interoperability and the quality of the information contained in these systems. This work presents a fully interoperable framework aimed at the construction of DIMS, which integrates official data and VGI through ISO and OGC standards, allowing managers and the community to work with official data and VGI in order to assist managers in decision making. To show the viability of the framework, a case study using data from the risk situation of dams located in the municipality of Barão de Cocais in Brazil was carried out.
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Marcello Cinque, Christian Esposito, Mario Fiorentino, & Francisco Jose Perez Carrasco. (2015). A collaboration platform for data sharing among heterogeneous relief organizations for disaster management. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: Recently, we are witnessing the progressive increase in the occurrence of large-scale disasters, characterized by an overwhelming scale and number of causalities. After 72 hours from the disaster occurrence, the damaged area is interested by assessment, reconstruction and recovery actions from several heterogeneous organizations, which need to collaborate and being orchestrated by a centralized authority. This situation requires an effective data sharing by means of a proper middleware platform able to let such organizations to interoperate despite of their differences. Although international organizations have defined collaboration frameworks at the higher level, there is no ICT supporting platform at operational level able to realize the data sharing demanded by such collaborative frameworks. This work proposes a layered architecture and a preliminary implementation of such a middleware for messaging, data and knowledge management. We also illustrate a demonstration of the usability of such an implementation, so as to show the achievable interoperability.
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Steven McGee, & Reverend Kathy Graves. (2008). The International Heartbeat Beacon for interoperability & synchronicity of event, alert data. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 128–133). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The Heartbeat Beacon addresses data temporal / exchange interoperability gaps by stipulating CAP instantiated data exchanges for military, first responder, and commercial stake holder domains by standardizing data exchange formats, symbol sets, event refresh rates enabling direct collaboration with military telemetry systems using commercial products. Multicast radius will be adjustable e.g., increase / decrease with audible tones based on business logic / military mission thread logic according to threshold rules visually displayed as concentric color band expansion / collapse based on DHS five level color / audible advisory schemes. Alert, evacuation, alternate routing of transportation assets, medical triage will then are adjustable. Organizations through router/switch updates via heartbeat messages will enable spontaneous integration of disparate communities of interest allowing the network to be maneuvered in response to unified events and alerts.
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Theo Dirk Meijler, & Frank Nietzold. (2011). Light-weight model-based realization of a B2B protocol and a SOA integration engine. 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: In emergency management, communication between the emergency management team and the outer world is essential. When using an emergency management system, such communication is often IT-based. To disburden the emergency management team, structured “B2B” messages may be used that correspond to the (foreseen) lifecycle of relevant entities in the emergency, such as threats and measures. The paper introduces an approach for the realization of a B2B messaging protocol and the corresponding integration engine, which maps message content to service calls, in the context of an emergency management system. The approach is light-weight and model-based, as protocols and integration engine are based on merely modeling the states and state transitions of objects in the system representing essential entities in the emergency. As the model is described in non-technical terms, this can be done by a non-IT expert.
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Michael Holzhüter, & Ulrich Meissen. (2020). A Decentralized Reference Architecture for Interconnected Systems in Emergency Management. 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. 961–972). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Optimal communication and information exchange are key elements for handling complex crises or disaster situations. With the increasing number of heterogeneous ICT systems, also raises the importance of adequate support for interconnectivity and information logistics between stakeholders to thoroughly gather information and to make quick but precise decisions. The main purpose of the information exchange is then to manage the crisis as quickly as possible, to provide full information to protect first responders' health and safety, to optimally dispatch resources, and to ensure coordination between different relief forces. Based on an end user survey with a particular focus on first responders, this paper introduces an evolutionary architecture to enable information exchange in crises situation or disasters. The aim is to provide a decentralized approach among heterogeneous ICT-systems which abstracts from the underlying communication technologies and heterogeneity of connected systems and fulfills the functional and non-functional requirements from end users.
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Stefan Moellmann, David Braun, Hagen Engelmann, & Wolfgang Raskob. (2011). Key performance indicator based calculations as a decision support for the tactical level. 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: For the planning of relief operations the duration and the necessary resources are key factors for a successful completion. Those factors, however, are difficult to estimate due to the large number of influencing factors in a complex crisis situation. This paper presents a software module that supports the planning by calculating the duration and the required resources for relief measures based on key performance indicators (KPI). It is part of a project called SECURITY2People aiming to develop the basics for an integrated disaster management system. The module consists of an easy to use tool to calculate the timing of a relief measure when applied to a given disaster site. In addition it contains a detailed view to display and edit the model of the selected measure which is depicted as a Gantt chart and forms the basis of the calculation. Finally, the paper describes how this module can benefit from interoperability with other modules of this project and existing systems and services.
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Christian Neuhaus, Mario Hannappel, Daniela Giebel, & Sabine Färfers. (2012). Crisis management systems in Germany – A status report about the current functions and developments of private and public crisis managementsystems in Germany. 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: Crisis management systems play a critical role in supporting responders and decision makers in their crisis and emergency management functions. Even though these systems and solutions have been broadly adopted in private and public organizations, very few quantitative studies can be found on their functions, user groups, targeted stakeholders, their technological requirements and their scope of services. The present study gives an outline of our ongoing project and an insight in the first results of a three-year study of crisis management systems in Germany. The study will outline the methods of our analysis and will present some results from an analysis of over more than 170 systems from over 70 vendor/developers. It will then give a conclusion of the results and outline open and future questions. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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John S. Park Jr., & David Waxman. (2005). Enabling cross-organization interoperability through dynamic directory integration. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 83–88). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Dynamic Team Management for Cross-organization Collaboration was developed by IBM, in cooperation with the U. S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and MITRE (a federally funded research and development organization), to support participating organizations in the U.S. Homeland Security/Homeland Defense Command and Control Advance Concept Technology Demonstration (HLS/D C2 ACTD). Dynamic Team Management includes finding and accessing information about resources (people) with whom you need to communicate and collaborate on a mission or task. Used in conjunction with collaboration tools and other applications, DTM supports constructing cross-organization teams of individuals to address particular missions or tasks, based on emerging needs. DTM demonstrates approaches to overcoming many of the challenges of building the best teams for each mission/task, accommodating information sharing preferences of participating organizations, directory integration automation, dynamically scaling to meet cross-organization communication and collaboration requirements, and achieving organizational interoperability.
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Christian Paulus, Stefan Möllmann, & Hagen Engelmann. (2010). Approach for an integrated interoperable system architecture for disaster management systems. 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: In the field of information systems for disaster management there is a large variety of data formats, specifications and standards. Most of these standards only cover a specific part of this area, for example formats for geospatial data or message exchange. This diversity of isolated solutions, however, prevents those systems from interacting and exchanging data. To improve the interoperability in this sector there is a strong need for an integrated interoperable system architecture that is suitable for stand-alone systems as well as for the communication in a distributed heterogeneous system environment. This paper shows an approach for such a system architecture. It presents the Disaster Management Markup Language (DMML), which provides an architecture of data structures, services and service interfaces for crisis response systems. Furthermore, the Disaster Management Interoperability Framework (DMIF) is introduced, which supplies a software-engineering layout for DMML. Finally, the implementation of the DMMapML module is presented, which handles data involved in the situation report. The basic structure of this implementation is described and its potential contribution to the interoperability of crisis response systems.
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Jens Pottebaum, Anna Maria Japs, Stephan Prödel, & Rainer Koch. (2010). Design and modeling of a domain ontology for fire protection. 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 semantics of things represent the central problem of the heterogeneous domain of emergency response. Both the communication between human actors and the interface between information systems face this hurdle with high impact on the efficiency in mission and time critical command and control processes. The integration of applications and information sharing based on semantic technologies promise added value for a solution to this problem. Therefore a model of the domain is essential; this paper contributes a domain ontology for fire protection. The scientific discussion as well as expert interviews built the basis for a new modeling approach. The selection of ontology languages is one of the important design issues presented in this paper.
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James E. Powell, Linn Marks Collins, & Mark L.B. Martinez. (2009). Using architectures for semantic interoperability to create journal clubs for emergency response. 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 certain types of “slow burn” emergencies, careful accumulation and evaluation of information can offer a crucial advantage. The SARS outbreak in the first decade of the 21st century was such an event, and ad hoc journal clubs played a critical role in assisting scientific and technical responders in identifying and developing various strategies for halting what could have become a dangerous pandemic. This research-in-progress paper describes a process for leveraging emerging semantic web and digital library architectures and standards to (1) create a focused collection of bibliographic metadata, (2) extract semantic information, (3) convert it to the Resource Description Framework /Extensible Markup Language (RDF/XML), and (4) integrate it so that scientific and technical responders can share and explore critical information in the collections.
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Anthony C. Robinson, Robert E. Roth, & Alan M. MacEachren. (2010). Challenges for map symbol standardization in crisis management. 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: A wide range of local, regional, and federal authorities will generate maps to help respond to and recover from a disaster. It is essential that map users in an emergency situation can readily understand what they are seeing on these maps. Standardizing map symbology is one mechanism for ensuring that geospatial information is interpretable during an emergency situation, but creating an effective map symbol standard is a complex and evolving task. Here we present preliminary results from research into the application of the ANSI 415-2006 INCITS Homeland Security Map Symbol Standard, a point symbol standard intended to support emergency management mapping for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This standard has so far not been widely adopted across the full range of DHS missions, and we elaborate on key issues and challenges that should be accounted for when developing future map symbol standards for crisis management.
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Johannes Sautter, Sebastian Kurowski, Heiko Roßnagel, Wolf Engelbach, & Jan Zibuschka. (2012). Interoperability for information systems in public urban transport security: The SECUR-ED interoperability notation. 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: In public transport and at large urban hubs, such as metro or train stations, transport operators and first responders collaborate in the prevention of and reaction to security issues. Within the EU demonstration project SECUR-ED a specific notation for interoperability of information systems in the domain of public transport security was developed. (In this context, the interoperability of actual operating systems is not the focus.) Based on UML (Unified Modelling Language), the notation language offers the possibility for structured modelling of system-of-systems architectures. Four interoperability object templates and their interdependencies form the underlying basis. Domain-specific annotation rules and guidelines for interoperability objects and their sub-component structures allow collaboration and interpretation of this model on various granularities and stages during a systems engineering process. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Frederik Schütte, Rubén Casado, & Emilio Rubiera. (2013). Solving interoperability issues in cross border emergency operations. 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. 370–375). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper describes the work that is being done within the EU research project DISASTER to solve interoperability issues in cross-border emergency operations by applying a technical solution that is able to create a common operational picture. To that end a twofold solution is proposed: The development of a common and modular ontology shared by all the stakeholders taking into account different countries cultural, linguistic and legal issues. And, from that point, bearing in mind that most legacy EMSs (Emergency Management Systems) rely on Service-Oriented-Architectures (SOA), the implementation of transparent SOA mediation algorithms compliant with current data formats and existing solutions. That way, a mediation solution is provided by the DISASTER Mediator, which plays the role of gateway for each EMS enabling a communication based in Web Services. In order to avoid a misunderstanding of shared information it is necessary to create a solution that offers more than a plain translation of terms but rather a concept mediation so the corresponding user is able to understand the situation in its own framework of reference.
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Aladdin Shamoug, & Radmila Juric. (2011). Addressing interoperability through the semantic of Information Highway in managing responses in Humanitarian Crises. 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: We propose an Information Highway (IH) which addresses interoperability in software systems supporting Humanitarian Crises (HC) and consequently enables efficient decision making at any level: operational, organizational and donor levels. We model our IH by (a) manipulating the semantics stored in knowledge of data repositories, which are interwoven in everyday activities of managing responses to HC and (b) understanding the meaning and the purpose of requests for data retrievals issued in such environments.
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Nancy Shank, Brian Sokol, Michelle Hayes, & Cristina Vetrano. (2008). Human services data standards: Current progress and future vision in crisis response. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 352–361). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Interorganizational coordination is crucial among human services providers responsible for responding to both personal and widespread crises. Too often, however, agencies providing disaster relief, shelter, and connection to other social service systems operate in information silos. Moreover, organizations that assist the same people may be duplicating services or ineffectively providing services to those in need. In the past, there has been no easy way for human service organizations to share information about clients, resources, and services. Over the last decade, distinct initiatives have begun to standardize data collection, storage, and transmission standards within human service domains. This paper describes several human services standards currently in use or under development in the United States and discusses how each support distinct, yet related, human service information management during disasters. The paper concludes with a call for the development of an overarching human services data interoperability standard.
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Eva Törnqvist, Johan Sigholm, & Simin Nadjm-Tehrani. (2009). Hastily formed networks for disaster response: Technical heterogeneity and virtual pockets of local order. 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: As natural and man-made disasters become increasingly common, ensuring effective disaster response, mitigation and recovery is growing into a high-priority task for governments and administrations globally. This paper describes the challenges of collaboration within multi-organisational hastily formed networks for post-disaster response, which are increasingly relying on emerging ICT infrastructures for communication and cooperation. We present an interdisciplinary analysis of the conditions for establishing an effective mutual conversation space for involved stakeholders, and how the development of socio-technological systems affects cognitive and behavioural aspects such as established communities of practice and virtual pockets of local order. Our observations thus far suggest that some of the key issues are overcoming organisational and cultural heterogeneity, and finding solutions for technical interoperability, to ensure effective, pervasive and sustainable information exchange within and between organisations participating in hastily formed networks.
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Nuwan Waidyanatha, Tharaka Wilfred, Kasun Perera, Manoj Silva, & Brenda Burell. (2012). Complexity and usability of voice-enabled alerting and situational reporting decoupled systems. 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: Telephone calls are the predominant telecommunication mode in Sri Lanka. Leveraging voice-based applications for disaster communication would be acceptable and sustainable. The findings in this paper are from an experiment concerning interactive voice for connecting community-based emergency field operatives with their central coordination hub. Challenge was in interchanging the Freedom Fone (FF) Interactive Voice Response (IVR) generated, Sinhala and Tamil language, speech data with the text-based 'Sahana' disaster management system for analysis and decision support. Emergency Data Exchange Language (EDXL) interoperable content standard was adopted for mediation. Low quality voice data resulting in incomplete information was a barrier to automating transformations between text and speech. Replacing those processes with human procedure significantly degrades the reliability. Moreover, human interaction with decoupled software systems, to accomplish the sequence of tasks, points to instabilities. This paper discusses the complexities and usability shortcomings discovered through controlled-exercises in Sri Lanka. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Benedikt Weber, Thomas Deckers, & Frank Wilson. (2013). Interoperability during a cross-border firefighting operation at the dutch-german border. 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. 925–926). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This practitioner report describes a moor- And turf-fire that occurred in 2011 at the Dutch-German border and was engaged by forces both from the Netherlands and Germany. All involved emergency management organizations were facing interoperability issues when it came to cross-border cooperation, although cooperation handbooks were already in use and the involved organizations were used to work together. The size of the incident and it's remote location called for an increased coordination between all involved actors and across all command levels.
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