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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Heide Lukosch, Theo Van Ruijven, & Alexander Verbraeck. (2012). The other city – Designing a serious game for crisis training in close protection. 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: Effective training methods are key to successful crisis management in close protection. This paper discusses the outcomes of a project on the development of a serious game, a virtual training environment for close protection. The aims of the game are to improve situational awareness and communications skills at the individual and team level. Two game designs, developed with two different game engines, are presented and discussed in relation to the project's objectives. Comparison of the two designs shows that several trade-offs are encountered when developing a training game with the available technology. Technological features of the game engines, and differences in time invested in the development of different aspects of the games, make that the two designs meet different project objectives. Simultaneously reaching all project objectives in a single design seems impossible with the two game engines. This paper discusses the different trade-offs that were encountered in the project and presents the major challenges that lie ahead. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Michael E. Stiso, Aslak Wegner Eide, & Antoine Pultier. (2015). A foray into the use of serious games in controlled research on crisis management. 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: Controlled experiments on crisis management could provide many insights into the human factors that lead to effective performance in the area. However, the challenge of establishing a controlled environment directly relevant to the chaotic settings in which crisis management occurs means that such experiments are scarce. Here, we describe our attempt to use a videogame (ARMA III) as a realistic but controllable environment for research in this domain. We successfully developed a testbed linking the game world to the front-end of a prototype command-and-control system, so that one can use the latter to monitor events in the former. However, when it came to developing controlled scenarios for the experiment, we discovered that too much realism can be a problem. This paper outlines the challenges we encountered and provides recommendations for researchers and game designers interested in the use of serious games in scientific research.
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Gerhard Wickler, Stephen Potter, Austin Tate, & Jeffrey Hansberger. (2011). The virtual collaboration environment: New media for crisis response. 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: This paper concerns the use of new media technologies, including virtual worlds and web 2.0, for on-line collaborative activities, and specifically for the provision of expert advice about the response to large-scale crises. Internet technologies in general offer rich possibilities for interactions involving remote experts; however, the diversity, novelty and power of these technologies are such that to introduce them into problem-solving episodes without first developing a model of the nature of those episodes and the type of collaborative support they require, risks confusing and discouraging users. After a brief discussion of the nature of distributed collaboration and the implications this has for any technical support, we describe a virtual collaboration environment that has been developed to foster task-focused communities and support them through specific problem-solving episodes, and present some of the results of evaluation experiments.
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Min-Hao Matt Wu, Annie Hsin-Wen Liu, & K. Mani Chandy. (2008). Virtual environments for developing strategies for interdicting terrorists carrying dirty bombs. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 83–87). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Strategies for detecting terrorists carrying radioactive material can be evaluated in virtual environments more easily than they can be in the real world. Real scenarios expose personnel to radiation and concomitant dangers. The execution of multiple real-world scenarios – such as catching terrorists in factories, houses and open spaces – is expensive. This paper describes virtual environments for interdicting terrorists carrying radioactive material. The virtual environments are constructed by incorporating the physics of radiation into virtual-world platforms. We explore the relative advantages of a gaming engine (Half-Life 2), a 3D online virtual world (Second Life) and a robot simulator platform (Stage/Player) for developing strategies for interdicting dirty bombers. Preliminary results on implementations of these virtual environments are presented.
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