Development of a methodology for real-time retrieving and viewing of spatial data in emergency scenarios

Abstract

AbstractQuick response in emergency situations is crucial, because any delay can result in dramatic consequences and potentially human losses. Therefore, many institutions/authorities are relying on development of strategies for emergency management, specially to have a quick response process using modern technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles. A key factor affecting this process is to have a quick geo-situation report of the emergency in real time, which reflects the current emergency situation and supports in right decision-making. Providing such geo-reports is still not an easy task because—in most cases—a priori known spatial data like map data (raster/vector) or geodatabases are outdated, and anyway would not provide an overview on the current situation. Therefore, this paper introduces a management methodology of spatial data focusing on enabling a free access and viewing the data of interest in real time and in situ to support emergency managers. The results of this work are twofold: on the one hand, an automated mechanism for spatial data synchronization and streaming was developed and on the other hand, a spatial data sharing concept was realized using web map tile service. For results assessment, an experimental framework through the joint research project ANKommEn (English acronym: Automated Navigation and Communication for Exploration) was implemented. The assessment procedure was achieved based on specific evaluation criteria like time consumption and performance and showed that the developed methodology can help in overcoming some of existing challenges and addressing the practically relevant questions concerning on the complexity in spatial data sharing and retrieval.