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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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Joeri Van Laere, Jessica Lindblom, & Tarja Susi. (2007). Requirements for emergency management training from a 'passion for failures' perspective. 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. 449–456). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Swedish municipalities are stimulated to conduct emergency management exercises in addition to developing crisis plans. These exercises tend to be grounded in an instrumental philosophy. There is too much focus on doing the exercise and too little attention for the implementation of lessons learned afterwards. A common experience is that the same 'mistakes' are discovered again and again in yearly exercises. Furthermore there is a paradoxical balance between empowering the organization in its learning process (positive feedback) and revealing the failures (negative feedback). In this paper we reflect on the learning process in a Swedish municipality in 2006 where two emergency management exercises were held and where a minor and a major crisis occurred during the year. We argue that the longitudinal learning process should be the focus in stead of ad hoc exercises. In addition we develop some requirements for emergency management training from a 'passion for failures' perspective.
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Johan Jenvald, Michael Morin, Toomas Timpka, & Henrik Eriksson. (2007). Simulation as decision support in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. 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. 295–304). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Outbreak of a destructive pandemic influenza threatens to disrupt societies worldwide. International agencies and national governments have prepared plans and recommendations, but it is often decision-makers with the local authorities that are responsible for implementing the response. A central issue for these decision makers is what interventions are available and effective for the specific local community. The paper presents a simulator architecture and its relation to a workflow for decision support in influenza preparedness and response. The simulator can simulate pandemic scenarios, using localized community models, in the presence of various interventions to support an evaluation of potential response strategies. The architecture includes a customized modeling tool, separated from the simulation engine, which facilitates swift scenario modification and recalculation. This flexibility is essential both to explore alternative solutions in planning, and to adapt to changing requirements, information, and resources in outbreak response. An example simulation, based on actual population data from a reference city, illustrates the approach.
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John M. Carroll, Helena M. Mentis, Gregorio Convertino, Mary Beth Rosson, Craig Harvey Ganoe, Hansa Sinha, et al. (2007). Prototyping collaborative geospatial emergency planning. 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. 105–113). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Regional emergency planners use “tabletop” exercises to develop plans, to articulate strategies and constraints, and to practice working together. We conducted an experimental paper prototyping study to identify design requirements for a collaborative system to support distributed tabletop emergency planning exercises. We designed a reference task for geo-collaborative planning by adapting the hidden profile paradigm from social psychology as a model of obstacles to effective coordination in decision making. Our objective was to assess the usefulness and tractability of experimental paper prototyping methods for complex collaborative problem-solving contexts.
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John R. Harrald, Theresa I. Jefferson, Frank Fiedrich, Sebnem Sener, & Clinton Mixted-Freeman. (2007). A first step in decision support tools for humanitarian assistance during catastrophic disasters: Modeling hazard generated needs. 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. 51–56). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The US has not yet developed adequate models for estimating hazard generated needs, the necessary first step for developing useful decision support systems needed to estimate the capability and capacity of the response forces required. Modeling and technology required to support the decisions made by humanitarian relief organizations requires scenario driven catastrophic planning. This paper documents the lack of effective decision support tools and systems for humanitarian aid and describes the current state of models and methods used for determination of hazard generated needs. The paper discusses work performed on a catastrophic earthquake preparedness project. It outlines how the results of this project will be used to advance the modeling and decision support capabilities of federal, state and local disaster planners and emergency responders.
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Joske M. Houtkamp, & Frank A. Bos. (2007). Evaluation of a virtual scenario training for leading firefighters. 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. 565–570). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Artesis Virtual and VSTEP BV developed a virtual scenario training for leading firefighters. We evaluated the usability of the training application and measured the satisfaction of 53 trainees. The trainees were positive about the training application, the training itself, and the interaction with the interface. We observed that trainees experienced navigation difficulties and sometimes misjudged visual information. Evaluations of new versions of this application, should address the influence of interface problems on performance.
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Juan Godoy. (2007). A holistic approach to emergency evacuation information support systems. 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. 345–354). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In the USA the basic objective of local and state government's Emergency Operations Plans (EOP) is to implement mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property damage by the efficient mobilization and deployment of resources. The evacuation of citizens out of harms way either before an impeding disaster or after the occurrence of one is a critical component of any EOP. This document represents a summary of the Evacuation Plan designed for the City of New Orleans. Results of live field exercises conducted during the 2006 Hurricane Season and suggestions for improvement will be highlighted. The ideal Emergency Evacuation Tracking System will be designed to operate within a System of Systems framework with interfaces: to field personnel, emergency managers and logisticians operating in an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), with state and local government systems such as public information emergency hotline (311 Centers in the USA), asset tracking management systems and others.
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Kai Kamphenkel, Markus Blank, Jens Bauer, & Georg Carle. (2007). Secure transmission of pre-clinical ultrasound video data at the scene of a mass casualty incident. 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. 377–383). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The use of portable ultrasound devices enables a better and immediate diagnostics at the scene of a mass casualty incident. The detection of free fluid in abdomen and thorax is an important indicator for the further treatment. The gained information affects the triage of casualties, the pre-clinical medical attendance and the patient management. The presented article describes an innovative approach to transmit sonographic video streams over wireless networks to a remote hospital, where the medical data is used for diagnostics. For the secure transmission of data a new network unit is designed, which gathers information with regard to the network status and the character of transported data. This “Intelligent Network” is located in the transport layer of the OSI reference model and enables a dynamic interconnection between network and application, provides an interface for functional transparency and the disclosure of parameters and establishes the basis for an universal security system.
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Konstantinos Koufos, Krisztina Cziner, & Pekka Parviainen. (2007). Multicast video performance evaluation for emergency response communications. 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. 595–604). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Group-oriented services including data dissemination, group calls and real-time video transmission are considered as an important application in public safety communications. The main interest is in one-way real-time video transmission from the hot spot to multiple recipients. This is important for efficient emergency response. The changing topology of the multi-hop communication links in a public safety environment makes routing and multicasting extremely challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to study the performance of wireless mobile ad-hoc networks with one-way multicast video traffic. To consider a realistic public safety scenario, the effect of extensive unidirectional links is investigated. The system performance study of various ad-hoc network configurations is done by simulations. For wireless multicast routing, the On Demand Multicast Routing Protocol is used. The performance results are compared with the requirements provided by Statement of Requirement document of standardization project MESA.
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Laura Montells, Susana Montero, Paloma Díaz, & Ignacio Aedo. (2007). Mining patterns for web-based emergency management systems. 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. 133–138). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Design patterns describe problems that occur recurrently, and specify the core of the solution in such a way that we can (re)use it in different contexts and applications. Although, web-based Emergency Management Systems domain is still in its nascent stages, there are design principles, real systems and design patterns from other related areas that can be a valuable source of knowledge to mine design patterns. From these sources we have created a patterns catalogue to assist novice designers on discovering what issues should be addressed to develop useful and successful systems. In this paper, we present the mining process and some patterns as example.
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Linda Plotnick, Elizabeth Avery Gomez, Connie White, & Murray Turoff. (2007). Furthering development of a unified emergency scale using Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment: A progress report. 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. 411–418). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In disasters, local civilians on or near the scene, are often first to respond and give aid. Therefore, the public needs to be well-informed with accurate, time critical information. However, a primary information source is event-specific scales that are inconsistent in their categorization and measurement, adding confusion to public responsiveness. These scales are not extendable to new emergencies in a changing world. We argue for development of a unified emergency scale to facilitate communication and understanding. This scale will inform local communities with regional community-specific information, and will be extendable for further use by professional responders. Research in progress elicited 15 dimensions of an emergency using a Delphi-like process and then ranked the dimensions by importance utilizing Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment. Contributions of this paper are to highlight the need for an unequivocal, unified scale and further its development.
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Lucy T. Gunawan, Martin Voshell, Stijn Oomes, & David D. Woods. (2007). Envisioning collaboration at a distance for the evacuation of walking wounded. 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. 431–437). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The “walking wounded” is a category of disaster victims that can help themselves in finding their way to safety. The problem we address here is how first responders, walking wounded, and other rescue personnel can coordinate their joint activities more efficiently in order to accomplish the evacuation as quickly as possible. We focus our design on the “coordination loops” in the disaster response organization, both vertically across levels of authority, and horizontally among responders in the same echelon. In our envisioned scenario of a chemical accident we identify the most important interactions through which activities are coordinated that are crucial for a successful evacuation. We propose three different “coordination devices” that can be used by the walking wounded, the rescuers in the fields, and the people in the command center. We believe our approach, explicitly designing support systems for coordination first, will lead to important improvements in the daily practice of disaster response.
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Mark De Bruijne. (2007). Networked reliability: From monitoring to incident 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. 385–393). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The environment of many HROs in modern, western countries have undergone dramatic changes in the last decades. They have changed from High Reliability Organizations (HROs) into High Reliability Networks (HRNs). In nearly all industries, the formerly vertically integrated, state-owned monopolies were 'unbundled' and in many segments, competition was introduced. Consequently, the services of modern-day large-scale technical systems are provided by networks of organizations. In-depth research in a number of infrastructure industries explored the consequences of these changes for the reliable provision of services in networks of organizations. In networks of organizations, reliability is increasingly achieved through 'real-time' management. This paper highlights three important consequences of these findings and provides some tentative conclusions about their effect on the design and use of Information Systems in complex, large-scale technical systems.
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Markku T. Häkkinen, & Helen T. Sullivan. (2007). Effective communication of warnings and critical information: Application of accessible design methods to auditory warnings. 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. 167–171). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: When a system initiates an auditory warning or alert, detection and correct identification of the information by the human recipient can be influenced by a variety of factors. Examples from aviation and public warning demonstrate instances where messages are ignored, not understood or misinterpreted. The reasons why messages may fail can stem from the design of the message itself, environmental conditions, and sensory or cognitive impairments. Based upon experience from several contexts and from the development of assistive technology for people with disabilities, promising design approaches are being explored in research on warning system design. The importance of multimodal warnings, selection of speech type, and internationalization are discussed.
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Massimiliano De Leoni, Fabio De Rosa, Andrea Marrella, Massimo Mecella, Antonella Poggi, Alenka Krek, et al. (2007). Emergency management: From user requirements to a flexible P2P architecture. 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. 271–279). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The most effective way to design an emergency management system matching user needs is to perform a User-Centered Design; it relies on continuous interactions with end-users in order to understand better and better how organizations are arranged during emergencies, which data are exchanged and which steps are performed by organizations to face disastrous events. In this paper we (i) illustrate the methodology used to collect the user requirements for the emergency management system developed in the European research project WORKPAD, and (ii) describe the WORKPAD high level architecture stemming from such requirements. Specifically, the methodology is applied in the context of Regional Civil Protection of Calabria (Italy) and is used as basis to provide more general user requirements for emergency management systems.
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Mifan Careem, David Bitner, & Ravindra De Silva. (2007). GIS integration in the Sahana disaster management system. 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. 211–218). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Disaster Management often involves using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to manage large amounts of data efficiently. Data gathered from disasters are often related to geographic locations, such as the affected geographic region, thus requiring special forms of data management software to utilize and manage them efficiently. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are specialized database systems with software that can analyze and display data using digitized maps and tables for decision making. Preparing and correctly formatting data for use in a GIS is nontrivial, and it is even more challenging during disasters because of tight time constraints and inherent unpredictability of many natural disasters. This paper describes the important role of GIS in disaster management, and discusses the most common characteristics of GIS and their potential use in disaster response. We follow up with a detailed description of the GIS prototype in the Sahana Disaster Management System.
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Mirjam Merz, Valentin Bertsch, Otto Rentz, & Jutta Geldermann. (2007). Assessment of industrial asset values at risk. 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. 235–243). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In the event of natural disasters and extreme events like storms, floods and earthquakes, not only people, residential buildings and infrastructure, but also industry can be seriously affected. Direct losses to installations as well as indirect losses e.g. interruption of production can cause severe damage to companies and the economy as a whole. For a comparative and quantitative risk assessment and as a prerequisite for emergency planning and crisis management (e.g. planning of mitigation measures), a financial appraisal of industrial assets at risk is needed. This paper presents the reference installation approach which is a methodology that allows a consistent and transparent assessment of individual industrial asset values. In this bottom up approach due to the consideration of the heterogeneity of various industrial sectors, the obtained results can be depicted for a detailed spatial distribution and on a high degree of accuracy.
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Mohamad Rukieh. (2007). The effects of lineaments and epicentres on risk reduction in arabian rift zone. 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. 227–234). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes the relationship between lineaments, which determined on space images, and the epicenters and their effects on spatial planning for risk reduction. Several studies have shown that most of the epicenters occur along these lineaments or their zones, or in the block regions which are bordered by these lineaments, or where these lineaments and different tectonic deformation are intersected. This paper presents a case study on the Arabian Rift Zone which is based on the linkages among lineaments, faults, and earthquakes that occurred in the region during 1910-93. Also, this study will show that most of these earthquakes were occurred along the main and secondary rift faults or in their zone, including the faults found in sea that helped in determining the courses of these earthquakes in the sea bottom. This confirms the importance of remote sensing techniques for providing space images of different scales in seismic studies.
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Monika Büscher, Margit Kristensen, & Preben Mogensen. (2007). Making the future palpable: Notes from a major incident future laboratory. 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. 71–81). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Future laboratories allow users to experiment with future technologies in as realistic as possible conditions. We have devised this method because, to realize the potential of ubiquitous computing technologies it is essential to anticipate and design for future practices, but for prospective users it is often difficult to imagine and articulate future practices and provide design specifications. They readily invent new ways of working in engagement with new technologies, though and, by facilitating as realistic as possible use of prototype technologies in Future Laboratories designers and users can define both opportunities and constraints for design. We present 11 scenes from a Major Incidents Future Laboratory held in September 2005. For each scene we point out key results. Many raise tough questions rather than provide quick answers. In the discussion we summarize important lessons learnt.
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Monika Büscher, & Preben Holst Mogensen. (2007). Designing for material practices of coordinating emergency teamwork. 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. 419–429). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In this paper we describe the inspiration for, and the design of, prototype technologies that support emergency teamwork. We combine ethnographic studies of material practice, participatory design collaboration with emergency personnel, and knowledge of the potential of ubiquitous computing technologies to 'stretch' the materiality of envi-ronments, persons and equipment. A range of prototypes-products of an iterative, ethnographically informed, participatory design process-are described in a series of scenarios. We conclude with a discussion of potential benefits and challenges our experience raises for socio-technical-material innovation in emergency teamwork.
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Muhammad Tauhidur Rahman, & Tarek Rashed. (2007). Towards a geospatial approach to post-disaster environmental impact assessment. 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. 219–226). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Natural disasters often leave profound impacts on the environment. Existing disaster impact assessment methods fall short in facilitating the relief work and in conducting cross-sectional comparison of various facets of such impacts. The development of a standardized index for measuring/monitoring the environmental impacts of disasters is necessary to address this gap. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to study the environmental impacts via remote sensing/GIS based geospatial analytical approach by developing a post-disaster environmental severity index. It considers physical, social and built-in components of the environment and identifies several key indicators of disaster impacts. Through statistical decomposition of a large number of environmental impact indicators, the study proposes a composite post-disaster environmental severity index (PDESI). Mapping of the proposed index would help identification of areas and component of the environment that are severely affected by a disaster, and formulation of disaster mitigation and damage recovery plans accordingly.
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Murray E. Jennex. (2007). Reflections on strong angel III: Some lessons learned. 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. 537–544). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Strong Angel III was a civilian military disaster response demonstration held in San Diego in /August, 2006. This demonstration resulted in the generation of a great deal of knowledge that can potentially benefit disaster response efforts world wide. This paper attempts to capture this knowledge and to reflect on the demonstration for its value to the community.
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Naci Dilekli, & Tarek Rashed. (2007). Towards a GIS data model for improving the emergency response in the Least Developing Countries: Challenges and opportunities. 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. 57–62). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Over the past few years, several standardized GIS data models have been developed to document “best practices” database designs for various application domains including the domain of emergency management. The majority of such models, however, have been developed in the context of developed countries as in the case of the Homeland Security geodatabase data model by ESRI®. These data models fail to be successful when transferred and used in the context of Least Developing Countries (LDCs) due to significant contextual differences in the domains of information systems and emergency practices. Therefore, developing GIS data models that are specifically designed for emergency response activities in LDCs are needed to improve existing emergency response practices in these countries. This paper reviews the state of development in GIS data models and the potential benefits and applications of building models that are specifically designed to support emergency response activities in LDCs. We first discusses why it is important to differentiate emergency response activities in LDCs from other contexts. We then present some theoretical considerations in developing GIS data models that can overcome contextual difficulties in LDCs in general and in the domain of information systenms. We finally attempt to provide key guidelines that may help designing a GIS Data Model, while is specifically referenced to the LDCs context.
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Nanja J. J. M. Smets, Guido Te Brake, Jasper Lindenberg, & Mark A. Neerincx. (2007). Influence of mobile map size and user capacities on situation awareness tested in a virtual environment. 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. 557–564). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In the near future, first responders may become equipped with mobile devices providing navigation, decision and communication support. Because of the complex and chaotic circumstances in which these devices will be used, the devices should support the creation and maintenance of adequate situation awareness. Extensive testing of such devices for crisis management in real-life is expensive, complex, risky and only possible for specific settings. Therefore, we developed a synthetic task environment that is suited for developing and evaluating new concepts. In this paper, we present the results of the first experiment in this environment. Participants had to rescue victims in a synthetic world, and were supported by a map of the area showing the location and orientation of the participant and the victims. The experiment focused on the effects of map size and user's spatial ability on the quality of the situational awareness that was developed by the first responders. Besides the results of the experiment, experiences with the use of a synthetic environment for evaluation and development purposes are presented.
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Nitesh Bharosa, Jaco Appelman, & Peter De Bruin. (2007). Integrating technology in crisis response using an information manager: First lessons learned from field exercises in the Port of Rotterdam. 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. 63–70). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Integrating information technology (IT) in crisis management networks is a difficult and long-term endeavor. First responders must establish situational awareness and take decisions under time pressure with incomplete information. Partly, this can be mitigated by adopting more advanced IT, however practice shows that adoption is hampered because of the required change in routines and procedures. We believe that we can moderate a change in routines and stimulate the adoption of technology by introducing a new role: the information manager (IM). This paper presents some results of the first round of field observations. The main conclusion is that the IM is instrumental where it concerns, speeding up the process of establishing situational awareness and improving the information structures. In order to further improve the production of situational awareness we suggest that further research should address the issues of the internalization of process guidelines and enhancing the adaptability of information systems.
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