Bo Andersson, & Jonas Hedman. (2006). Issues in the development of a mobile based communication platform for the swedish police force and appointed security guards. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 181–187). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper presents the learning experiences from the development of a mobile-based communication platform, called OrdningsVaktsCentralen (OVC). OVC can be translated to Security Guard Central. OVC is designed to enable the Swedish Police Force (SPF) to comply with new legal requirements and enhance their collaboration with Appointed Security Guards (ASG). The focus of this paper is on the early phases of development; in particular on the specific technical issues such as interoperability and standards used in the development of mobile based systems. The learning experiences are as follows: firstly, when developing mobile based systems we suggest and recommend that the analysis phase should be enhanced and it should address the interoperability between mobile phones on one hand and operators on the other hand. Secondly, global and national standards, such as the MMS7 for sending multi-media messages, are not always standardized. It seems that operators and mobile phone manufacturers make minor alterations and interpretations of the standard and thereby some of the benefits found in standards disappear. Thirdly, mobile based communication platforms have a large potential for contributing to the field of emergency management information systems since they can be based on open and nationally accepted standards.
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Laura Ardila, Israel Perez-Llopis, Carlos E. Palau, & Manuel Esteve. (2013). Virtual reality training environment for strategic and tactical emergency operations. 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. 140–144). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The application of Information and Communication Technologies in emergency management environments is a challenging research topic; particularly, the applicability of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems specifically designed for these environments. A key aspect in emergency management is the training of operatives at all levels, from intervention to operational, including tactical command and control. Virtual reality is widely used for training and learning purposes, but the interaction of real and virtual worlds with new standards (i.e. MPEG-V), going a step further from the traditional approach to create virtual environments based in expensive simulation dedicated equipment and allowing data streaming between both worlds, has not yet been exploited in training for emergency management. This paper proposes an architecture for a C4ISR training system providing interoperability between real and virtual worlds using the MPEG-V standard and allowing simultaneous and real time training of both real and virtual units.
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Arif Cagdas Aydinoglu, Elif Demir, & Serpil Ates. (2011). Designing a harmonized geo-data model for Disaster 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: There are problems for managing and sharing geo-data effectively in Turkey. The key to resolving these problems is to develop a harmonized geo-data model. General features of this model are based on ISO/TC211 standards, INSPIRE Data Specifications, and expectations of Turkey National GIS actions. The generic conceptual model components were defined to harmonize geo-data and to produce data specifications. In order to enable semantic interoperability, application schemas were designed for data themes such as administrative unit, address, cadastre/building, hydrographic, topography, geodesy, transportation, and land cover/use. The model, as base and the domain geo-data model, is a starting point to create sector models in different thematic areas. Disaster Management Geo-data Model model was developed as an extension of base geo-data model to manage geo-data collaborate on disaster management activities. This model includes existing geo-data special for disaster management activities and dynamic data collecting during disaster.
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Art Botterell. (2006). The common alerting protocol: An open standard for alerting, warning and notification. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 497–503). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This document describes the OASIS Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) standard, review its history and current status, and propose some directions for its future application and development. This XML content standard specifies a canonical data model for alerting, warning and notification messages. By abstracting the essential elements of effective warning messages from the underlying delivery technologies, CAP simplifies the integration of diverse warning delivery systems and provides a simple template for the creation of alerts and warnings. CAP is being used in a variety of warning systems and applications, but its full potential has yet to be exploited.
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Sukumar Dwarkanath, & Denis Gusty. (2010). Information sharing: A strategic approach. 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 purpose of this paper is to provide and recommend a strategic approach for implementation of information sharing initiatives. While such an approach offers a number of benefits, as a primary benefit, it provides a way to measure and monitor the performance of such initiatives, irrespective of their scope, whether they are regional, state, or federal efforts. The first section of the paper presents a framework for alignment among information sharing initiatives; the second section builds on this framework and outlines a roadmap for an assessment methodology for such initiatives.
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Gordon Gow, Peter Anderson, & Nuwan Waidyanatha. (2007). Hazard warnings in Sri Lanka: Challenges of internetworking with Common Alerting Protocol. 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. 281–293). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: There is a growing call for the use of open source content standards for all-hazards, all-media alert and notification systems. This paper presents findings on the implementation of Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) as a content standard for a community-based hazard information network in Sri Lanka. CAP is being deployed as part of the HazInfo project, which has established last-mile networking capability for 32 tsunami-affected villages in Sri Lanka in order to study the suitability of various Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for a standards-based community hazard information system. Results to date suggest that the basic internetworking arrangement at lower technical layers has proven to be reasonably robust and reliable but that a key challenge remains in the upper layers of application software and content provision. This is evident in the apparent difficulties faced when implementing CAP messaging over multiple last-mile systems that include commercial satellite and terrestrial network technologies (C/L/X-Band, GSM, and CDMA in modes of voice and text). Lessons learned from silent tests and live exercises point to several key bottlenecks in the system where the integrity of CAP messages is compromised due to problems associated with software interoperability or direct human intervention. The wider implication of this finding is that content standards by themselves are not sufficient to support appropriate and timely emergency response activities. Those working with content standards for hazard information systems must consider closely the interoperability issues at various layers of interconnectivity.
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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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Ilan Noy, Jacob Pastor Paz, Olga Filippova, & Ken Elwood. (2018). A Building Inventory for Seismic Policy in an Earthquake-Prone City. 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. 145–152). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: We describe the creation of a building inventory database that is created for Wellington, New Zealand's earthquake-prone capital city. This database aims to assist the generation of research on the risks, impacts, and viable solutions for reducing the seismic risk of existing multi-story concrete buildings in Wellington's Central Business District. The database includes structural, economic and market information on every building in the CDB. Its primary purpose is to inform a multi-disciplinary project whose aims are: (1) to provide best scientific knowledge about the expected seismic performance of concrete buildings; (2) to assess the impact of multiple building failures including the downstream consequences of associated cordoning; (3) to provide a path for seismic retrofitting that includes prioritization of retrofits; and (4) to inform the design of a regulatory structure that can facilitate the reduction of risk associated with earthquake vulnerable concrete buildings as described in aims (1)-(3).
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Simon Jirka, Daniel Nüst, & Benjamin Proß. (2013). Sensor web and web processing standards for crisis management. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 376–380). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper introduces the latest state of the interoperable Sensor Web and Web Processing standards specified by the Open Geospatial Consortium. Based on these components it becomes possible to share, integrate and analyse observation data across political and administrative borders as well as across multiple thematic domains. We present the 52°North open source implementations of the OGC SWE and WPS standards and introduce an outlook how this technology could be applied in the field of crisis management. Thus, this paper aims at providing a perspective how currently existing technology can be combined and applied to solve problems in emergency management rather than describing an already finished product. Special consideration will be given to the combination of Sensor Web and Web Processing technology which opens up new possibilities by having near real-time data flows that can be linked on-demand to different processing services.
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Gwillim Law, & Martin Hammitzsch. (2013). Hierarchical administrative subdivision codes. 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. 360–364). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The land area of the world is divided into countries. Most of the countries are, in turn, divided into smaller units. These units may be called states, provinces, regions, governorates, and so on. A phrase that describes them all is “major administrative divisions of countries”. Due to shortcomings of related de-jure standards a hierarchical set of subdivision codes, called Hierarchical Administrative Subdivision Codes (HASC), has been devised, extending in many cases to secondary administrative divisions. This is not an official standard, sanctioned by any international body. The codes are intended for internal use within a database or other computer system and not for display.
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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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Graeme McFerren, & Philip Frost. (2009). The Southern African advanced fire information system. 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: This paper concerns the development of the South African Advanced Fire Information System (AFIS). We describe a use case of wildfires causing electricity transmission lines to be adversely affected. This use case provided the rationale for investment into a system for detecting and monitoring wildfires. AFIS functionality is described and we quantify its user acceptance and benefits before discussing ongoing research and implementation efforts to allow AFIS to become a standards-compliant, service-oriented system serving the original use case but re-deployable or re-usable by other organisations for similar or alternative purposes. We end with a view of future work that will potentially allow AFIS to reach a wider audience.
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Jack Pagotto, & Darrell O'Donnell. (2012). Canada's multi-agency situational awareness system – Keeping it simple. 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 Canadian Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System (MASAS) is rapidly becoming Canada's national system for exchanging emergency management incident-relevant information amongst multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Through the use of structured information aligned with open standards, and a centrally managed open architecture, MASAS provides a trusted virtual community with the ability to seamlessly exchange emergency management information. MASAS offers an information exchange architecture that is based around a highly resilient system of data aggregation hubs that are easily accessible directly or through third party commercial tools by emergency management officials at all levels, from the smallest community in the most remote areas of Canada's north to key federal stakeholders such as the federal Government Operations Centre or the Canadian military. This paper highlights the key design principles, experimental activities, and technology implementation strategies that are positioning MASAS as a Canadian success story in the making – from coast to coast to coast. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Eli Rohn. (2007). A survey of schema standards and portals for emergency management and collaboration. 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. 263–269). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: We survey several emergency management related data structures and portals designed or adopted by standard bodies such as Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), as well as standards designed or adopted by government agencies in the US and in the UK. The survey is by no means an exhaustive list of such standards and portals, but it gives a fair representation of the current state of affairs and resources to practitioners and researchers alike.
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Nancy Shank, Brian Sokol, Michelle Hayes, & Cristina Vetrano. (2008). Human services data standards: Current progress and future vision in crisis 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. 352–361). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Interorganizational coordination is crucial among human services providers responsible for responding to both personal and widespread crises. Too often, however, agencies providing disaster relief, shelter, and connection to other social service systems operate in information silos. Moreover, organizations that assist the same people may be duplicating services or ineffectively providing services to those in need. In the past, there has been no easy way for human service organizations to share information about clients, resources, and services. Over the last decade, distinct initiatives have begun to standardize data collection, storage, and transmission standards within human service domains. This paper describes several human services standards currently in use or under development in the United States and discusses how each support distinct, yet related, human service information management during disasters. The paper concludes with a call for the development of an overarching human services data interoperability standard.
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