This document proposes GDIN 2.0, an updated version of the Global Disaster Information Network, to better harness new technologies for disaster management. GDIN 2.0 would reactivate the original 1997 initiative to create a "fusion center" for disaster data sharing across agencies. New technologies like mobile devices, open source software, GIS, and social media could improve access to the right information for decision makers. However, greater integration is still needed given the exponentially increasing volume of disaster data. The document outlines an action plan to implement GDIN 2.0 through an executive order and policy changes to foster data sharing across organizations using modern technologies and user-centered design.

1. GDIN 2.0: Harnessing a New Era of the Information Age in Disaster Management UA-805 Spring 2011 May 9th 2011 Stacy Fox Indhira Mercedes Mike Payne Spring Payne C

2. What is a CompoundedDisaster? A clear failure of emergency preparedness and management; the inability to respond quickly and adapt to changes and unforeseen circumstances …as seen in the reaction to natural or manmade disasters

3. How can we make the best decisions with… What needs to be fixed? Lack of Sharing @#$%& Incomplete Too Much Too Slow Chaotic @#$%& Information @#$%& @#$%&

4. The Problem: Indecision in·de·ci·sionin-di-ˈsi-zhənbr />1.indecision- doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action; 2.indecision - the trait of irresolution; a lack of firmness of character or purpose Poor information is a root of indecision The Results: Compounded Disasters

5. Decisions Actions Information Event

6. When is a solution needed? Mitigation Preparedness Recovery Response

7. Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN 1.0) 1997 Federal Initiative to create a “Fusion Center” for disaster related information Disaster Information Task Force (DITF) led by Al Gore and Leon Fuerth Early warning systems for disaster managers

9. Better information is… …the RIGHT info in the RIGHT format, to the RIGHTpeople, in time to make the RIGHT decisions

10. Providers:Private/Public sector, NGOs, & Academics Feedback Partnerships Users: Policy makers, general public, & practitioners

11. Hurricane Mitch

12. What we need today… GDIN2.0

13. GDIN 2.0 GDIN 1.0

15. “Those responsible for emergency management learned long ago that their performance in such times of duress often was contingent upon being able to deal with critical and useful information, which in turn was dependent upon communication between key analysts utilizing the best ‘systems’ available including those drawing upon computer and communications technologies.” -U.S. Senator 1988 (responsible for the internet) “…harness technology to confront the biggest challenges that America faces…” -Barack Obama 2008

16. GDIN 2.0 (2011) Reactivate the GDIN to take advantage of the last 14 years of new technology for Disaster Managers SAME mission, NEW leaders, NEW tools

17. New Leaders

18. What we have today… New Tools

19. Hardware Mobile computing devices: smart phones, laptops, & tablets

20. Software Free open source software, GIS Imagery, Information Databases, Web indexing

21. InfrastructureIncreased network capacity and redundancy

22. User CultureInternet Interface Trends

23. User CultureSocial Media, Video Chat, Connectivity, Accessibility

24. Recent Initiatives

25. Recent Examples of ICT in Disasters Images courtesy ofJohn Crowley

26. Major Challenges as identified by John Crowley co-author of the UN’s ‘Disaster Relief 2.0’ Little to no integration across organizations Volume, Velocity and Heterogeneity of information increasing exponentially (faster than we can handle) Organizations are using new technology with old methods

28. Improving state and local utilization of federal capabilities

29. Building consensus among public and private stakeholders at all levels of government

32. Data: a piece or pieces of raw and unorganized information, present everywhere in the universe

33. Information: a set of data organized in both time and space

34. Knowledge: pre-existing information that helps to inform decision making in the disaster management process