Anastasia Moumtzidou, Marios Bakratsas, Stelios Andreadis, Anastasios Karakostas, Ilias Gialampoukidis, Stefanos Vrochidis, et al. (2020). Flood detection with Sentinel-2 satellite images in crisis management systems. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1049–1059). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: The increasing amount of falling rain may cause several problems especially in urban areas, which drainage system can often not handle this large amount in a short time. Confirming a flooded scene in a timely manner can help the authorities to take further actions to counter the crisis event or to get prepared for future relevant incidents. This paper studies the detection of flood events comparing two successive in time Sentinel-2 images, a method that can be extended for detecting floods in a time-series. For the flood detection, fine-tuned pre-trained Deep Convolutional Neural Networks are used, testing as input different sets of three water sensitive satellite bands. The proposed approach is evaluated against different change detection baseline methods, based on remote sensing. Experiments showed that the proposed method with the augmentation technique applied, improved significantly the performance of the neural network, resulting to an F-Score of 62% compared to 22% of the traditional remote sensing techniques. The proposed method supports the crisis management authority to better estimate and evaluate the flood impact.
|
Lindsley G. Boiney, Bradley Goodman, Robert Gaimari, Jeffrey Zarrella, Christopher Berube, & Janet Hitzeman. (2008). Taming multiple chat room collaboration: Real-time visual cues to social networks and emerging threads. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 660–668). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Distributed teams increasingly rely on collaboration environments, typically including chat, to link diverse experts for real time information sharing and decision-making. Current chat-based technologies enable easy exchange of information, but don't focus on managing those information exchanges. Important cues that guide face-to-face collaboration are either lost or missing. In some military environments, operators may juggle over a dozen chat rooms in order to collaborate on complex missions. This often leads to confusion, overload, miscommunication and delayed decisions. Our technology supports chat management. A summary display bar reduces the number of chat rooms operators need open by providing high level situational awareness pointers, in real-time, to: a) rooms with increasing message activity levels, b) rooms in which important collaborators are participating (those in the operator's social network), and c) rooms in which operator-selected keywords are used. This ability to peripherally monitor less critical chat rooms reduces operator overload, while enhancing the ability to rapidly detect important emerging discussion threads. © 2008 The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved.
|
Ian Carpenter. (2008). Implementing CAP and EDXL standards to enhance web-based crisis management. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (2). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In response to the Australian Federal Government's legislative changes, including the Disaster Management Act 2003, both State and Local Government are finding it necessary to work ever more closely to ensure the successful development, approval and operation of local disaster management plans and activities. Working closely with numerous Local governments and their stakeholders, Faulkner Technologies has developed a web-based information management exchange to facilitate the timely and accurate collation, dissemination and sharing of event-related information during an incident or disaster. Challenges such as geographically-dispersed operations, information management, communication management, reporting and logging and capturing key learnings are common to all local councils. Our web-based information management exchange dovetails with both the paper-based Standard Operating Procedure and multiple communication systems significantly enhancing the management of disasters and incidents. In conjunction with NICTA (National ICT Australia) and their Smart Applications for Emergencies (SAFE) project, the solution uses the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and Emergency Data eXchange Language (EDXL) standards for message distribution.
|
Suthep Chutiratanaphun, Rungsaridh Boonsin, Parida Kuneepong, & Julalux Suttirod. (2005). Land use / land cover change by tsunami 2004 in Thailand: A case study at phi phi Island, Krabi Province and Ban Num Kem Village, Pang Nga Province. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 301–303). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Aerial photo interpretation were utilized for monitoring land cover changes with emphasis on tsunami ravaged coastal regions in Phi Phi Island, Krabi Province and Ban Num Kem, Bang Muang, Pang Nga Province areas in the southern peninsula Thailand. All of the images acquired after the Dec 26/2004 tsunami hit, were analyzed and results were compared to image taken before to address the tsunami-affected communities' details. Results of interpretation show different land cover changes in different areas due to the former land cover/land use. It was also showed that aerial photo interpretation data are capable of identification on devastated areas with a high level of accuracy at scale of 1:25, 000. Special attention is given to a few examples of Ban Num Kem village in Takuepa District, Pang Nga Province and Phi Phi Island, Krabi Province.
|
Marnix De Ridder, & Chris Twenhöfel. (2004). The design and implementation of a decision support and information exchange system for nuclear emergency management in the Netherlands. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 33–38). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: An information system for decision support and information exchange is designed and a prototype has been build for use in the Back Office Radiological Information (BORI) of the EPAn; the Dutch nuclear emergency organisation. System developments are directed at a fast and efficient production of a radiological status report and the improvement of information exchange and communications between the participating institutes of BORI. Special attention has been given to network security and the information infrastructure to manage virtual workplaces. We have chosen for a standard web based system development for the presentation and communication facilities. This is supplemented by a GIS based system for the aggregation of measurement data and model calculations. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
|
Valerio De Rubeis, Paola Sbarra, Diego Sorrentino, & Patrizia Tosi. (2009). Web based macroseismic survey: Fast information exchange and elaboration of seismic intensity effects in Italy. 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: A renewed method of macroseismic survey, based on voluntary collaboration through Internet, is running at Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) since June 2007. The macroseismic questionnaire is addressed to a single non-specialist person; reported effects are statistically analyzed to extrapolate Mercalli-Cancani-Sieberg and European Macroseismic Scale intensity referred to that observer. Maps of macroseismic intensity are displayed online in almost real time and are continuously updated. The aim of the questionnaire is to evaluate seismic effects as felt by the compiler. The final result is the definition of a particular intensity degree, with the evaluation of the associated uncertainty. Results of medium-low magnitude earthquakes are here presented showing the ability of the method in giving fast and interesting results. Effects reported in questionnaires coming from towns are analyzed in deep and assigned intensities are compared with those derived from traditional macroseismic survey, showing the reliability of webbased method.
|
Lívia C. Degrossi, Guilherme G. Do Amaral, Eduardo S. M. De Vasconcelos, João Porto De Albuquerque, & Jo Ueyama. (2013). Using wireless sensor networks in the sensor web for flood monitoring in Brazil. 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. 458–462). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Flood is a critical problem that will increase as a result of climate changes. The problem of flooding is particularly challenging over the rainy season in tropical countries like Brazil. In this context, wireless sensor networks that are capable of sensing and reacting to water levels hold the potential of significantly reducing the damage, health-risks and financial impact of events. In this paper, we aim to outline our experiences with developing wireless sensor network for flood monitoring in Brazil. Our approach is based on Open Geospatial Consortium's (OGC) Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) standards, so as to enable the collected data to be shared in an interoperable and flexible manner. We describe the application of our approach in a real case study in the city of São Carlos/Brazil, emphasizing the challenges involved, the results achieved, and some lessons learned along the way.
|
Anton Donner, Thomas Greiner-Mai, & Christine Adler. (2012). Challenge patient dispatching in mass casualty incidents. 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: Efficient management of mass casualty incidents is complex, since regular emergency medical services structures have to be switched to a temporary “disaster mode” involving additional operational and tactical structures. Most of the relevant decisions have to be taken on-site in a provisional and chaotic environment. Data gathering about affected persons is one side of the coin; the other side is on-site patient dispatching requiring information exchange with the regular emergency call center and destination hospitals. In this paper we extend a previous conference contribution about the research project e-Triage to the aspect of patient data and on-site patient dispatching. Our considerations reflect the situation in Germany, which deserves from our point of view substantial harmonization. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
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.
|
Edjossan-Sossou, A., Selouane, K., Sayah, M. A., Ouabou, M., Vignote, C., Capitaine, M., et al. (2023). An innovative scenario-based modeling tool for the management of resilient water resources. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 808–821). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: As freshwater availability for domestic and agro-industrial uses is highly sensitive to climate change, there is an urgent need for the management of this critical resource to be resilient, i.e., to cope with and rapidly recover from climate risks. To achieve this resilient goal, decision-makers need to have a comprehensive understanding of (i) the current and future local water resources, (ii) the ways these resources are and will be impacted by climate change, and (iii) the effects their management decisions can have. In this paper, we present an innovative scenario based modeling tool that help decision-makers make the most appropriate decision towards managing water resources: the Resilience Performance Assessment (RPA). This GIS-based decision support tool illustrates the current and future effects of climate change on local water resources and simulates the outcomes of different water resources management strategies. The RPA helps guide decision-makers towards the implementation of context specific adaptation strategies.
|
Nils Ellebrecht, Konrad Feldmeier, & Stefan Kaufmann. (2013). IT's about more than speed. The impact of IT on the management of mass casualty incidents in Germany. 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. 391–400). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: In the new millennium new technologies (should) play an ever more prominent role in the management of mass casualty incidents (MCI). Drawing on empirical data from a four-year research project (SOGRO), the article reflects on the impact of information technologies (IT) on the organisation of emergency response and on rescue services against the backdrop of broader organisational shifts and contemporary demands. Because IT strengthens a particular way of MCI management, it is firstly described as expressing and reifying specific considerations of emergency response experts. Secondly, the benefits of an IT-based emergency response are critically reviewed. IT collects and makes available data about the rescue operation. Thus, it makes a formerly blurred rescue operation transparent. Although its operational benefit remains vague for on-scene executives, the visualisation reduces uncertainties among them. Thirdly, the article points out the inherent logics of IT. Its implementation not only satisfies newly evolved information needs, but also increases the control density.
|
Emir Dervisevic, & Miralem Mehic. (2021). Overview of Quantum Key Distribution Technique within IPsec Architecture. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 391–403). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a method for secret key distribution which is secure against any future computational threat. In this paper we give an overview of existing solutions that integrate QKD method within the most popular architecture for establishing secure communication in modern IP (Internet Protocol) networks – IPsec (Internet Protocol security). The provided overview can be used to further design the integration of QKD within IPsec architecture striving for a standardized solution.
|
Francisco J. Quesada Real, Fiona McNeill, Gábor Bella, & Alan Bundy. (2017). Improving Dynamic Information Exchange in Emergency Response Scenarios. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 824–833). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Emergency response scenarios are characterized by the participation of multiple agencies, which cooperate to control the situation and restore normality. These agencies can come from diverse areas of expertise which entails that they represent knowledge dierently, using their own vocabularies and terminologies. This fact complicates the automation of the information-sharing process, creating problems such as ambiguity or specialisation. In this paper we present an approach to tackle these problems by domain-aware semantic matching. This method requires the formalisation of domain-specific terminologies which will be added to an existing system oriented to emergency response. Concretely, we have formalised terms from the UK Civil and Protection Terminology lexicon, which gathers some of the most common terms that UK agencies use in these scenarios.
|
Sérgio Freire, Daniele Ehrlich, & Stefano Ferri. (2014). Assessing temporal changes in global population exposure and impacts from earthquakes. 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. 324–328). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: It is frequently conveyed, especially in the media, an idea of “increasing impact of natural hazards” typically attributed to their rising frequency and/or growing vulnerability of populations. However, for certain hazard types, this may be mostly a result of increasing population exposure due to phenomenal global population growth, especially in the most hazardous areas. We investigate temporal changes in potential global population exposure and impacts from earthquakes in the XXth century. Spatial analysis is used to combine historical population distributions with a seismic intensity map. Changes in number of victims were also analyzed, while controlling for the progress in frequency and magnitude of hazard events. There is also a focus on mega-cities and implications of fast urbanization for exposure and risk. Results illustrate the relevance of population growth and exposure for risk assessment and disaster outcome, and underline the need for conducting detailed global mapping of settlements and population distribution.
|
Elizabeth Avery Gomez. (2008). Crisis response communication management: Increasing message clarity with training over time. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 368–375). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The characteristics of a crisis cannot be predicted and no two crises are alike. The responders in a crisis also vary creating two axis of uncertainty that inhibit rapid and accurate scope definition of a crisis. How and what a responder chooses to communicate in a crisis can impact subsequent response efforts placing importance on the clarity and cohesion of information exchange. Training and increased practice of clear and accurate message content between responders is proposed to improve the situation details needed for rapid scope identification. SMS text-messaging is one viable, mobile interoperable communication technology, accessible for everyday use. This research studies message content exchanged between responders and begins with the message-prompt to message-response relationship during crisis response training. A web-enabled training application has been designed to simulate two-way SMS text-message exchange and captures communication responses based on defined task prompts. Leveraging Speech Act Theory and the use of plain language protocols for communication exchange, the SMS text-message responses are assessed for ongoing training and practice.
|
Klaus Granica, Thomas Nagler, Markus M. Eisl, Mathias Schardt, & Helmut Rott. (2005). Satellite remote sensing data for an alpine related disaster management GIS. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 221–232). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Natural disasters are an age-old problem that occur regularly in alpine regions, posing a major threat to the safety of settlements and transport routes. Within the project “Safety of Alpine Routes – Application of Earth Observation Combined with GIS (Hannibal)”, financed by the Ministry of Transport and Innovation, information relevant for disaster management has been extracted from satellite remote sensing and integrated into a newly developed GIS based Decision Support System (DSS). Some of the required map information were inferred from ERS- or from SPOT5- and QUICKBIRD satellites, others were taken from conventional data sources such as maps or Digital Terrain Models.
|
James A. Reep, & Andrea Tapia. (2020). Toward an Organizational Technology Adoption Process (OTAP) for Social Media Integration in a PSAP. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 718–729). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Integration of social media in emergency response environments presents specific organizational challenges, such as lack of resources or information credibility. Additionally, there exists individual resistance to change in these environments that could potentially discourage adoption. To identify and understand these challenges, we conducted semi-structured group interviews with emergency call takers and dispatchers. We find that these PSAP operators desire participation and explanation of changes throughout the organizational change process. Participants also articulated they desired training regarding change even when not directly affected. Though change management procedures often call for these strategies, they are commonly overlooked, leaving individuals to imagine worse case scenarios that manifest as additional stress in an already stressful work environment. It is suggested that a formalized change management process which directly addresses the identified challenges within the organizational technology adoption process (OTAP) is needed in order to mitigate undue stress.
|
Diego Klappenbach, Silvia Hollfelder, Andreas Meissner, & Stefan Wilbert. (2004). From analog voice radio to ICT: Data communication and data modeling for the German NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 145–150). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In Germany, the public safety system is largely organized by the German Federal States, which operate, among other equipment, a fleet of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles (NBC RVs) to take measurements in contaminated areas. Currently, the NBC RVs, which have been centrally designed and procured by the German Center for Civil Defense, verbally report measured values to a Central Control Unit (CCU) over the assigned Public Safety Organization (PSO) analog voice radio channel. This procedure has several disadvantages. The channel is not secure, puts a natural limit on the achievable throughput and thus on the number of NBC RVs that can be operational simultaneously. Also, while data is being reported, other PSO members are blocked from sending. Finally, a proprietary model is used to structure the NBC RV data, so the data can only be aggregated and evaluated at the CCU but not by any other PSO unit. To overcome these problems, we propose in this paper a heterogeneous and flexible communication platform that complies with reliability and coverage requirements for PSO. More specifically, our proposed system is designed to replace current ways of communicating between NBC RVs and the CCU. We also propose to standardize data structures for data exchange to enable PSO cooperation. A drastically higher number of measured values can then be transmitted to the CCU, and the data can be processed in a much more effective manner in the CCU as well as in cooperating PSO task forces. Ultimately, this will improve NBC RV missions and consequently shorten PSO response time when dealing with NBC disasters. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
|
Alexandra Krakovsky. (2010). The role of social networks in crisis situations: Public participation and information exchange. 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 goal of the paper is to discuss the framework for an interdisciplinary human-computer interactive technology that facilitates information and resource exchange and forms core groups for crisis management. The social networks discussed here are designed to incorporate local knowledge and participation and to foster institutional and academic ties by modeling interrelationships among global communities and exploring policy options. Social interactions between individuals and organizations are explored especially in situations when directed responses are helpful in predicting the complex interplay between social, political, and technological systems and practices that result in a transfer of information and resources in disaster situations. In the future, such networks shall identify patterns through which groups interact in responding to critical issues and shall incorporate more complicated actions by individuals and organizations allowing them to move away from a rigid path to manage disasters via the most situationally appropriate routes.
|
Daniel E. Lane, Tracey L. O'Sullivan, Craig E. Kuziemsky, Fikret Berkes, & Anthony Charles. (2013). A structured equation model of collaborative community response. 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. 906–911). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper analyses the collaborative dynamic of community in response to urgent situations. Community emergencies arising from natural or man-induced threats are considered as exogenous events that stimulate community resources to be unified around the response, action, and recovery activities related to the emergency. A structured equation model is derived to depict the actions of the community system. The system is described in terms of its resources including the propensity to trigger community action and collaboration among diverse groups. The community is profiled with respect to its ability to respond. The system defines the trigger mechanisms that are considered to be the drivers of collaborative action. A simulation model is presented to enact the system emergencies, community profiles, and collaborative response. The results develop an improved understanding of conditions that engage community collaborative actions as illustrated by examples from community research in the EnRiCH and the C-Change community research projects.
|
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.
|
Matthias Lendholt, Martin Hammitzsch, & Miguel Angel Esbrí. (2012). Interlinking national tsunami early warning systems towards ocean-wide system-of-systems networks. 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: For the integration of national tsunami warning systems to large scale, ocean-wide warning infrastructures a specific protocol has been developed enabling system communication in a system-of-system environment. The proposed communication model incorporates requirements of UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission tsunami programme to interlink national tsunami early warning systems. The model designed to be robust simple is based on existing interoperability standards. It uses the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) for the exchange of official tsunami warning bulletins. Sensor measurements are communicated via markup languages of the Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) suite. Both communication products are embedded into an envelope carrying address information based on the Emergency Data Exchange Language Distribution Element (EDXL-DE). The research took place within the context of two European research projects. The reference implementation of the presented results was tested independently in deployments at two early warning centers. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
Benedikt Ley, Volkmar Pipek, Tim Siebigteroth, & Torben Wiedenhöefer. (2013). Retrieving and exchanging of information in inter- Organizational 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. 812–822). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Information is the most valuable resource for coping and recovery work in crisis management. It is the foundation for coordination, collaboration and decision-making. However, several challenges face information retrieval, evaluation and exchange processes in inter-organizational crisis management. On the one hand, due to the dynamic nature of crisis situations, information demands are hardly predictable and change in the course of time. Moreover, inter-organizational issues like terminology issues, policy constrains or even the lack of awareness about information available are influencing factors and need to be considered in designing appropriate ICT. In this paper we report from an empirical study, where we had a closer look on information retrieval and exchange practices in scenarios of medium to large power outages in Germany on an interorganizational level. Derived from these results, we were able to present a reference implementation of an interorganizational information repository (IOIR) and report our findings from a related evaluation.
|
Carleen Maitland, Andrea H. Tapia, Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, Kang Zhao, & Edgar Maldonado. (2010). Sectoral coordination in humanitarian information management: The implications of professionalization. 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: Sector wide collaboration in humanitarian information management will occur in a context defined by professionalization of information management more generally as well as evolving needs for data within the humanitarian relief sector. By accounting for these broader trends this research contributes to our understanding of collaboration in the humanitarian relief sector. In particular, the research analyzes the desire for greater standardization within the sector as a function of both the process of professionalization for information management as well as greater specialization in information technology that is a response to technological change. Based on these insights, recommendations for future actions for the community are made.
|
Carleen Maitland, Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, & Andrea H. Tapia. (2009). Information management and technology issues addressed by humanitarian relief coordination bodies. 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: Coordination bodies that attempt to overcome coordination barriers in humanitarian relief face many challenges. Among them are general organizational barriers to coordination as well as functionally-oriented barriers arising specifically from information management (IM) and information technology (IT) issues. Based on data collected from three coordination bodies, the research presented here examines IM and IT-related barriers, identifying similarities and differences between them as well as requirements for resolving them. The research finds that while many similarities exist, resolving IM issues typically requires higher levels of organizational change as compared to IT-related barriers. The research concludes that coordination bodies need to address a mixture of IT and IM related issues both to foster better coordination but also to ensure their efforts are successful.
|