Alexandre Ahmad, Olivier Balet, Jesse Himmelstein, Arjen Boin, Maaike Schaap, Paolo Brivio, et al. (2012). Interactive simulation technology for crisis management and training: The INDIGO project. 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: To face the urgent need to train strategic and operational managers in dealing with complex crises, we are researching and developing an innovative decision support system to be used for crisis management and interactive crisis training. This paper provides an overview of current decision-support systems, simulation software and other technologies specifically designed to serve crisis managers. These findings inform the design of a new interactive simulation technology system, where a 3D Common Operational Picture (COP) is shared between tactile digital whiteboard in the command center and mobile devices in the field. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Bjørn Erik Munkvold, Jaziar Radianti, Jan Ketil Rød, Tomasz Opach, Mikael Snaprud, Sofie Pilemalm, et al. (2019). Sharing Incident and Threat Information for Common Situational Understanding. 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 paper presents the INSITU research project initiated to provide a systematic approach for effective sharing, integration and use of information from different sources, to establish a common operational picture (COP) and shared situational understanding among multiple actors in emergency response. The solution developed will provide an interactive map display, integrating harmonisation of terminology and collaboration support for information sharing and synthesis. The enhanced COP will also support evaluation and learning from exercises and incidents. The project involves close collaboration with emergency management stakeholders in Norway, for requirements analysis, participatory design, and validation of project deliverables. The research will improve information sharing and decision support in emergency operations centres, which will contribute to improve societal resilience through more effective response capability.
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Kees Boersma, Jeroen Wolbers, & Pieter Wagenaar. (2010). Organizing emergent safety organizations: The travelling of the concept 'netcentric work' in the Dutch safety sector. 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 is about the introduction of netcentric work in the public safety sector in the Netherlands. The idea behind netcentric work is that a common operational picture will help the professionals to overcome problems with sharing information during crisis. In this WIP paper we will pay attention to netcentric work principles and the dilemma of standardization of technologies versus local adaptation. In the Netherlands the government has chosen to introduce netcentric work via a Platform in which various options are discussed among members of Dutch safety regions. The outcome is a process of negotiation in what we call trading zones. In these trading zones netcentric work is (re)defined. Using theoretical concepts like soft-bureaucracy we show in this paper how netcentric work eventually is not about technology in the first place but a negotiated new way of working and organizing. Further research is needed to understand the full implications of netcentric work for the administration and organization of safety.
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Erik A.M. Borglund. (2017). The Role of Artefacts in Creating a Common Operational Picture During Large Crises. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 191–203). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: This paper is about the work that takes place during large police operations in different command post settings, and how artefacts are used in the collaborative process in creating a common operational picture (COP). We apply “artefactual multiplicity” as our analytical lens. An interpretative research approach has been applied in form of ethnographical field studies using observation and informal interviews as data collection techniques. The artefacts that have been studied are definable as common artefacts, i.e. artefacts that are commonly available in our work environment. Based upon the five separate studies, the artefacts studied are found to be very important as collaborative tools and many also have embedded visualization functionalities. The main contribution from this research is 1) extensive knowledge about how the artefacts are used in the establishment of the COP during large police operations, where the process of establishing the COP is, to a very large extent, dependent upon the artefacts' collaborative and multiple functions; 2) the proposal and suggestion to study the whole staff and the artefacts used by the staff as one heterogeneous unit, as a record of activities. Studies of single artefacts in isolation reduce the possibility of seeing the full multiplicity of all the artefacts used within the staff, and the complexity of the intertwined web of artefactual functions.
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Erik AM Borglund, & Martina Granholm. (2020). You Talk the Talk – But What Do You Talk About? 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. 295–302). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Post-crisis analysis of transboundary crises in Sweden is problematic due to limited documentation. We believe that there is a need to find tools to better understand the command and control, and to understand how the information sharing that takes place during larger crises works. This paper presents the results of an ongoing research, as well as findings about how the TETRA system is used for information sharing in transboundary crises. The data used was collected from two large emergency exercises, where Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian TETRA systems were merged. Communication in 10 shared talk groups was recorded, transcribed and analyzed. The communication in shared TETRA-talk-groups mostly focused on information about the accident, the recourses and first respond units, as well as the actions of each unit. The research also exemplifies and shows that communication within TETRA-talk-groups in transboundary crisis can give new insight into how command and control works.
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H. van Dijk. (2015). Situation Awareness in Crisis Situations: Development of a User Defined Operational Picture. 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: This paper describes an effort underway to develop an operational concept and technical implementation for a User Defined Operational Picture (UDOP). The purpose of the UDOP capability is to create, visualize, and share decision-focused views of the operational environment for decision-makers to support accurate situation awareness and timely decision-making. Unlike a traditional Common Operational Picture (COP), a UDOP allows the user to select what information should be included in- or excluded from the data set defining the operational picture at the source. This paper provides an overview of the UDOP capabilities, as well as a description of the initial prototype implementation in an operational setting.
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Ida Maria Haugstveit, Eivind Lars Rake, & Aslak Wegner Eide. (2015). Practitioner-Centered, Long-Term Testing of an ICT-based Triage System for Emergency 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: Triage in emergency response refers to determining the priority of victims based on their need for treatment and medical intervention. Today, triage is performed by the use of paper-based triage tags. Communication about patients? status is mainly carried out over radio or through handwritten notes. This practice makes it challenging for emergency personnel to keep an overview of the number, location, and medical status of victims, and to distribute information between personnel. Although technological solutions to ease the triage process exist, the methods used to test these solutions are somewhat limited. This paper reports our plans and preparations for a practitioner-centered, long-term testing of an ICT-based triage system. The system uses electronic devices to tag patients and communicate their status to relevant incident operators, providing a common operational picture for both on- and off-site personnel. The technologies (eTriage and Master) that are to be used during the testing are presented.
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Kristine Steen-Tveit. (2020). Identifying Information Requirements for Improving the Common Operational Picture in Multi-Agency 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. 252–263). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: While there exists a considerable body of literature on the importance of a common operational picture (COP) in multi-agency emergency operations, the COP concept itself still lacks a univocal definition. Despite the lack of consensus regarding the mechanisms underlying the COP, the literature implies a level of consistency in the focus on sharing critical information. Based on interviews with Norwegian emergency management stakeholders, this study investigates common information requirements for emergency management services and presents an example of a framework for structuring the sharing of critical information and building a COP. Termed 'the window report', this framework is used among emergency stakeholders in Norway and Sweden. The study identified eight common information requirement categories for managing extreme weather scenarios. With a focus on common information needs and a process for structured information sharing, future strategic emergency management planning might take a more holistic perspective on cross-sectoral operations than in current practice.
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Kristine Steen-Tveit, & Jaziar Radianti. (2019). Analysis of Common Operational Picture and Situational Awareness during Multiple Emergency Response Scenarios. 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: Disaster response operations require communication and coordination between agencies that seldom occurs in everyday workday situations. Furthermore, in such hybrid environments it is necessary to establish a common operational picture for the responders involved to support collaborative decision-making. The emergency responders must gain situational awareness, and this can further affect the quality of how they deal with the situation. Training in emergency situations is shown to be efficient for learning. In order to understand the complexity of working in unpredictable environments, an analysis of an audio-log from a large-scale drill was carried out. Moreover, this paper provides a definition of several categories for identifying the processes to establish situational awareness and a common operational picture among emergency responders. The analysis process revealed how the actors communicate and revealed an overall communication pattern.
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Kristine Steen-Tveit, Jaziar Radianti, & Bjørn Erik Munkvold. (2020). SMS-based real-time data collection for evaluation of situational awareness and common operational picture: lessons learned from a field exercise. 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. 276–284). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Managing complex multi-agency emergency operations requires that the key actors have a holistic, correct and dynamic situational awareness (SA) and that the involved actors establish a common operational picture (COP). Establishing SA and COP are key objectives in many multi-agency exercises, however, reported research shows limitations in existing methods and approaches for collecting the data required for evaluating this. By being able to capture near real-time information during different phases of the exercise we will be better positioned to identify what works well and what does not work in the process of establishing SA and COP. Our paper presents an example of real-time data collection using SMS during a multi-agency field exercise. Overall, the results support the idea of this as an effective method for collecting real-time data for analyzing the formation of SA and a COP among actors in emergency management.
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Michael E. Stiso, Aslak Wegner Eide, Ragnhild Halvorsrud, Erik G. Nilsson, & Jan Håvard Skjetne. (2013). Building a flexible common operational picture to support situation awareness in crisis management. 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. 220–229). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Decision support systems for emergency management tend to focus on making a lot of data meaningful to particular users via a common operational picture (COP). This paper describes one such system, but one that goes further by making the COP flexible enough to support multiple users. Large crises involve frequent role switching between different actors in a response. Hence, predicting the support needs of a given user of a COP is difficult at best, complicating the design process. The solution described here is to use interactive information overlays to enable different users to fit the COP to their particular SA needs. The design was evaluated in two user workshops and a demonstration. In general, it was well-received, but domain experts cautioned that the tool must be usable not only in large crises but in everyday operations, or else it will not be used.
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Sofie Pilemalm, Jaziar Radianti, Bjørn Erik Munkvold, Tim A. Majchrzak, & Kristine Steen-Tveit. (2021). Turning Common Operational Picture Data into Double-loop Learning from Crises – can Vision Meet Reality? 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. 417–430). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This study proposes a framework for double-loop learning from crises, using common operational pictures (COP). In most crises, a COP is of outmost importance to gain a common understanding among inter-organizational response. A COP is typically expressed through a map visualization. While the technologies to support COP progress rapidly, the corresponding practice of evaluating the COP and situational awareness is not yet established. Tools that enable responders to learn after the crisis, look back in time on the COP devel-opment and detect the barriers that prevent the COP establishment, still seem absent. Double-loop learning is an organizational practice to learn from previous actions widely adopted in the safety domain, and lately used in crisis management. This paper addresses the perceived gap by presenting the technical, organizational and structural requirements derived from document analysis, observation, and a workshop with multiple crisis management stakeholders, and integrating them to an initial framework.
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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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