Aarland, M., Radianti, J., & Gjøsæter, T. (2023). Using System Dynamics to Simulate Trust in Digital Supply Chains. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 516–529). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: The power industry is outsourcing and digitalising their services to provide better, faster, and more reliable supply of electric power to the society. As a result, critical infrastructure increases in complexity and tight couplings between multiple suppliers and systems in digital supply chains. It also introduces new risks and challenges that are difficult to manage for critical infrastructure owners. To address the vulnerability in digital supply chains, we have developed a system dynamics model that represent important challenges to manage cybersecurity in digital supply chains, based on input from an expert group in the power industry. The system dynamics model illustrates how trust in suppliers as well as the need for control play important roles in outsourcing. Scenarios were developed and simulated.
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Hans Abbink, Roel Van Dijk, Tamas Dobos, Mark Hoogendoorn, Catholijn M. Jonker, Savas Konur, et al. (2004). Automated support for adaptive incident management. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 69–74). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The project CIM, started in 2003, addresses the problem of automated support for incident management. In this paper some intermediate results are shown, especially on automated support of analysis of errors in traces of incident management. For such traces it can be checked automatically which dynamic properties hold or fail. The potential of the approach is shown in the formal analysis of a given empirical trace. The approach can also be applied in conjunction with simulation experiments. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Abdelgawad, A. A. (2023). An Updated System Dynamics Model for Analysing the Cascading Effects of Critical Infrastructure Failures. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 595–608). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Aiming at examining the cascading effects of the failure of Critical Infrastructure (CI), this work-in-progress research introduces an improved System Dynamics model. We represent an improvement over the previous models aimed at studying CIs interdependencies and their cascading effects. Our model builds on earlier models and corrects their flaws. In addition to introducing structural enhancements, the improvements include using unpublished data, a fresh look at a previously collected dataset and employing a new data processing to address and resolve some longstanding issues. The dataset was fed to an optimisation model to produce a new dataset used in our model. The structure of our SD model, its dataset and the data processing techniques we employed to create this dataset are all described in the study. Although the model has passed the fundamental validation criteria, more validation testing and scenario exploration are yet to be conducted.
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Adam Widera, Sandra Lechtenberg, Gaby Gurczik, Sandra Bähr, & Bernd Hellingrath. (2017). Integrated Logistics and Transport Planning in Disaster Relief Operations. 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. 752–764). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Decision making in the area of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management often suffers because of the interrelations between planning horizons, tasks, and crisis management lifecycle phases. In this paper, we present a method, an exemplary prototypical implementation and its evaluation within a relief organization. Based on a structured literature analysis (a review of existing information systems as well as a consideration of ongoing research projects), basic requirements for an integrated logistics and transport planning approach were derived. Together with end-user involvement, these results were used to design and prototype a concept of an appropriate information system, which was applied and evaluated in a tabletop exercise. The generated results are promising in terms of having a positive impact on the logistics effectiveness. In combination with the identified limitations, our results promise to have an impact on future ISCRAM research.
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Syed Ahmed, Paul A. BiedrzyckiA., Shannon Opel, David A. Nelson, Marie G. Sandy, & Zeno Franco. (2012). Community engagement for translational disaster research: Fostering public, private & responder group partnerships. 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: Vulnerable communities are disproportionately impacted by major disasters. Information scientists working to improve disaster planning and mitigation efforts in these communities often involve first responder (practitioner) groups in collaborative design; however, less emphasis has been placed on developing long-term, sustainable crisis informatics partnerships at the population level. Community-based participatory research approaches are gaining attention in the US as an important element in translational science efforts designed to move innovations “from the bench to the curbside.” Community Engagement in Research (CEnR) is a community research approach adopted US National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve public health intervention. CEnR has implications for improving the generalizability of ISCRAM research, may provide a roadmap for Public/Private/Community disaster research partnerships, and suggests modifications to training for information scientists working in this arena. The CEnR approach also recognizes conflicts that can occur in community/government partnerships, emphasizing the importance of predicting and preventing these situations. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Ajay Kumar, & Johnny Søraker. (2015). Ethics of Information Systems Design in Humanitarian Sector: Cultivating Humanitarian values among Technologists. 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: Ethical considerations have been an important part of the humanitarian discourse for decades. The short paper aims to present insights from the point of view of a technology practitioner with field experience in the humanitarian sector and emphasise on the need for continued dialogue about the importance of ethics in design of appropriate technology. The paper advocates for a value sensitive design approach to information systems design and proposes the need for increasing sensitivity towards the issues in technologist working in the area and draws an outline for possible future research.
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Ajay Kumar, & Simeon Vidolov. (2016). Humanitarian Effectiveness: Reconsidering the Ethics of Community Engagement and the Role of Technology. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: This position paper discusses the ongoing debate on the topic of humanitarian effectiveness and highlights the need to look at the structuring of the humanitarian system from an ethical point of view. The paper makes the argument that any community engagement with the affected population is a matter of ethics and dignity of those needs to be considered as a central focus to the discussion. The paper also discusses how the humanitarian system as a set of technology, tools & practises focusses on efficiency, and overshadows the issues of care by objectifying and turning the affected population into mere numbers. We discuss that technology and organisations are inter-twined and such a discussion of technology cannot be contemplated without considering the traditional institutional practises as a whole.
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Alexander Staves, Harry Balderstone, Benjamin Green, Antonios Gouglidis, & David Hutchison. (2020). A Framework to Support ICS Cyber Incident Response and Recovery. 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. 638–651). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: During the past decade there has been a steady increase in cyber attacks targeting Critical National Infrastructure. In order to better protect against an ever-expanding threat landscape, governments, standards bodies, and a plethora of industry experts have produced relevant guidance for operators in response to incidents. However, in a context where safety, reliability, and availability are key, combined with the industrial nature of operational systems, advice on the right practice remains a challenge. This is further compounded by the volume of available guidance, raising questions on where operators should start, which guidance set should be followed, and how confidence in the adopted approach can be established. In this paper, an analysis of existing guidance with a focus on cyber incident response and recovery is provided. From this, a work in progress framework is posited, to better support operators in the development of response and recovery operations.
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Amanda Hughes, Keri Stephens, Steve Peterson, Hemant Purohit, Anastazja G. Harris, Yasas Senarath, et al. (2022). Human-AI Teaming for COVID-19 Response: A Practice & Research Collaboration Case Study. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1048–1057). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Practice and research collaborations in the disaster domain have the potential to improve emergency management practices while also advancing disaster science theory. However, they also pose challenges as practitioners and researchers each have their own culture, history, values, incentives, and processes that do not always facilitate collaboration. In this paper, we reflect on a 6-month practice and research collaboration, where researchers and practitioners worked together to craft a social media monitoring system for emergency managers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges we encountered in this project fall into two broad categories, job-related and timescale challenges. Using prior research on team science as a guide, we discuss several challenges we encountered in these two categories and show how our team sought to overcome them. We conclude with a set of best practices for improving practice and research collaborations.
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Amanda L. Hughes, Leysia Palen, Jeannette N. Sutton, Sophia B. Liu, & Sara Vieweg. (2008). Site-seeing in disaster: An examination of on-line social convergence. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 324–333). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: On-line websites and applications are increasingly playing a role in disaster response and recovery. Yet with the wide variety of on-line grassroots activities that occur in such situations, it can be difficult to make sense of them. In this paper, we describe on-line behavior as socially convergent activity, interpreting it within existing sociological understandings of behavior in disaster events. We discuss seven types of convergent behavior and give examples of on-line activities for each type. By seeing these activities as an essential part of the disaster social arena, we can begin to think about how to support socially convergent phenomena in new and creative ways.
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Ana Maria Aldea Reyes, Marta Burgos Gonzalez, & Susana Izquierdo Funcia. (2022). Ethics in Catastrophes, Extraordinary Decisions. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 814–819). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: European research projects take ethical aspects into central consideration. In this extended abstract we have developed the methodology of the Search and Rescue (SnR) project and research made in relation to the ethical aspects of animal welfare.
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Apoorva Chauhan, & Amanda Lee Hughes. (2015). Facebook and Twitter Adoption by Hurricane Sandy-affected Police and Fire Departments. 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: We report initial findings around the Facebook and Twitter adoption trends of 840 fire and police departments affected by Hurricane Sandy. The data show that adoption increased during the time period directly surrounding Hurricane Sandy. Despite this increase, the creation of new online accounts since that time has been declining and overall adoption rates seem to be stabilizing. Lastly, the data report Facebook to be significantly more popular than Twitter as a form of online communication for these fire and police departments.
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Apoorva Chauhan, & Amanda Lee Hughes. (2016). Online Mentioning Behavior during Hurricane Sandy: References, Recommendations, and Rebroadcasts. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Large-scale crisis events require coordination between the many responding stakeholders to provide timely, relevant, and accurate information to the affected public. In this paper, we examine how social media can support these coordinated public information efforts. This research considers how emergency responders mentioned different organizations, institutions, and individuals by examining the social media communications of police and fire departments during Hurricane Sandy. We find that these departments use mentions to reference other sources of information, recommend credible information and sources, and rebroadcast information. These mentions offer insight into how emergency responders fit within a broader crisis information network and the types of entities that responders trust and recommend to provide information to the public.
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Apoorva Chauhan, & Amanda Lee Hughes. (2018). Social Media Resources Named after a Crisis Event. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 573–583). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Crisis Named Resources (CNRs) are the social media accounts and pages named after a crisis event. CNRs typically appear spontaneously after an event as places for information exchange. They are easy to find when searching for information about the event. Yet in most cases, it is unclear who manages these resources. Thus, it is important to understand what kinds of information they provide and what role they play in a response. This paper describes a study of Facebook and Twitter CNRs around the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. We report on CNR lifecycles, and their relevance to the event. Based on the information provided by these resources, we categorize them into 8 categories: donations, fundraisers, prayers, reactions, reports, needs and offers, stories, and unrelated. We also report on the most popular CNR on both Facebook and Twitter. We conclude by discussing the role of CNRs and the need for future investigation.
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Christoph Aubrecht, Klaus Steinnocher, & Hermann Huber. (2014). DynaPop – Population distribution dynamics as basis for social impact evaluation in crisis management. 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. 314–318). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: In this paper ongoing developments regarding the conceptual setup and subsequent implementation logic of a seamless spatio-temporal population dynamics model are presented. The DynaPop model aims at serving as basic input for social impact evaluation in crisis management. In addition to providing the starting point for assessing population exposure dynamics, i.e. the location and number of affected people at different stages during an event, knowledge of spatio-temporal population distribution patterns is also considered crucial for a set of other related aspects in disaster risk and crisis management including evacuation planning and casualty assessment. DynaPop is implemented via a gridded spatial disaggregation approach and integrates previous efforts on spatio-temporal modeling that account for various aspects of population dynamics such as human mobility and activity patterns that are particularly relevant in picturing the highly dynamic daytime situation.
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Christoph Aubrecht, Sérgio Freire, Josef Fröhlich, Beatrice Rath, & Klaus Steinnocher. (2011). Integrating the concepts of foresight and prediction for improved disaster risk 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: This discussion paper focuses on conceptualizing the ultimate goal in disaster management, i.e. reduction of future risks and impacts and explicitly highlights how actions taken in various phases of integrated disaster risk management influence vulnerability and eventually overall risk characteristics. First, the advancement of the disaster management concept evolving from a cyclic perspective to a spiral view is described and the various stages of disaster management including risk analysis, mitigation, and response are explained. In an attempt to improve and advance disaster risk management, next, the concepts of foresight and prediction are described and its major differences are highlighted. Finally, the basic framework of risk governance is considered for integrating foresight and prediction and thus lifting disaster management to the next level. Active and transparent communication and participation is seen as the key for successfully implementing risk governance.
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Oleg Aulov, Adam Price, & Milton Halem. (2014). AsonMaps: A platform for aggregation visualization and analysis of disaster related human sensor network observations. 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. 802–806). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: In this paper, we describe AsonMaps, a platform for collection, aggregation, visualization and analysis of near real-time, geolocated quantifiable information from a variety of heterogeneous social media outlets in order to provide emergency responders and other coordinating federal agencies not only with the means of listening to the affected population, but also to be able to incorporate this data into geophysical and probabilistic disaster forecast models that guide their response actions. Hurricane Sandy disaster is examined as a use-case scenario discussing the different types of quantifiable information that can be extracted from Instagram and Twitter.
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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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B. Betting, E. Varea, & B. Patte-Rouland. (2017). Smoke dynamics in compartment fires: large scale experiments and numerical simulations. 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. 879–889). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Today, during compartments fire, the decision-making of the rescue teams is mainly based on human decisions, which are the results of gathered experiences. However, a perfect knowledge of the situation, its evolution over time and the dangers that may appear is impossible. The transition between a localized fire and a generalized fire can take several forms. One of the most important vectors in the propagation of combustion for compartment fires is smoke due to its high temperature and the large amounts of energy it contains. Despite its extreme danger, smoke remains important to study because it convey valuable information, especially on the appearance of thermal phenomena feared by firemen. To carry out this study, a large scale experimental cell is used. A burner fueled with propane produces hot fumes in a so-called “real fire” configuration. All the measurements carried out are compared with LES (Large Eddy Simulation) simulations of the experiment using FDS. The numerical component allows defining scenarios (fire fully developed, fire under ventilated ...), which are verified by the experiments. The dual competence numerical /experimental data is essential in this type of study since the experimental data suffer from a lack of resolution (spatial, temporal) but nevertheless represent information necessary for validating the codes.
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Menelaos Bakopoulos, Sofia Tsekeridou, Eri Giannaka, Zheng-Hua Tan, & Ramjee Prasad. (2011). Command & control: Information merging, selective visualization and decision support for emergency handling. 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: Emergency situations call for the timely collaboration and error free communication of first responder (FR) teams from their Command Posts (CP) and between themselves. First responder teams must form and adapt their plans and actions as a real-time critical situation unfolds. This paper presents an advanced Command Post application that manages a diversity of FR teams during an emergency. Data from biometric, fire and/or gas sensors in addition to received annotated videos from first responders on site, carrying personal digital assistants (PDAs), are simultaneously managed. The presented system provides properly configured access to and alert-dependent visualization of real time location, biometric, gas, fire and annotated video data from FRs in the field to allow for effective reaction and decision support from CP personnel. Additionally, the system forms an information management system for all necessary information to be quickly handy during emergency handling, such as FR information, critical infrastructure information, historical information, etc. This system has been validated through qualitative analysis in a field trial at the M30 tunnel in Madrid by participating end users.
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Tuncay Bayrak. (2007). Performance metrics for disaster monitoring 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. 125–132). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Understanding the performance of disaster monitoring systems is a key to understanding their success, therefore; various qualitative and quantitative measures and metrics can be applied in the characterization and analysis of such systems. Through evaluation studies, problems that impede a disaster monitoring system performance can be identified. The results can be used for system control, design, and capacity planning. Previous studies address technical performance analysis metrics for analyzing monitoring systems leaving out human and organizational dimensions of such systems. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to identify and describe a set of disaster monitoring systems performance analysis metrics that may be employed to evaluate such systems. This study may be valuable to researchers and practitioners involved in disaster and emergency response studies in planning the transportation of vital first-aid supplies and emergency personnel to disaster-affected areas, and in improving chances of survival after a natural disaster.
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Irma Becerra-Fernandez, Weidong Xia, Arvind Gudi, & Jose Rocha. (2008). Task characteristics, knowledge sharing and integration, and emergency management performance: Research agenda and challenges. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 88–92). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Emergency management tasks are inherently complex and dynamic, requiring quick knowledge sharing and decision coordination among multiple organizations across different levels and locations. However, there is a general lack of understanding about how to describe and assess the complex and dynamic nature of emergency management tasks and how knowledge integration help managers improve emergency management task performance. This paper describes a research project that aims at (1) developing the concepts of task complexity and uncertainty of emergency management tasks and (2) testing the mediating role of knowledge sharing and knowledge integration between emergency management task characteristics and performance. The overall research agenda, approaches, challenges and the advantages of utilizing a virtual Emergency Operations Center (vEOC) for this line of research are discussed.
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Andrea Bellucci, Alessio Malizia, Paloma Díaz, & Ignacio Aedo. (2010). Framing the design space for novel crisis-related mashups: The eStoryS example. 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: Web 2.0 can be viewed as a platform where users can develop their own web applications. It is also characterized by a vast amount of user-generated contents presenting spatial and temporal components, by means of associated metadata. These metadata has been successfully exploited to generate map-based mashups (web applications gathering data from different sources) facing different kind of crisis situations, ranging from natural disasters (earthquakes, wildfires, floods...) to human-made disasters (terrorist attacks, school shootings, conflicts...). The social and collaborative dimensions of the Web 2.0 can be also exploited for managing crisis-related information. We present here a survey of current crisis-related mashups we employed to extract design dimensions and provide a conceptual framework that can be used: A) to understand current systems and; b) to design next generation of crisis-related mashups. We propose the eStoryS system as an example of application developed following the design principles presented in this paper. On the basis of our analysis, we believe that the design dimensions posited here provide useful insights for the design of novel web mashups in the emergency management domain.
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Einar Bjørgo. (2004). Satellite imagery and GIS for disaster response & management in the United Nations: The UNOSAT approach. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 105–110). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have the potential to provide United Nations (UN) humanitarian agencies and their partners with much needed disaster related information and improved management of resources. However, the technical nature of these tools requires considerable expertise to fully benefit from satellite images and related geographic information. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is implementing the UNOSAT service on behalf of the UN Institute on Training and Research (UNITAR) together with several private actors. UNOSAT provides the UN and its partners with the expertise in Earth Observation (EO) and GIS applications. As a crisis is part of a spectrum of disaster related events, UNOSAT provides services in all phases of humanitarian assistance, including planning, crisis response, relief and development. UNOSAT's objectives are to facilitate the territory planning and monitoring processes of local authorities, local technicians, development project managers and humanitarian field operators working in coordination with or within the framework of UN activities, on issues such as disaster management, risk prevention, peace keeping operations, post conflict reconstruction, environmental rehabilitation and social and economic development. A key part of this work is to accelerate and expand the use of accurate geographic information derived from EO-satellite imagery. UNOSAT is also involved in several international initiatives aimed at improved crisis response and management, such as the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters”, an important asset in providing timely information to relief personnel on the ground. By working closely with its UN sister agencies, UNOPS/UNOSAT offers a one-stop-shop for satellite imagery and GIS services related to disaster response & management within the United Nations. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Jesse Blum, Genovefa Kefalidou, Robert Houghton, Martin Flintham, Unna Arunachalam, & Murray Goulden. (2014). Majority report: Citizen empowerment through collaborative sensemaking. 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. 767–771). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: In the past crisis sensemaking activities have primarily been controlled by professional emergency responders and the media. Social media, however, has the potential to see a shift towards more grassroots and ad hoc citizen engagement. This paper sets out our vision and our progress in implementation of a new online platform called 'Majority Report', which aims to empower citizen sensemaking activities around crisis events. The concept is to facilitate citizen volunteers to draw together a range of digital media (photographs, Tweets, videos, etc.) to present stories of crisis events, and thus demarcate arguments about different understandings in terms of the temporal ordering of event narrative components and their relations to each other. Through collaborative usages of the platform, accounts may be improved by others, and variants may be presented and compared to challenge existing assumptions and beliefs.
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