Remko Van Der Togt, Euro Beinat, & Henk J. Scholten. (2004). Location-based emergency medicine: Medical Location Services for emergency management: Information and coordination of rescue resources. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 45–50). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Crisis and disaster management in the Netherlands has made huge leaps forward in recent years with regard to different organisations trying to manage one or more aspects of the safety chain. This research focuses on the information structure of health care during disasters with an aim to improve disaster management and tries to answer the following question: How can location based services improve information services within health care during disasters? Through the use of literature and interviews this thesis describes how disaster management can be improved through the use of Location Based Services (LBS). The scope of this research is aimed at better understanding the organisational processes during somatic health care. By defining a case and on the basis of literature and interviews in the Province of Utrecht, it was possible to develop a three layer graph model (3LGM). This model shows an overview of information processes performed by the health care organisation during the first hour after an accident. In this context, the 3LGM model is used to obtain an overview of the quality of information processing in such a problem area. The organisational structure, which deals with disaster management, consists of a strong co-operation between the police, fire departments, the local government and the 'Medical Aid during Accidents and Disasters' (GHOR). The size of the organisation depends largely upon the scale of the disaster, however the current information structure is not suitable for storing and processing the information in an efficient and effective manner. The same applies when displaying information related to casualties and safety within an area. With the help of location based services consisting of, geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and second or third generation telecommunication technologies, the existing information structure can be optimised. Expected advantages are higher accessibility to health care, a safer environment for rescuers, more time for managing the healthcare processes and an improved interdisciplinary co-operation between the police, fire departments, the local government and the GHOR. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Renato Iannella, & Karen Henricksen. (2007). Managing information in the disaster coordination centre: Lessons 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. 581–590). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The current scope of ICT support for disaster coordination is primarily focused at either the network or data levels. There is significant opportunity for ICT to play an even more important role for disaster coordination at the information level. This paper reviews the information structures and requirements gathered from disaster coordination centres based on exercise observations. Such coordination of information is usually based on national frameworks that document structures, roles, and responsibilities, but are seldom supported by relevant ICT infrastructure or systems. This paper uses the lessons learned from the exercise observations to identify future opportunities for information management software to support disaster centre operations. In particular, the paper introduces a prototypical Crisis Information Management System we are developing to support two challenges: incident notification and resource messaging. The system is based on open standards under development within the OASIS standards consortium, and will be evaluated as part of future exercises.
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Rene Windhouwer, Gerdien A. Klunder, & F.M. Sanders. (2005). Decision support system emergency planning, creating evacuation strategies in the event of flooding. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 171–180). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The Decision Support System (DSS) Emergency Planning is designed for use in the event of sea or river flooding. It makes accessible all the information related to the decision whether to evacuate an area. An important factor in this decision is the time required for the evacuation. The model used by the DSS Emergency Planning system to estimate the time required employs a strategy that prevents congestion on the road network in the area at risk. The use of the DSS Emergency Planning system during the proactive and prevention phases enables disaster containment organisations to prepare better for a flood situation. Moreover, all relevant information is saved and is therefore available for the post-disaster evaluation. The DSS Emergency Planning system can play a significant role in ensuring that the evacuation of an area at risk goes according to plan. In the future the DSS Emergency Planning system can also be used to evacuate people in the event of a nuclear, natural fire or extreme weather disaster.
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Richelle Van Rijk, & Marcel Van Berlo. (2004). Using CrisisKit and MOPED to improve emergency management team training. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 161–166). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In order to reduce the effects of a disaster, people in the emergency management organization have to be trained. In recent years training emergency management teams has become a bigger issue. A realistic and effective training of emergency management teams however is a difficult matter. We search for ways to improve this kind of training and to reduce the costs. In this paper two tools that can be used to improve emergency management training, CrisisKit and MOPED, will be discussed. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Robert Baksa, & Murray Turoff. (2010). The current state of continuous auditing and emergency management's valuable contribution. 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: Continuous Auditing systems require that human judgment be formalized and automated, which can be a complex, costly and computationally intensive endeavor. However, Continuous Auditing systems have similarities with Emergency Management and Response systems, which integrate Continuous Auditing's detection and alerting functions with the tracking of decisions and decision options for the situations that could be more effectively handled by human judgment. Emergency Management and Response systems could be an effective prototype to help overcome some of the implementation obstacles that are impeding Continuous Auditing systems' implementation rate. Continuous Auditing has the potential to transform the existing audit paradigm from periodic reviews of a few accounting transactions to a continuous review of all transactions, which thereby could vastly strengthen an organization's risk management and business processes. Although Continuous Auditing implementations are occurring, their adoption is slower than expected. With the goal of providing an empirical and methodological foundation for future Continuous Auditing systems and possibly inspiring additional investigation into merging the Continuous Auditing and Emergency Management streams of research, this paper provides several definitions of Continuous Auditing, suggests possible architectures for these systems, lists some common implementation challenges and highlights a few examples of how Emergency Management research could potentially overcome them.
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Robert T. Brigantic, David S. Ebert, Courtney D. Corley, Ross Maciejewski, George A. Muller, & Aimee E. Taylor. (2010). Development of a quick look pandemic influenza modeling and visualization tool. 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: Federal, State, and local decision makers and public health officials must prepare and exercise complex plans to contend with a variety of possible mass casualty events, such as pandemic influenza. Through the provision of quick look tools (QLTs) focused on mass casualty events, such planning can be done with higher accuracy and more realism through the combination of interactive simulation and visualization in these tools. If an event happens, the QLTs can then be employed to rapidly assess and execute alternative mitigation strategies, and thereby minimize casualties. This can be achieved by conducting numerous “what-if” assessments prior to any event in order to assess potential health impacts (e.g., number of sick individuals), required community resources (e.g., vaccinations and hospital beds), and optimal mitigative decision strategies (e.g., school closures) during the course of a pandemic. In this presentation, we overview and demonstrate a pandemic influenza QLT, discuss some of the modeling methods and construct and visual analytic components and interface, and outline additional development concepts. These include the incorporation of a user selectable infectious disease palette, simultaneous visualization of decision alternatives, additional resource elements associated with emergency response (e.g., first responders and medical professionals), and provisions for other potential disaster events.
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Robert Thomson, Naoya Ito, Hinako Suda, Fangyu Lin, Yafei Liu., Ryo Hayasaka, et al. (2012). Trusting tweets: The Fukushima disaster and information source credibility on Twitter. 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: This paper focuses on the micro-blogging service Twitter, looking at source credibility for information shared in relation to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster in Japan. We look at the sources, credibility, and between-language differences in information shared in the month following the disaster. Messages were categorized by user, location, language, type, and credibility of information source. Tweets with reference to third-party information made up the bulk of messages sent, and it was also found that a majority of those sources were highly credible, including established institutions, traditional media outlets, and highly credible individuals. In general, profile anonymity proved to be correlated with a higher propensity to share information from low credibility sources. However, Japanese-language tweeters, while more likely to have anonymous profiles, referenced low-credibility sources less often than non-Japanese tweeters, suggesting proximity to the disaster mediating the degree of credibility of shared content. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Robin E. Mays. (2010). A planning approach to humanitarian logistics. 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 humanitarian events, logistics is traditionally considered at time of crisis, and at the tail-end of a project design with little to no strategical, logistical forethought applied. Introducing risk assessment and integrating logistics planning with program plans and training to these plans prior to disaster striking offers a more impactful response at time of disaster. This can be introduced in high risk countries through one on one training, simple templates, spreadsheets and standardized processes.a low to no technological, and highly relational method of building capacity and increasing the impact of an organization.s response to beneficiaries.
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Roser Beneito-Montagut, Susan Anson, Duncan Shaw, & Christopher Brewster. (2013). Governmental social media use for emergency communication. 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. 828–833). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The possibility of crowdsourced information, multi-geographical and multi-organisational information flows during emergencies and crises provided by web 2.0 tools are providing emergency management centres with new communication challenges and opportunities. Building on the existing emergency management and social media literature, this article explores how institutions are using and adopting social media for emergency communication. By examining the drivers and barriers of social media adoption in two European governmental agencies dealing with emergencies, the paper aims to establish a framework to examine whether and how institutional resilience could be improved.
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Rui Chen, Thirumurugan Thiyagarajan, Raghav H. Rao, & JinKyu LeeK. (2010). Design of a FOSS system for flood disaster 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: In this paper we study how information technology solutions can be used when disasters strike. This research in progress focuses on flood disasters and it proposes the design for flood disaster management. To increase the utility of the disaster management information system, we follow the free and open source system (FOSS) concept. Informed by the management tasks of flood response, we elaborate the system requirements and key functionalities. The system has received preliminary evaluation by the domain experts and is currently under further development.
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S.H.M. Fakhruddin. (2006). Community based cost effective early warning dissemination network (EWDN). In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 50–51). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Natural disasters are frequent in Bengladesh. Because Bengladesh has a fragile economy that is mostly dependent on agriculture, these events can be disastrous to the economy and people of the country. Adequate warnings to the community and institutions can mitigate the deleterious effects. This paper presents a model for an effective disaster warning and dissemination system (EWDN) that can provide timely and accurate alerts of natural disasters thus reducing loss of life, property and other risks.
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Samuel Otim. (2006). A case-based knowledge management system for disaster management: Fundamental concepts. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 598–604). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Computer-based knowledge management systems are vital for disaster detection, response planning, and management. These systems aid in early warning, and provide decision support for disaster response and recovery management. Managing past knowledge for reuse can expedite the process of disaster response and recovery management. While early warning systems predict some disasters with remarkable accuracy, there is a paucity of knowledge management systems for disaster response and management. This paper outlines a case-based reasoning (CBR) knowledge management system that in effect, is a model of human reasoning since it is based upon the idea that people frequently rely on previous problem-solving experiences when solving new problems. A CBR knowledge management system results in efficient and effective disaster response and management.
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Sara Vieweg, Leysia Palen, Sophia B. Liu, Amanda L. Hughes, & Jeannette N. Sutton. (2008). Collective intelligence in disaster: Examination of the phenomenon in the aftermath of the 2007 Virginia Tech Shooting. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 44–54). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: We report on the results of an investigation about the “informal, ” public-side communications that occurred in the aftermath of the April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech (VT) Shooting. Our on-going research reveals several examples of on-line social interaction organized around the goal of collective problem-solving. In this paper, we focus on specific instances of this distributed problem-solving activity, and explain, using an ethnomethodological lens, how a loosely connected group of people can work together on a grave topic to provide accurate results.
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Sarp Yeletaysi, Frank Fiedrich, & John R. Harrald. (2008). A framework for integrating GIS and systems simulation to analyze operational continuity of the petroleum supply chain. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 586–595). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Crisis and disaster management is a field that requires the understanding and application of tools and knowledge from multiple disciplines. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 have proven that U.S. petroleum infrastructure is vulnerable to major supply disruptions as a direct result of disasters. Due to the structure of U.S. oil supply chain, primary oil production centers (i.e. PADD* 3) are geographically separated from primary demand centers (i.e. PADD 1), which creates a natural dependency between those districts. To better understand the extent of those dependencies and downstream impacts of supply disruptions, a multi-disciplinary research approach is necessary. The cross-disciplines in this research include disaster management, critical infrastructure and oil supply chain management, and the utilization of geographic information systems (GIS) and systems simulation. This paper specifically focuses on the framework for integrating GIS and systems simulation as analysis tools in this research.
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Sergio Herranz, David Díez, Díaz, P., & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2012). Exploring the design of technological platformsfor virtual communities of practice. 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: Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoP) refers to groups of people who share a concern about a specific domain or topic and use a virtual environment to share and increase their knowledge and expertise about this domain. This kind of social structure has intrinsic features suitable to support emergency management communities. Nevertheless, the design of specific technological platforms that support both the activity and the practice of the community is not a trivial task, especially in critical domains such as emergency management. This paper presents the inquiry process carried out over one and a half years for the purpose of generating insights about the application of VCoPs within the emergency management context. Based on a case study, a set of findings is presented about the guidelines that should be followed in order to develop suitable technological platforms that support the labor of VCoPs in the emergency management context. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Seungwon Yang, Haeyong Chung, Xiao Lin, Sunshin Lee, Liangzhe Chen, Andrew Wood, et al. (2013). PhaseVis1: What, when, where, and who in visualizing the four phases of emergency management through the lens of social media. 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. 912–917). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The Four Phase Model of Emergency Management has been widely used in developing emergency/disaster response plans. However, the model has received criticism contrasting the clear phase distinctions in the model with the complex and overlapping nature of phases indicated by empirical evidence. To investigate how phases actually occur, we designed PhaseVis based on visualization principles, and applied it to Hurricane Isaac tweet data. We trained three classification algorithms using the four phases as categories. The 10-fold cross-validation showed that Multi-class SVM performed the best in Precision (0.8) and Naïve Bayes Multinomial performed the best in F-1 score (0.782). The tweet volume in each category was visualized as a ThemeRiver[TM], which shows the 'What' aspect. Other aspects – 'When', 'Where', and 'Who' – Are also integrated. The classification evaluation and a sample use case indicate that PhaseVis has potential utility in disasters, aiding those investigating a large disaster tweet dataset.
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Seyed Hossein Chavoshi, Mahmoud Reza Delavar, Mahdieh Soleimani, & Motahareh Chavoshi. (2008). Toward developing an expert GIS for damage evaluation after an earthquake (case study: Tehran). In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 734–741). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In an earthquake disaster, having proper estimation about destructed buildings and the degree of destruction, can considerably facilitate decision-making and planning for disaster managers. Using this information, the managers can estimate disaster area and number of victims to determine and allocate required resources. Scientific studies and historical data show that the faults around Tehran, the capital of Iran, are capable to create strong earthquakes which would bring the largest damages in the world history to the city. So it is necessary to be prepared for a rapid and knowledge-based response to such an earthquake. Therefore, development of a knowledge-based model to estimate destruction of buildings is ongoing. The model is going to be developed by using different spatial data obtained from the buildings and its environment in Tehran. This paper outlines the initial results of this research.
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Shideh Dashti, Leysia Palen, Mehdi P. Heris, Kenneth M. Anderson, T. Jennings Anderson, & Scott Anderson. (2014). Supporting disaster reconnaissance with social media data: A design-oriented case study of the 2013 Colorado floods. 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. 632–641). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Engineering reconnaissance following an extreme event is critical in identifying the causes of infrastructure failure and minimizing such consequences in similar future events. Typically, however, much of the data about infrastructure performance and the progression of geological phenomena are lost during the event or soon after as efforts move to the recovery phase. A better methodology for reliable and rapid collection of perishable hazards data will enhance scientific inquiry and accelerate the building of disaster-resilient cities. In this paper, we explore ways to support post-event reconnaissance through the strategic collection and reuse of social media data and other remote sources of information, in response to the September 2013 flooding in Colorado. We show how tweets, particularly with postings of visual data and references to location, may be used to directly support geotechnical experts by helping to digitally survey the affected region and to navigate optimal paths through the physical space in preparation for direct observation.
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Simon French, & Carmen Niculae. (2004). Believe in the model: Mishandle the emergency. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 9–14). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: During the past quarter century there have been many developments in scientific models and computer codes to help predict the ongoing consequences in the aftermath of many types of emergency: e.g. storms and flooding, chemical and nuclear accident, epidemics such as SARS and terrorist attack. Some of these models relate to the immediate events and can help in managing the emergency; others predict longer term impacts and thus can help shape the strategy for the return to normality. But there are many pitfalls in the way of using these models effectively. Firstly, non-scientists and, sadly, many scientists believe in the models' predictions too much. The inherent uncertainties in the models are underestimated; sometimes almost unacknowledged. This means that initial strategies may need to be revised in ways that unsettle the public, losing their trust in the emergency management process. Secondly, the output from these models form an extremely valuable input to the decision making process; but only one such input. Most emergencies are events that have huge social and economic impacts alongside the health and environmental consequences. While we can model the latter passably well, we are not so good at modelling economic impacts and very poor at modelling social impacts. Too often our political masters promise the best 'science-based' decision making and too late realise that the social and economic impacts need addressing. In this paper, we explore how model predictions should be drawn into emergency management processes in more balanced ways than often has occurred in the past. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Simon French, & Nikolaos Agryris. (2014). Nuclear emergency management: Driven by precedent or international guidance? 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. 483–487). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: The NREFS project is re-evaluating the management of radiation accidents, paying attention to environmental, financial and safety issues and to the threat and response phase. In designing our project some two years ago, we were concerned to avoid any assumption that a future accident will be similar to a past accident, in particular the Chernobyl and Fukushima Accidents. After a year of research on the issues to be considered and the criteria that could or should drive the decision making, our concern has increased. We have found that international guidance provided by organisations such as ICRP and IAEA lack the specificity to help decision makers. Precedent set in the handling of earlier accidents provides much clearer and tighter guidance – and, moreover, one may feel that that the public will expect them to follow such precedent. Unfortunately the circumstances of a future accident may make precedent inapplicable. Consequently we believe that there is an urgent need to think more widely about nuclear emergency management.
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Simone Wurster, Michael Klafft, & Marcel Kühn. (2015). Beyond Saving Lives: Assessing the Economic Benefits of Early Warning Apps for Companies in the Context of Hydrological Hazards. 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: Natural and man-made hazards are increasingly threatening modern societies. Therefore Turoff, Hiltz, Bañuls and Van Den Eede (2013) highlight the need for boosting efforts in planning for emergencies. Advanced early warning systems (EWS) provide opportunities to increase the resilience of societies. Warning via mobile phones is considered to be the best way of alerting but few public authorities already use this warning channel. EWS also help to protect property but their implementation requires significant investments. Cost-benefit estimations are needed for public authorities, insurance companies and the users, particularly private households and enterprises. This paper contributes a disaster-independent formula to disaster research with specific applications for hydrological hazards. Illustrated by a heavy rain scenario, it shows, in particular, the benefits of EWS for companies. A specific focus is put on lead time aspects.
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Simone Wurster, & Ulrich Meissen. (2014). Towards an economic assessment approach for early warning systems: Improving cost-avoidance calculations with regard to private households. 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. 439–443). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: In recent years, Early Warning Systems (EWS) have proven their value by saving many lives. However, most in-vestments into EWS were motivated directly by experienced disaster events and rarely pro-actively by possible up-coming threats. In order to change that we think that besides ethical and humanitarian reasons also the positive economic effects should be analyzed. EWS also help to protect property, but their contribution is not as obvious in that field due to the lack of quantitative models. This paper presents a disaster-independent formula that shows the benefits of EWS. Additional value to existing approaches is based on its advanced focus on behavioral aspects and the benefits of EWS in comparison to warnings issued via social media. We consider this work as an important contribution for future investments into warning technologies. However, yet this model just provides a theoretical framework for necessary empirical studies that are subject of further research.
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Siska Fitrianie, Ronald Poppe, Trung H. Bui, Alin Gavril Chitu, Dragos Datcu, Ramón Dor, et al. (2007). A multimodal human-computer interaction framework for research into crisis management. 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. 149–158). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Unreliable communication networks, chaotic environments and stressful conditions can make communication during crisis events difficult. The current practice in crisis management can be improved by introducing ICT systems in the process. However, much experimentation is needed to determine where and how ICT can aid. Therefore, we propose a framework in which predefined modules can be connected in an ad hoc fashion. Such a framework allows for rapid development and evaluation of such ICT systems. The framework offers recognition of various communication modalities including speech, lip movement, facial expression, handwriting and drawing, body gesture, text and visual symbols. It provides mechanisms to fuse these modalities into a context dependent interpretation of the current situation and generate appropriate the multimodal information responses. The proposed toolbox can be used as part of a disaster and rescue simulation. We propose evaluation methods, and focus on the technological aspects of our framework.
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Sofie Pilemalm, & Niklas Hallberg. (2008). Exploring service-oriented C2 support for emergency response for local communities. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 159–166). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The increased impact of natural disasters and terror attacks on our society has augmented the awareness of needs for advances in emergency response. For local communities it is vital to make use of existing resources. Service-oriented technology provides new possibilities for the enhancement of command and control (C2) systems. However, to gain full use of the technology, it must harmonize with the supported organizations and their work procedures. This paper explores the possibilities and usefulness of service oriented C2-systems for emergency response at the local community level. The study was performed in five steps: (1) literature study, (2) interviews, (3) scenario design, (4) prototyping service-oriented C2 systems, and (5) a scenario based evaluation. The results show that service-oriented C2 systems would support and enhance emergency response at the local community level. Still, several issues that need to be further considered remain, not the least the ability of quality assurance of services.
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Sophia B. Liu, Leysia Palen, Jeannette N. Sutton, Amanda L. Hughes, & Sara Vieweg. (2008). In search of the bigger picture: The emergent role of on-line photo sharing in times of disaster. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 140–149). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Eyewitness photography is increasingly playing a more significant role in disaster response and recovery efforts. This research elaborates on the ways in which members of the public participate during times of disaster by closely examining the evolving role of a prominent photo-sharing website, Flickr, in events that have occurred since its launch in February 2004. We discuss features of Flickr's emerging evolutionary growth as a community forum for disaster-related grassroots activity based on the findings from our qualitative study of 29 groups across six disasters over Flickr's nearly three-year lifespan. Our findings discuss efforts toward the development of norms that attempt to guide the nature of social practice around photographic content during disaster response and recovery efforts.
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