The Journal of Mine Action Issue 5.2 (2001)

Landmines in Central and South Americ

Open Aerial Map, Drones and Archaeology: The implications of using drones to contribute and share aerial data on an open data repository

The purpose of this research is to determine the potential benefits and challenges of volunteered aerial imagery by looking at OpenAerialMap (OAM) and by presenting how a repository like OAM may be applied in archaeological studies. The interviews and survey conducted in this research indicate that the main benefits of OAM are affordability, accessibility, rapid mapping and historic image preservation. Among the key challenges identified are concerns around data quality and privacy. Though most of the images on OAM are of high resolution, there is currently no way to guarantee the quality of images that people share on OAM. Similarly, there are no real safeguards against the misuse the openly available imagery. This is a prominent concern in archaeology, where open aerial images may increase the looting and destruction of heritage sites. Then again, OAM can aid in a number of ways in terms of archaeological research and it may even contribute to citizen engagement in archaeology. The research indicates that OAM is a positive endeavour that makes spatial data more accessible and provides drone users with the ability to engage in citizen science

Systematic Review on Civilian Drones in Safety and Security Applications

Data Availability Statement: The data can be shared up on request.Copyright © 2023 by the authors. The employment of unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as UAVs, is expanding rapidly across various civil application areas. Some of these domains include real-time tracking, the provision of wireless coverage, sensing, searches and rescue, the delivery of goods, safety and surveillance, security, and safety checks of engineering structures. Smart UAVs represent the next technology revolution in UAV technology. They promise to provide new possibilities in various applications, notably lower risk and costs for civil infrastructure. The military has traditionally used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in countries such as the United Kingdom or the United States to partake in military and dangerous operations. The application and usage of these UAVs have become more commercial. Civilians can easily buy UAVs, commonly known as drones, from online platforms or shops. The main aim of this study is to review selected publications presenting previous efforts on using Civilian Drones in Safety applications. The study was accomplished using a systematic review research approach reviewing 45 publications. Drones have become more common, and it is crucial to understand how they work, especially since they entered the civilian domain. The research shows how civilian drones have been used in numerous safety applications, such as security cameras videotaping a house to ensure its safety.This research received no external funding

Communication technology in disaster management

ABSTRACT COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT by DENISE WALKER This thesis will analyze different case studies involving catastrophic disasters. I will compare their rescue response from the government to FEMA\u27s response to Katrina, to establish a basis for comparison. The Midwest Floods and California fires will be compared to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans because these places are prone to natural disasters. I will look at each of these states ecology to explain why these states are prone to floods, fires and hurricanes. Unlike the Midwest and California, Hurricane Katrina received far less help from the government and FEMA. I will explore the reasons why this unfair practice took place and propose solutions to make sure this will not happen again. Chapter one focuses on defining what is interdisciplinary studies and discusses how it can be used to solve complex problems. I will discuss New Orleans background and give an overview of hurricane Katrina. I will examine the importance of the wetlands and show why New Orleans has always been prone to floods since it was founded. Chapter two will explore California\u27s landscape and why this region constantly has wildfires. Yet, despite this they have a good track record for successfully fighting the fires due to technology, a sound disaster plan and excellent leadership. Chapter three covers the 2008 Midwest floods and the different states involved. Due to torrential rainfall the world feared they were witnessing another Hurricane Katrina. However, thankfully our fears did not materialize due to the fast response from the government and FEMA. The purpose of this chapter is to study the Midwest to determine why floods are so prominent in these areas. I will also compare Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts to the Midwest floods. Chapter four will show how the role of race, class and ethnicity played a role in the disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, California fires and the Midwest floods. I intend to show that low-income individuals, minorities, women, the elderly and other disenfranchised groups are disproportionately affected by disasters, as Hurricane Katrina demonstrated. Chapter five is the final chapter and it will explore technological solutions that need to be in place in every state to avoid another disaster like Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina suffered not only from technological breakdowns but direct communication failures that could have been avoided. These failures were the main culprit for hindering relief efforts. Information technology is important to employ successful rescue efforts but strong leadership and communication skills are crucial to make sure the technology is implemented correctly