Abstract: Emergency response in disaster management using wireless sensor networks has recently become an interest of many researchers in the world. This interest comes from the growing number of disasters and crisis (natural or man-made) affecting millions of lives and the easy-use of new and cheap technologies. This paper details another application of WSN in the post disaster scenario and comes up with an algorithm for localization of sensors attached to mobile responders (firefighters, policemen, first aid agents, emergency nurses, etc) while assisted by a mobile vehicle (fire truck, police car, or aerial vehicle like helicopters) called mobile anchor, sent to supervise the rescue operation. This solution is very efficient and rapidly deployable since no pre-installed infrastructure is needed. Also, there is no need to equip each sensor with a GPS receiver which is very costly and may increase the sensor volume. The proposed technique is based on the prediction of the rescuers velocities and directions considering previous position estimations. The evaluation of our solution shows that our technique takes benefit from prediction in a more effective manner than previous solutions. The simulation results show that our algorithm outperforms conventional Monte Carlo localization schemes by decreasing estimation errors with more than 50%.

Abstract: Crisis response relies on information dissemination and decisions made from real-time data. Sensor networks, especially in an environmental context, are a source of real-time data and used in both military and industrial applications for information gathering. However, sensor data usage for more pervasive system applications, especially mobile applications outside the battlefield, is limited. Mobile devices play key roles in crisis management, but little research exists on their effectiveness under duress. This research extends a previous study on user (responder) preparation in crisis management to mobile device readiness and real-time data acquisition. This paper steps beyond application use to focus on mobile device capabilities and the interface with wireless sensor networks towards an integrated mobile system framework that provides information and real-time decision data for crisis management. In particular, the approach being proposed incorporates novel strategies for maintaining battery life and connectivity among sensors and portable communication devices that are ideally suited for crisis management applications where “staying connected” is critical.

Abstract: Flood management is an important approach to reduce damage caused by floods. In this context, technological architectures which work in real-time are needed. However, Brazil has faced many structural difficulties in obtaining updated information on the current state of its rivers. To address this problem, this paper outlines a geosensor dashboard called AGORA-GeoDash, which processes data streams from wireless sensor networks and makes them available in the form of a set of performance indicators that are essential to support real-time decision-making in flood risk monitoring. The dashboard was built on open-source frameworks, made use of geoservices that comply with the standards of Open Geospatial Consortium, and established a Wireless Sensor Network which monitors the rivers of São Carlos/SP in Brazil. The analysis of the indicators available in two rainfall events revealed that the dashboard can provide the key information required for the decision-making process involved in flood risk management.