3,461 research outputs found
Application of Image Analytics for Disaster Response in Smart Cities
Post-disaster, city planners need to effectively plan response activities and assign rescue teams to specific disaster zones quickly. We address the problem of lack of accurate information of the disaster zones and existence of human survivors in debris using image analytics from smart city data. Innovative usage of smart city infrastructure is proposed as a potential solution to this issue. We collected images from earthquake-hit smart urban environments and implemented a CNN model for classification of these images to identify human body parts out of the debris. TensorFlow backend (using Keras) was utilized for this classification. We were able to achieve 83.2% accuracy from our model. The novel application of image data from smart city infrastructure and the resultant findings from our model has significant implications for effective disaster response operations, especially in smart cities
Big Data Computing for Geospatial Applications
The convergence of big data and geospatial computing has brought forth challenges and opportunities to Geographic Information Science with regard to geospatial data management, processing, analysis, modeling, and visualization. This book highlights recent advancements in integrating new computing approaches, spatial methods, and data management strategies to tackle geospatial big data challenges and meanwhile demonstrates opportunities for using big data for geospatial applications. Crucial to the advancements highlighted in this book is the integration of computational thinking and spatial thinking and the transformation of abstract ideas and models to concrete data structures and algorithms
The Acceptance of Using Information Technology for Disaster Risk Management: A Systematic Review
The numbers of natural disaster events are continuously affecting human and the world economics. For coping with disaster, several sectors try to develop the frameworks, systems, technologies and so on. However, there are little researches focusing on the usage behavior of Information Technology (IT) for disaster risk management (DRM). Therefore, this study investigates the affecting factors on the intention to use IT for mitigating disaster’s impacts. This study conducted a systematic review with the academic researches during 2011-2018. Two important factors from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and others are used in describing individual behavior. In order to investigate the potential factors, the technology platforms are divided into nine types. According to the findings, computer software such as GIS applications are frequently used for simulation and spatial data analysis. Social media is preferred among the first choices during disaster events in order to communicate about situations and damages. Finally, we found five major potential factors which are Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), information accessibility, social influence, and disaster knowledge. Among them, the most essential one of using IT for disaster management is PU, while PEOU and information accessibility are more important in the web platforms
Technology Resources for Earthquake Monitoring and Response (TREMOR)
Earthquakes represent a major hazard for populations around the world, causing frequent
loss of life, human suffering, and enormous damage to homes, other buildings, and
infrastructure. The Technology Resources for Earthquake Monitoring and Response
(TREMOR) proposal is designed to address this problem. This proposal recommends two
prototype systems integrating space-based and ground technology. The suggested pilot
implementation is over a 10-year period in three focus countries – China, Japan, and Peru –
that are among the areas in the world most afflicted by earthquakes.
The first proposed system is an Earthquake Early Warning Prototype System that addresses
the potential of earthquake precursors, the science of which is incomplete and considered
controversial within the scientific community. We recommend the development and launch
of two small satellites to study ionospheric and electromagnetic precursors. In combination
with ground-based precursor research, the data gathered will improve existing knowledge of
earthquake-related phenomena.
The second proposed system is an Earthquake Simulation and Response Prototype. An
earthquake simulator will combine any available precursor data with detailed knowledge of
the affected areas using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify those areas that
are most likely to experience the greatest level of damage. Mobile satellite communication
hubs will provide telephone and data links between response teams, while satellite navigation
systems will locate and track emergency vehicles. We recommend a virtual response satellite
constellation composed of existing and future high resolution satellites. We also recommend
education and training for response teams on the use of these technologies.
The two prototypes will be developed and implemented by a proposed non-profit nongovernmental
organization (NGO) called the TREMOR Foundation, which will obtain
funding from government disaster management agencies and NGOs. A for-profit subsidiary
will market any spin-off technologies and provide an additional source of funding.
Assuming positive results from the prototype systems, Team TREMOR recommends their
eventual and permanent implementation in all countries affected by earthquakes.Postprint (published version
Training of Crisis Mappers and Map Production from Multi-sensor Data: Vernazza Case Study (Cinque Terre National Park, Italy)
This aim of paper is to presents the development of a multidisciplinary project carried out by the cooperation between Politecnico di Torino and ITHACA (Information Technology for Humanitarian Assistance, Cooperation and Action). The goal of the project was the training in geospatial data acquiring and processing for students attending Architecture and Engineering Courses, in order to start up a team of "volunteer mappers". Indeed, the project is aimed to document the environmental and built heritage subject to disaster; the purpose is to improve the capabilities of the actors involved in the activities connected in geospatial data collection, integration and sharing. The proposed area for testing the training activities is the Cinque Terre National Park, registered in the World Heritage List since 1997. The area was affected by flood on the 25th of October 2011. According to other international experiences, the group is expected to be active after emergencies in order to upgrade maps, using data acquired by typical geomatic methods and techniques such as terrestrial and aerial Lidar, close-range and aerial photogrammetry, topographic and GNSS instruments etc.; or by non conventional systems and instruments such us UAV, mobile mapping etc. The ultimate goal is to implement a WebGIS platform to share all the data collected with local authorities and the Civil Protectio
Seafloor characterization using airborne hyperspectral co-registration procedures independent from attitude and positioning sensors
The advance of remote-sensing technology and data-storage capabilities has progressed in the last decade to commercial multi-sensor data collection. There is a constant need to characterize, quantify and monitor the coastal areas for habitat research and coastal management. In this paper, we present work on seafloor characterization that uses hyperspectral imagery (HSI). The HSI data allows the operator to extend seafloor characterization from multibeam backscatter towards land and thus creates a seamless ocean-to-land characterization of the littoral zone
Mission-Critical Communications from LMR to 5G: a Technology Assessment approach for Smart City scenarios
Radiocommunication networks are one of the main support tools of agencies that carry out
actions in Public Protection & Disaster Relief (PPDR), and it is necessary to update these
communications technologies from narrowband to broadband and integrated to information
technologies to have an effective action before society. Understanding that this problem
includes, besides the technical aspects, issues related to the social context to which these
systems are inserted, this study aims to construct scenarios, using several sources of
information, that helps the managers of the PPDR agencies in the technological decisionmaking
process of the Digital Transformation of Mission-Critical Communication considering
Smart City scenarios, guided by the methods and approaches of Technological Assessment
(TA).As redes de radiocomunicações são uma das principais ferramentas de apoio dos órgãos que
realizam ações de Proteção Pública e Socorro em desastres, sendo necessário atualizar essas
tecnologias de comunicação de banda estreita para banda larga, e integra- las às tecnologias
de informação, para se ter uma atuação efetiva perante a sociedade . Entendendo que esse
problema inclui, além dos aspectos técnicos, questões relacionadas ao contexto social ao qual
esses sistemas estão inseridos, este estudo tem por objetivo a construção de cenários,
utilizando diversas fontes de informação que auxiliem os gestores destas agências na tomada
de decisão tecnológica que envolve a transformação digital da Comunicação de Missão Crítica
considerando cenários de Cidades Inteligentes, guiado pelos métodos e abordagens de
Avaliação Tecnológica (TA)
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