Do Experts Teams in Rapid Crisis Response Use Their Tools Efficiently?

The introduction of advanced geospatial technologies to expert teams in the crisis response domain is a critical socio-technical process. The unique context and characteristics of every crisis have an impact on to what extent technologies, such as space-based sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and high volume data processing tools, will be used and how the actual work and the interactions of expert teams deploying these technologies will emerge. Beyond the mere physical existence of functioning modern technologies, crucial prerequisites for their successful application in crisis situation is predominantly set by ¿soft¿ factors such as acceptance, level of training, clear and accurate communication, agreements on standards. The knowledge of these socio-technical processes is essential in order to build and train expert teams capable to use these technologies and to perform effectively under a wide variety of situations and conditions. This paper identifies major opportunities and constraints regarding the practical application of modern technologies in crisis application by focusing on the usability of information stemming from earth observations and other spatial data. The exploitation of advanced geospatial technologies by expert teams while responding to a nuclear emergency scenario is studied. On the basis of the emergency management exercise methodology, a simulation was prepared and executed. In this simulation, three teams sited at different European locations and composed of experts from various organizations were tasked to provide rapid mapping products within 33 hours while having access to satellite imagery and other geospatial data. The chapter discusses implications of the findings from this simulation with respect to contingency, efficiency and control of the team processes as well as efficient operationalizing of new technologies in such teams. The chapter also suggests areas for further research.

TRNKA Jiri;  KEMPER Thomas;  SCHNEIDERBAUER Stefan; 

2009-10-07

M.E. Sharpe

JRC46926

978-0-7656-2134-4,