Janine Hellriegel, & Michael Klafft. (2014). A tool for the simulation of alert message propagation in the general population. 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. 65–69). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Informing and alerting the population in disaster situations is a challenging task. Numerous situational factors have to be considered, as well as the impact of a plethora of communication channels, and multiplication effects in the population. In order to optimize the alerting strategies and enhance alert planning, it would be beneficial to model the dissemination of alerts. In this paper, we present a general overview of an alert dissemination model as well as its prototypical implementation in a simulation software. The software takes situational parameters such as time of day and location into account and can even infer characteristics of the alerting infrastructure from geospatial information.
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Matthias Lendholt, Martin Hammitzsch, & Peter Löwe. (2013). Harmonization of data formats for tsunami simulation products. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 365–369). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The development of sustainable tsunami early warning systems (TEWS) requires the adoption of proven standards for components on all system levels. This is crucial to ensure the successful operation of the overall system in the long term. Currently, components, data formats and models used to build an individual TEWS come from independent development efforts, using non-standardized proprietary interfaces. Integrating these components into a TEWS requires additional work effort due to the proprietary technologies and formats. This article discusses alternative cost-effective approaches. The successful integration of the TEWS system components depends critically on the adoption and application of industry standards and good practices. From this perspective, this article examines the role of tsunami simulation models, and the challenge to integrate the data products generated from independent tsunami models for a TEWS. The significance of tsunami simulation products, consisting of data and metadata, for the overall early warning workflow is described, including data exchange (among multiple TEWS) and information visualization in combination with additional spatial information. As an outcome, the use of standardized data formats for simulation products is recommended for future work. This approach is demonstrated on a simulation of the March 2011 Tohoku-Oki mega thrust earthquake.
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Jobst Löffler, Vera Hernández Ernst, Jochen Schon, Jens Pottebaum, & Rainer Koch. (2007). Intelligent use of geospatial information for emergency operation 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. 181–190). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper presents the EU project SHARE which aims at developing a mobile service architecture to support large-scale rescue operations with multimedia communication and information services. The task of planning and controlling large-scale rescue operations requires flexible and robust tools which help the rescue forces to do their search and rescue work with maximum efficiency. Resource planning tools and cartographic information about the operation site are essential to fulfill the complex task of operation management. The Interactive Resource Management and MAP3D are two modules which have been developed in the SHARE project to enable the rescue operation leadership to do efficient coordination of their forces during an operation. Our paper will focus on features and interdependencies of both tools taking into account innovative feedback and interaction mechanisms.
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Susannah McClendon, & Anthony C. Robinson. (2012). Leveraging geospatially-oriented social media communications in disaster 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: Geospatially-oriented social media communications have emerged as a common information resource to support crisis management. Our research compares the capabilities of two popular systems used to collect and visualize such information – Project Epic's Tweak the Tweet (TtT) and Ushahidi. Our research uses geospatially-oriented social media gathered by both projects during recent disasters to compare and contrast the frequency, content, and location components of contributed information to both systems. We compare how data was gathered and filtered, how spatial information was extracted and mapped, and the mechanisms by which the resulting synthesized information was shared with response and recovery organizations. In addition, we categorize the degree to which each platform in each disaster led to actions by first responders and emergency managers. Based on the results of our comparisons we identify key design considerations for future social media mapping tools to support crisis management. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Kenneth S. Pelman, & Anthony C. Robinson. (2011). An interactive mapping application for rapid evacuation planning. 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: Current GIS solutions for evacuation planning are frequently based on expensive and difficult to use commercial software solutions. These tools require a GIS analyst to generate and interpret results for decision makers. This paper introduces a web-based interactive mapping tool called EvacSpace that can provide emergency managers with actionable spatial information to develop plans for potential citizen evacuations in common emergency situations. Easy-to-use web mapping software and services are blended together with cloud computing methods to support interactive, visually-enabled evacuation planning and scenario evaluation. Here we show our current progress through a case study application to characterize the usefulness and utility of EvacSpace for the rapid, interactive development and assessment of evacuation plans.
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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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Anthony C. Robinson, Robert E. Roth, & Alan M. MacEachren. (2010). Challenges for map symbol standardization in crisis management. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: A wide range of local, regional, and federal authorities will generate maps to help respond to and recover from a disaster. It is essential that map users in an emergency situation can readily understand what they are seeing on these maps. Standardizing map symbology is one mechanism for ensuring that geospatial information is interpretable during an emergency situation, but creating an effective map symbol standard is a complex and evolving task. Here we present preliminary results from research into the application of the ANSI 415-2006 INCITS Homeland Security Map Symbol Standard, a point symbol standard intended to support emergency management mapping for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This standard has so far not been widely adopted across the full range of DHS missions, and we elaborate on key issues and challenges that should be accounted for when developing future map symbol standards for crisis management.
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André Sabino, & Armanda Rodrigues. (2011). Understanding the role of cooperation in emergency plan construction. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper we describe a proposal for information organization for computer supported cooperative work, while working with spatial information. It is focused on emergency response plan construction, and the requirements extracted from that task. At the centre of our proposal is the analysis of the structure of the cooperative workspace. We argue that the internal information representation should follow a spatial approach, tying the structure used to manage users with the structure used to manage information, suggesting the use of different spaces to represent the information. The gain we expect from this approach is the improved capacity to extract information on how people are cooperating and their relationship with the information they are working with. The ideas are introduced while focusing on real life emergency planning activities, where we discuss the current shortcomings of the cooperation strategies in use and propose a solution.
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Stefan Sackmann, Marlen Hofmann, & Hans Betke. (2013). Towards the Integration of Place-related Information in Disaster Response Processes. 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. 78–83). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Processes in disaster response management (DRM) and business processes are similar due to their general structure and goals. This encourages us to analyze the suitability of business process management tools and methods in the domain of DRM. One main challenge is the coverage of disaster specific aspects by existing process modeling languages. Since interdependencies between time, activities, and place are critical for process planning, we discuss the necessity for model extension. A special focus lies on the integration of place-related information as well as interdependencies resulting from stationary and mobile activities and resources. The integration of such place-related information is discussed as pre-condition for effective and efficient planning of disaster response processes and their successful management by disaster response workflow management systems.
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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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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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