Supporting humanitarian relief logistics operations through online geocollaborative knowledge management

Over the past two years, horrific disasters such as the Asian Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the Pakistan Earthquake have demonstrated the critical need for effective technological infrastructure that is scientifically grounded in geo-visual group interaction theory [1] and humanitarian knowledge management procedures [2] to quickly and effectively facilitate planning for predictable events and post-event response. In this demonstration, we address specific issues that negatively impact the effectiveness of geocollaborative process in disaster relief. These include lack of common group operating picture, lack of command structure understanding and blatant miscommunication and misunderstanding about where relief supplies needed to be delivered, who will deliver them, when they need to be delivered, and the relevancy of deliveries to stricken areas. Our approach improves on existing systems by using methods and technologies that meet the challenges of coordinating the efforts of divers...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: DGO
• Authors: Brian M. Tomaszewski, Alan M. MacEachren, Scott Pezanowski, Xiaoyan Liu, Ian Turton
• Keywords: DGO 2006, DGO 2007, Group Interaction, Humanitarian Relief, Knowledge Management