Space-enabled information environment for crisis management. Scenario-based analysis and evaluation in an operational environment
Abstract: The paper presents analysis of usefulness of space applications in crisis management activities carried out on the national level. Analytical approach has been based upon development of realistic disaster scenarios and their evaluation with assumption of existence of space-related capabilities available to rescue forces. Building upon analysis''s results, the experimental information environment has been developed and it successfully supported commanding of a large-scale crisis management field training. The results prove that many crisis management needs can be served with existing, commercially available products. The key to success lays in understanding operational needs; integration into common information environment; and standardisation of information exchange. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]/nCopyright of Acta Astronautica is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Comparison of results allows evaluation of actual efficiency of employing space systems into crisis management operations
based experiments
There are three scenarios conducted. More information related with this section can be found in section “data analysis”.Case 1: earthquake and international aidCase 2: flood and personal rescueCase 3: rail accident
Case 1: Remote work based on video transmission via satellite enabled experts called to Situation Centre to cooperate with rescue personnel on the dam and to remotely evaluate a of total collapse of the damage. The situation was presented to local authorities and decision about evacuation was taken.Case 2: The field exercise has been conducted with civilians being trapped by flood and requesting evacuation. Space technologies have been merged with advanced ter- restrial solutions to provide the most efficient information environment supporting operation. Satellite navigation has been used to locate calls and to coordinate rescue activities. This has been enhanced by optical images from unmanned aerial vehicle and telemedical systems using GSM network.Case 3: the train transporting hazardous gas crashes with passenger train between stations, in the forest. Satellite navigation system is used to facilitate operations, including exchange of information between different services involved. EO archived images are used to provide information about the neighbourhood of the crash location. Tracking of first units arriving on the scene provides access information for all other forces. EO images present context information about the area.
The key to success lays in understanding operational needs; integration into common information environment; and standardisation of information exchange.
Ability to track all units/groups participating in operation (belonging to different services and structures) and visualise their location on satellite map greatly enhances situational awareness. Ability to access exactly the same data indifferent locations results in a common operational picture for all actors involved both different services and authorities supervising them. Both above-mentioned factors allow for significantly better coordination of common operations. Automatic transmission of status information together with position information may provide for much clearer situational picture. Satellite support team physically present in headquarter is a very effective method to ensure efficient use of available space technologies. Geospatial products (satellite maps and analytical products) should use standardised marking (e.g. NATO standard symbols) to make them easily readable for users. Standards for such products made available electronically are also necessary. Users (commanding officers) require certain time (several hours) to get accustomed to new capabilities, understand them and use effectively. Operational demonstration is a very effective method to validate crisis management systems' concepts and to convince users about their usefulness.
To analyze usefulness of space applications in crisis management activities carried out on the national level.
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