Robert Power, Bella Robinson, John Colton, & Mark Cameron. (2015). A Case Study for Monitoring Fires with Twitter. 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 presents a user configurable monitoring system to track in near-real-time tweets describing fire events. The system targets fire related words in a user defined region of interest published on Twitter which are further processed by a text classifier to determine if they describe a known fire event of interest. The system was motivated from a case study that examined a corpus of tweets posted during active bushfires. This demonstrated that useful information is available on Twitter about fire events from people who are in the vicinity.
We present an overview of the system describing how it is initially configured by a user to focus on specific fire events in Australia, the development of a text classifier to identify tweets of interest, especially those with accompanying photos, and the monitoring system that can track multiple events at once.
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Robin E. Mays, Mark Zachry, Murat, A., & Mark P. Haselkorn. (2011). Aligning border security workflow and decision making with supporting information and communication 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: As part of the National Center for Border Security and Immigration (NCBSI) led by the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), researchers from the University of Washington, Wayne State University, and UTEP conducted a three-site study of border security operations and the role of command, control and communication (C3) systems in support of those operations. While inevitably bringing some positive capability to the environment, if C3 systems are not consciously aligned with desired practices and decision-making, the implications will not always be for the better. This is especially true of C3 systems in the border security environment because these systems are intimately intertwined with complex and critical workflow and decision-making processes, often in the context of complex and, at times, competing missions.
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Anthony C. Robinson, Alexander Savelyev, Scott Pezanowski, & Alan M. MacEachren. (2013). Understanding the utility of geospatial information in 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. 918–922). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Crisis situations generate tens of millions of social media reports, many of which contain references to geographic features and locations. Contemporary systems are now capable of mining and visualizing these location references in social media reports, but we have yet to develop a deep understanding of what end-users will expect to do with this information when attempting to achieve situational awareness. To explore this problem, we have conducted a utility and usability analysis of SensePlace2, a geovisual analytics tool designed to explore geospatial information found in Tweets. Eight users completed a task analysis and survey study using SensePlace2. Our findings reveal user expectations and key paths for solving usability and utility issues to inform the design of future visual analytics systems that incorporate geographic information from social media.
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Angel Ruiz-Zafra, Ana-Gabriela Núñez, Carmen Penadés, José H. Canós-Cerdá, & Marcos R. S. Borges. (2014). SUCRE: Supporting users, controllers and responders in emergencies. 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. 255–259). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: We use the term “Personal Safety Assistants” (PSAs) to refer to a family of mobile information systems that intend to reduce the risks of both citizens and responders in emergency responses. Using their mobile devices, they can access to personalized views of the emergency plans including context-aware evacuation instructions or real time guidance to specific locations for rescue operations, among others. Additionally, both responders and citizens act as context sources sending fresh information (e.g. pictures of damaged areas) to the command and control center, increasing situational awareness. In this paper, we show how the SUCRE infrastructure collects and processes contextual information to improve the information infrastructure during responses. We describe the current status of the system and outline the incoming enhancements.
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Sandra König, & Stefan Schauer. (2019). Cascading Threats in Critical Infrastructures with Control Systems. 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: Critical infrastructures (CIs) increase in complexity due to numerous dependencies on other CIs but also due to the ongoing digitalization in the industry sector. This yields an increased risk of failure of a single CI as the overall systems gets very fragile and sensitive to errors Failure of a single component may affect large parts of an infrastructure due to cascading effects. One way to support functionality of a CI is the use of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) that allow monitoring remote sites and controlling processes. However, this is an additional source for threats as recent cyber-attacks have shown. Further, the additional information for such cyber systems is often not efficiently combined with existing information on the physical infrastructure. We here propose a method to combine these two sources of information in order to estimate the impact of a security incident on CIs, taking into account cascading effects of threats. An implementation of the model allows simulation of the dynamics inside a CI and yields a record of the status of each asset of the CI. The way the assets change their states illustrates the consequences of an incident on the entire CI. Visualization of the results provides an overview on the situation of the entire CI at a certain point of time and a sequence of such visualization over an entire period of time illustrates the changes over time. The results from this analysis may be used to support security officers in analyzing the current (hybrid) state of their CI in case of an incident and thus increase the hybrid situational awareness.
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Cláudio Sapateiro, & Pedro Antunes. (2009). An emergency response model toward situational awareness improvement. 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: When facing emergency scenarios, several contingent factors may strongly condition the pre-defined response procedures. The proposed approach takes the perspective that an emergency response tool may guide the response effort. The tool adopts a conceptual model grounded on existing situation awareness models and research work done with High Reliability Organizations. The model structures the emergency management process in a set of dimensions that should be collaboratively correlated by the involved participants in order to mitigate the disruptive situation. An instantiation of the proposed approach is also described in the paper, focusing on IT service desk teams addressing emergency incidents that may compromise business continuity.
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Axel Schulz, Tung Dang Thanh, Heiko Paulheim, & Immanuel Schweizer. (2013). A fine-grained sentiment analysis approach for detecting crisis related microposts. 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. 846–851). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Real-time information from microposts like Twitter is useful for applications in the crisis management domain. Currently, that potentially valuable information remains mostly unused by the command staff, mainly because the sheer amount of information cannot be handled efficiently. Sentiment analysis has been shown as an effective tool to detect microposts (such as tweets) that contribute to situational awareness. However, current approaches only focus on two or three emotion classes. But using only tweets with negative emotions for crisis management is not always sufficient. The amount of remaining information is still not manageable or most of the tweets are irrelevant. Thus, a more fine-grained differentiation is needed to identify relevant microposts. In this paper, we show the systematic evaluation of an approach for sentiment analysis on microposts that allows detecting seven emotion classes. A preliminary evaluation of our approach in a crisis related scenario demonstrates the applicability and usefulness.
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Stella Polikarpus, Tobias Ley, & Katrin Poom-Valickis. (2021). Collaborative Authoring of Virtual Simulation Scenarios for Assessing Situational Awareness. 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. 229–237). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Situational awareness (SA), the ability to perceive, comprehend and predict situation around you and it is a key in attending any incident as critical foundation for successful decision-making. Because incidents are solitary events, development and assessment of SA presents a significant challenge. In this article we analyze the authoring process of twenty-two scenarios implemented in the XVR on-scene virtual simulation software used to assess rescue incident commanders' (ICs) SA. To allow the scenarios to be used by different assessors, the Collaborative Authoring Process Model for Virtual Simulation Scenarios (CAPM) was developed. In Estonia, 473 assessments were recorded in Effective Command database and analysed by all three levels of SA as recommended by Endsley (2000). Introduction of CAPM resulted in scenarios being re-used by different assessors for authentic SA measuring. In the last sections of this article, we introduce our suggestions to improve virtual scenario design and SA research.
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Terje Gjøsæter, Jaziar Radianti, & Weiqin Chen. (2019). Understanding Situational Disabilities and Situational Awareness in Disasters. 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: In this paper, a scenario-based approach augmented with personas typically used in universal design and
interactive design domains is used to illustrate the occurrence of situational disabilities in emergency situations,
and to show how environmental factors can trigger these situational disabilities. With the help of personas
representing selected archetypical characteristics and roles, the scenarios are further examined to show how these
situational disabilities can affect the situational awareness of different stakeholders, not only in the command and
control centers, but also first responders in the field as well as affected members of the public. This approach
provides a better understanding of the importance of universal design of ICT for Emergency Management, not
only for people with disabilities and the elderly, but for anyone.
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Terje Gjøsæter, Jaziar Radianti, & Weiqin Chen. (2020). Towards Situational Disability-aware Universally Designed Information Support Systems for Enhanced Situational Awareness. 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. 1038–1047). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This paper takes on the challenge of designing situational awareness information systems that take into account not only the prevalence of so-called demons of situational awareness, but also situational disabilities that will typically occur in a disaster situation, both in the control room and in the field among the general public as well as first responders. It further outlines how a situational awareness information system process model can be adapted and used as a basis for designing situational awareness information support systems that address these issues with the help of Universal Design principles.
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Tiina Ristmae, Dimitra Dionysiou, Miltiadis Koutsokeras, Athanasios Douklias, Eleftherios Ouzounoglou, Angelos Amditis, et al. (2021). The CURSOR Search and Rescue (SaR) Kit: an innovative solution for improving the efficiency of Urban SaR Operations. 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. 867–880). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: CURSOR (Coordinated Use of miniaturized Robotic equipment and advanced Sensors for search and rescue OpeRations) is an ongoing European H2020 project with the main objective to enhance the efficiency and safety of Urban Search and Rescue (USaR) operations on disaster sites. CURSOR's approach relies on the integration of multiple mature and emerging technologies offering complementary capabilities to an USaR system, so as to address several challenges and capability gaps currently encountered during first responder missions. The project's research and development are structured around an earthquake master scenario. CURSOR aspires to advance the state-of the-art in several key aspects, including reduced time for victim detection, increased victim localization accuracy, enhanced real-time worksite information management, improved situational awareness and rescue team safety.
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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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Brian M. Tomaszewski, Anthony C. Robinson, Chris E. Weaver, Michael Stryker, & Alan M. MacEachren. (2007). Geovisual analytics and 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. 173–179). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Increasing data heterogeneity, fragmentation and volume, coupled with complex connections among specialists in disaster response, mitigation, and recovery situations demand new approaches for information technology to support crisis management. Advances in visual analytics tools show promise to support time-sensitive collaboration, analytical reasoning, problem solving and decision making for crisis management. Furthermore, as all crises have geospatial components, crisis management tools need to include geospatial data representation and support for geographic contextualization of location-specific decision-making throughout the crisis. This paper provides an introduction to and description of Geovisual Analytics applied to crisis management activity. The goal of Geovisual Analytics in this context is to support situational awareness, problem solving, and decision making using highly interactive, visual environments that integrate multiple data sources that include georeferencing. We use an emergency support function example to discuss how recent progress in Geovisual Analytics can address the issues a crisis can present.
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Simon Tucker, Vitaveska Lanfranchi, Neil Ireson, Alfonso Sosa, Gregoire Burel, & Fabio Ciravegna. (2012). Straight to the information I need: Assessing collational interfaces for emergency response. 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: Collational interfaces gather information from a range of sources and present them to users. Information overload is tackled by processing information in the back-end and providing interactive means to filter and browse data. Such interfaces have applications in emergency response – giving users the right information to act effectively. In this paper we explore a collational interface for emergency response, carrying out a user study that compares it to a paper based interface and one which presents data without collating it. We demonstrate that a collational interface allows users to build a picture of an emergency, but not necessarily in less time. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Vimala Nunavath, Jaziar Radianti, Tina Comes, & Andreas Prinz. (2015). Visualization of Information Flows and Exchanged Information: Evidence from an indoor fire game. 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: Understanding information flows is essential to improve coordination information systems. Aims of such systems are typically reducing information overload and improving situational awareness. Yet, there is a lack of intuitive and easily understandable tools that help to structure and visualize the ad hoc information flows that occur during search and rescue operations. In this paper, we present the concept of such an analysis, and present findings from an indoor serious fire game. For this game, we describe the interactions of Emergency Responders (ER), including individual information (over-)load, and descriptions of content of communications. This approach therefore provides an effective way to learn about active teams, information flows, exchanged information, and overload.
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Vitaveska Lanfranchi, Nadia Noori, & Tudor Sirbu. (2018). GPS-based solution for tracking and protecting humanitarians in conflict zones. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 334–349). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The operational environment in which humanitarians operate is unstable and high-risk; when operating in such environments, time becomes a critical factor. Thus, real-time location systems (RTLS) are often deployed in the operational environment to provide awareness of the location of personnel and assets in real-time that would support an informed decision making in the event of responding to emergency. Whilst standard RTLS are very precise, they are not suitable to outdoor spaces; GPS position technology can be used to identify the location of objects and people and to track them. In this paper, first, we present a description of threat scenarios identified based on information from existing security incidents datasets and from interviews with aid workers and security professionals operating in high-risk regions. Second, we describe the implementation of a GPS-based real-time location tracking and alert system for humanitarians operating in conflict zones that supports the identified scenarios.
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Maximilian Walther, Sven Schaust, & Michael Kaisser. (2013). Social media-based event detection for crisis management in the al za'atari refugee camp. 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. 927–928). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Social Media data allows for profound analyses of user-generated content in order to predict or manage disasters and crisis situations. In this paper, we present an analysis of tweets from and about Al Za'atari, a refugee camp in Jordan close to the Syrian border. Our results are based on the analysis of location-tagged tweets by our “Avalanche” system in order to support an accurate situational awareness picture for on-site and off-site operators from relief organizations on evolving events and challenges.
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