Aslak Wegner Eide, Ida Maria Haugstveit, Ragnhild Halvorsrud, & María Borén. (2013). Inter-organizational collaboration structures during emergency response: A case study. 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. 94–104). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper examines the problem of achieving efficient inter-organizational collaboration during emergency response. The authors interviewed 11 representatives from Norwegian emergency agencies and supporting organizations about a hypothetical scenario involving a large-scale chemical incident. The interviews resulted in the identification and categorization of more than 45 actors that would be involved in the response effort, clarification of the individual capabilities and knowledge those actors would possess, and descriptions of how they would interact and communicate with each other. The results illustrate the complexity and necessity of achieving inter-organizational collaboration by showing how capabilities and knowledge are distributed and communicated across different actors, and suggest that such communications are mainly verbal. Based on this, the paper discusses challenges and opportunities for improving inter-organizational collaboration in the future.
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Elodie Fichet, John Robinson, Dharma Dailey, & Kate Starbird. (2016). Eyes on the Ground: Emerging Practices in Periscope Use during Crisis Events. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: This empirical analysis examines the use of the live-streaming application Periscope in three crises that occurred in 2015. Qualitative analyses of tweets relating to the Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia, Baltimore protests after Freddie Grey?s death, and Hurricane Joaquin flooding in South Carolina reveal that this recently deployed application is being used by both citizens and journalists for information sharing, crisis coverage and commentary. The accessibility and immediacy of live video directly from crisis situations, and the embedded chats which overlay on top of a video feed, extend the possibilities of real-time interaction between remote crowds and those on the ground in a crisis. These empirical findings suggest several potential challenges and opportunities for responders.
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Emma Potter. (2016). Balancing conflicting operational and communications priorities: social media use in an emergency management organization. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Social media are now widely used by affected members of the public during an emergency. As these platforms have become mainstream, governments have responded to the public?s expectation that information is available online, particularly during disasters. Emergency management organizations (EMOs) now widely use social media to communicate with the public alongside occasional intelligence gathering. While EMOs increasingly use social media, breakdowns in internal communication can inhibit the dissemination of timely information to their online followers. Drawing on a two-year ethnography at the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), an Australian EMO, this paper outlines how the organization uses social media to disseminate information during emergencies and identifies the internal tensions around its use. These tensions include the prioritization of operational duties over public information responsibilities, and the difficulties around requesting and receiving information from operational personnel located on the ground.
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Fahd Bin Malek Newaz, Aslak Wegner Eide, & Antoine Pultier. (2015). Supporting first responder in-field communication and navigation using head-mounted displays. 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 explores the added-value of using interactive head-mounted displays to support command and control of first responders during emergency response. Specifically, it describes and evaluates a prototype system that makes use of Google Glass to enable in-field receiving of information from a command center, as well as in-field navigation and video streaming. The viability and usefulness of the concept was evaluated through a set of end-user workshops and interviews. A small-scale experiment was also conducted to assess the efficiency of using head-mounted displays for in-field navigation, as compared to handheld devices. Findings from workshops and interviews suggest that head-mounted displays could be a valuable supplement to radio communication, with potential for reducing information misinterpretation, and for enhancing information quality. Results from the experiment indicate that head-mounted displays have the same level of efficiency as handheld devices when used for basic navigation tasks.
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Gary M. Fetter, & Mauro Falasca. (2011). Establishing the need for decision support in disaster debris disposal. 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: One of the most important and costly aspects of recovery operations is debris collection and disposal. The unique nature of disaster debris and the extreme amounts generated as a result of the disaster event create challenges for decision makers that are not typically encountered during every day solid-waste disposal operations. This work-in-progress research is aimed at identifying the unique aspects of disaster debris disposal and the need for decision support, which addresses these unique aspects, to assist emergency management coordinators with allocating resources during on-going debris cleanup operations. We will present a decision support system framework, discuss aspects of the knowledge base, model base, and user interface, and show how an emergency management coordinator might use the system during ongoing daily operations using real-world data from a 2003 Atlantic hurricane.
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Stephen C. Fortier. (2013). Developing an incident response process model for chemical facilities. 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. 941–950). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This research project investigated the incident response mechanism used by the chemical industry for handling extremely hazardous chemicals. The mechanism was described as the policies, procedures, practices, tools, and methods used to conduct incident response. The results from the study determined what technologies, specifically software and information systems, could be utilized to improve the chemical facility incident response mechanism. The chemical industry is responsible for process safety management at all of its facilities, especially those that have off-site consequences in the event of an unplanned release. The processes and procedures of local, regional and national emergency responders have been studied thoroughly. An area of research that is lacking is the study of incident response policies and procedures within the boundaries of a chemical site. Results of the analysis determined that the chemical industry, in general, does not take advantage of available information technology when responding to unplanned releases.
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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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Jean-François Gagnon, François Couderc, Martin Rivest, Simon Banbury, & Sébastien Tremblay. (2013). Using SYnRGY to support design and validation studies of emergency management solutions. 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. 512–516). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Emergency management situations are highly complex and require the collaboration of multiple parties for adequate responses to incidents. The design and validation of effective emergency response systems is critical in order to improve the overall effectiveness of teams tasked to manage emergency situations. We report ongoing work whose objective is to increase the efficiency of emergency response solutions through iterative cycles of human in-the-loop simulation, modeling, and adaptation. Ultimately, this cycle could either be achieved offline for complex adaptation (e.g., development of a novel interface), or online to provide timely and accurate decision support during an emergency management event. The method is made possible by achieving a high degree of realism and experimental control through the use of an innovative emergency management simulation platform called SYnRGY.,Emergency Management, Emergency Response Systems, Simulation, System Design, Validation.
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Jean-François Gagnon, Martin Rivest, François Couderc, & Sébastien Tremblay. (2012). Capturing the task model of experts in emergency response using SYnRGY. 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: The need for better team measurement in realistic environments has been recognized as one of the key challenges that characterize the field of team work studies (Salas, Cooke, & Rosen, 2008). This challenge is particularly hard to address in the context of emergency response, due to the inherent complexity and dynamism of the domain. Emergency response is part of the emergency management cycle, and refers to the mobilization of the adequate actors and resources to mitigate the impact of an incident on the public and on the environment (Abrahamsson, Hassel, and Tehler, 2010). Emergency response often requires the cooperation of multiple agencies such as police, medical, and fire services, consequently increasing the complexity of such operations. We report of how SYnRGY – a human-centered emergency response technological tool – is embedded with extensive measurement and simulation capabilities to allow tracing of experts' task models in a silent and reliable way. We describe how these capabilities; combined with an innovative modeling technique – dynamic cognitive task modeling – can be used to extract experts' representations of the task. We discuss the importance of such a model for training, improvement of emergency response procedures and development of emergency response tools. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Antony Galton, & Michael Worboys. (2011). An ontology of information for emergency management. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The next generation of information systems for emergency management will be based on information provided by large and diverse collections of sensors, including information supplied by human volunteers. Consequently there is more than ever a need to provide solutions to the integration question, so that the Common Operating Picture can truly and effectively provide the unified view required of it. This paper describes some work on the ontology of information that can contribute to a solution of the integration problem. To set the stage, the paper discusses the relevance of information integration to emergency management, and then goes on to describe a project that provided the catalyst for this work. Later sections introduce ontological research and proceed to use it to lay the foundations for an ontology of information. In the final sections we indicate how such an ontology can be used in the context of emergency management.
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Gavin Treadgold, James Gunn, Paul Morton, & Simon Chambers. (2018). Developing a regional approach and strategy for geographical information systems for emergency 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. 190–199). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: This paper outlines practitioner work-in-progress in Canterbury, New Zealand, to develop a regional approach for geographical information systems (GIS) for emergency management. This is based upon recent events in Canterbury including earthquakes, floods, and fire; as well as New Zealand-wide work that is being done under the NZ GIS4EM banner. It introduces our approach, discusses a mind map that is being used to track desired data sets, plans to develop applications to support response functions in emergency operations centres, and the goal of using the common data sets as the basis of a common operating picture for Canterbury. Risks and issues associated with this work are highlighted, and then the draft strategy is introduced with desired outcomes and principles to achieve this goal. While initial work is primarily focused on GIS, the expectation is that the approach will be expanded to take a broader information management perspective in future.
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Nicklaus A. Giacobe, & Pamela J. Soule. (2014). Social media for the emergency manager in disaster planning and response. 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. 570–574). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This practitioner paper outlines some of the benefits for the use of social media, from the perspective of a local-level or county-level emergency manager (EM). As compared to state and national level emergency management, because local level EMs have limited manpower and resources, social media can positively or negatively impact the effectiveness of communication before, during and after disaster strikes. Outlined in this paper are six key points where local EMs have specific needs that could be addressed by the effective use of social media and, in the opinion of the authors, represent the top issues that EMs face when considering how to leverage Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other social media platforms. The six needs addressed in this paper include: 1) Best practices for general social media use by EMs, 2) Social media use for internal command and control within the EM group, 3) Developing situation awareness by monitoring social media, especially prior to predicable events, 4) Communicating disaster preparedness messages through social media, 5)Using social media for gathering damage assessment information during, or immediately following a crisis,and 6) Leveraging social media volunteer groups. This short paper picks up where the Federal Emergency Management Agency's social media training leaves off and attempts to represent these six needs as use cases for researchers and developers to address in future publications and products.
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Jose J. Gonzalez, Geir Bø, & John Einar Johansen. (2013). A system dynamics model of the 2005 hatlestad slide emergency 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. 658–667). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: It has long been recognized that the management of emergencies requires that response organisations act flexibly, becoming an “emergent organisation” to better manage the fact that disasters do not follow scripts. Nevertheless, recent research shows that crisis response organisations prefer to follow patterns adequate for normal situations. Arguably, the resistance to become an emergent organisation could be related to poor understanding of how to move from disorganisation to self-organisation. We extend a recent system dynamics work by Tu, Wang and Tseng, describing the transition from disorganisation to self-organisation in the Palau case, to analyse the management of disorganisation in the fatal Hatlestad landslide in Norway. We suggest that the causal structure of the system dynamics model describing the Palau and the Hatlestad case should be considered a candidate for an emergent “middle-range theory” describing the management of disorganisation in emergencies. We propose specific data collection to test the candidate theory.
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Grace, R., Montarnal, A., Petitdemange, E., Rutter, J., Rodriguez, G. R., & Potts, M. (2023). Collaborative Information Seeking during a 911 Call Surge: A Case Study. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 649–662). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: This case study examines collaborative information seeking in a public-safety answering point during a 911 call surge that occurred when a man fired an assault rifle at police officers and evaded capture for nearly an hour in March 2020. Overwhelmed by questionable and imprecise reports from 911 callers, telecommunicators and on scene responders began working together to conduct broad and deep searches for the shooter. Whereas broad searches improved the scope of information gathering by identifying multiple, albeit questionable and imprecise, reports of the suspect’s location, deep searches improved the quality of information gathering by investigating 911 callers’ reports using drone, helicopter, and patrol units. These findings suggest requirements for collaborative information seeking in public-safety answering points, including capabilities to conduct broad and deep searches using next-generation 911 technologies, and command and control requirements for triaging these search tasks within inter-organizational emergency response systems.
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Tim J. Grant. (2008). Checklist for comparing emergency management information systems. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 752–763). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes a checklist that has been developed for comparing the functionality of emergency management control centres and their information systems. The intention is to interest the ISCRAM community in using the checklist in various applications and pooling experiences. The Control Centre Visit Checklist has evolved through four iterations. It has been used to study two military C2 systems and one non-military control system, and has been applied by students for course assignments. The paper focuses on the part of the checklist that evaluates the information system from the systems viewpoint. It describes the underlying applications architecture and process model. The Royal Netherlands Army's Battlefield Management System illustrates the application of the checklist. The results show that the checklist aids in identifying where C2 systems can be developed further. The next step is to perform a set of substantial pilot studies for diverse domains, including civilian emergency management systems.
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Zvonko Grzetic, Nenad Mladineo, & Snjezana Knezic. (2008). Emergency management systems to accommodate ships in distress. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 669–678). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: As a future member of the European Union (EU), Croatia has decided to implement EU Directive 2002/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council binding all EU member states to define places of refuge for ships in need of assistance off their coasts, or to develop techniques for providing assistance to such ships. Consequently, the Ministry of the Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development of the Republic of Croatia has initiated a project for developing an effective Decision Support System (DSS) for defining the places of refuge for ships in distress at sea. Such a system would include a model based upon GIS and different operational research models, which would eventually result in establishing an integral DSS. Starting points for analysis are shipping corridors, and 380 potential locations for places of refuge designated in the official navigational pilot book. Multicriteria analysis, with GIS-generated input data, would be used to establish worthiness of a place of refuge for each ship category, taking into account kinds of accident. Tables of available intervention resources would be made, as well as analysis of their availability in respect of response time, and quantitative and qualitative sufficiency.
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Matthew Guardascione, & Allen E. Milewski. (2010). Feedback mechanisms in automated emergency management training. 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 study explored automated training for emergency managers and the effects of feedback on performance. A prototype emergency management training application was built to allow the usage of either immediate feedback or delayed, “hotwash” feedback. Users were split into two groups and asked to carry out two emergency management scenarios using one of the feedback mechanisms, and the difference in scores between each feedback type were analyzed There was a general increase in performance across sessions. Further, the improvements in scores between each feedback type showed that users performed significantly better when using the hotwash feedback mechanism compared with the immediate feedback mechanism. In contrast to the performance data, preference data showed no overall differences between the two procedures, although each user had a strong preference for one or the other feedback mechanism. The implications for the design of training systems offering both procedures are discussed.
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Niklas Hallberg, Helena Granlund, Jonas Hallberg, & Rogier Woltjer. (2012). Rationale for emergency management systems for local communities: A needs assessment. 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: Information systems have great potential to support emergency management. However, development of such systems is difficult, due to the complexity of emergency management. The ability to be able to reveal the needs for support are essential for successful system developments. The emergency responders at the local community level are the main actors when it comes to emergency management. The objective of this paper is to explore the rationale for emergency management systems at the local community level. This is done by an extensive needs assessment based on 12 interviews with representatives for local as well as regional emergency organizations and 49 governing documents. The analysis uncovers ten areas where emergency management systems can enhance the ability of local communities' to manage emergencies. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Stephen E. Hannestad. (2005). Incident command system: A developing national standard of incident management in the U.S. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 19–28). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper is a critical examination of the U.S. Incident Command System (“ICS”) as an organizational structure and information gathering tool for emergency management from the perspective of a career emergency management officer who became a graduate student in information management following 35 years of public service. In addition to examining the ICS, and assessing its current weaknesses in the area of information management, the paper proposes a low-cost, COTS approach to automating the ICS information gathering and dissemination process.
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Hemant Purohit, & Kathleen Moore. (2018). The Digital Crow's Nest: A Framework for Proactive Disaster Informatics & Resilience by Open Source Intelligence. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 949–958). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The research on technology-assisted crisis management has primarily existed for two decades since 9/11. Although, the focus of technology research has been centered around tools to assist the response phase after a disaster. There has been a lack of emphasis on the role and design of technologies to assist the other phases of the crisis management cycle, particularly preparedness and mitigation phases to lead towards the vision of building resilient communities. In this paper, we first identify resilience characteristics of a community from the prior literature. We then analyze a co-occurrence network of concepts in the ISCRAM publications to validate the gap in relating technologies to resilience and conduct an indicator analysis of factors for proactive disaster informatics via a case study of recent disaster. Our analysis leads us to propose a conceptual framework “Digital Crow's Nest” based on Open Source Intelligence to improve the technology design for community resilience.
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Arthur H. Hendela, Xiang Yao, Murray Turoff, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Michael J. Chumer. (2006). Virtual emergency preparedness gaming: A follow-up study. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 450–459). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Planning processes, including simulations and games, can help emergency workers to prepare for the unexpected. Rehearsal using software based gaming techniques not only helps planning, but is also cost effective. Computer-based groupware systems can make experts available regardless of location. A new approach, Virtual Simulation (VS), uses networking to create a flexible learning and planning environment. To date two prototype trials of this approach have been implemented at NJIT with major revamps between each one. This paper gives the results of the latest prototype trial, a simulation of attacks on university computer centers. The insights from this second prototype trial of virtual simulation will help us to improve the design and approach for future offerings.
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María Hernandez, Susana Montero, David Díez, Paloma Díaz, & Ignacio Aedo. (2010). A data transfer protocol for forest fire statistics: Achieving interoperability among independent agencies. 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 elaboration of statistics after a catastrophic situation allows us not only to analyze the economic, ecological and social impact of the event but also to improve the emergency management process. One compelling example of data collection for statistics is forest fires. The agencies involved in providing data have its own systems to collect data and mechanisms to send them, as well as, its data format for storing. Since such mechanisms are usually proprietary, and in order to normalize the exchange of data with statistics generating systems, a data transfer protocol should be used. In this paper we present a data transfer protocol called Forest Fire Statistics Protocol (FFSP). This protocol aims at transmitting consolidated forest fire data between independent agencies. The data transferred are based on the Forest Fire Report Data Model. Both mechanisms are based on open standards providing both technical interoperability and a solution that might be developed once and fit the needs of all. FFSP has been implemented as a web service over SOAP, SSL/TLS and TCP protocols.
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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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Norman C. Hester, Jim Wilkinson, Stephen Patrick Horton, & Theresa I. Jefferson. (2008). Integration of information systems for post earthquake research 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. 362–367). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Natural disasters occur infrequently, limiting our ability to develop an inclusive knowledge base concerning such events. The ability to study, interpret, and document findings immediately following a damaging seismic event, is a critical step in furthering our understanding of events, allowing for effective awareness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts. In the central United States, a Post Earthquake Technical Information Clearinghouse (PETIC) Plan has been developed to coordinate research activities, and to facilitate collaboration between the emergency management and research communities. Because a damaging earthquake in the central U.S. will impact several states, a Multi-State Technical Information Clearinghouse (MSTIC) Coordination Plan to link state technical information clearinghouses (STICs) is proposed. This paper describes beginning efforts to define the role and functions of a MSTIC as well as formalize plans with emergency management agencies to facilitate collaboration and coordination between STICs, the MSTIC.
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Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Jane Kushma, & Linda Plotnick. (2014). Use of Social Media by U.S. Public Sector Emergency Managers: Barriers and Wish Lists. 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. 602–611). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with U.S. public sector emergency managers to probe barriers to use of social media and reactions to possible software enhancements to support such use. The three most frequently described barriers were lack of personnel time to work on use of social media, lack of policies and guidelines for its use, and concern about the trustworthiness of pulled data. The most popular of the possible technological enhancements described for Twitter are filtering by category of user/contributor, and display of posts on a GIS system with a map-based display.
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