Balancing levels of operational support of map-based tools for facilitating a common operational picture
Abstract as pdf
Corresponding Author:
Tomasz Opach
Norwegian University of Science and Technology Norway
tomasz.opach@ntnu.no
Author(s):
Jan Ketil Rød1 and Kristine Steen-Tveit2
1Norwegian University Of Science And Technology, Jan.Rod@Ntnu.No, NOR
2University Of Agder, Kristine.Steen-Tveit@Uia.No, NOR
Map-based tools facilitate a common operational picture (COP) for emergency management. Since there is no univocal definition of the COP, its map-based tools differ in terms of offered functionality. While some tools provide a map equipped with basic interactive functions, others offer rich functionality built in a map display assisted with auxiliary visual components such as a timeline or a reporting panel. Different levels of functionality are caused by diverse requirements regarding operational tasks supported by COP tools. If a given COP tool supports emergency scenarios relevant for one emergency responder, required functionality can be planned through the tool’s co-design engaging representatives of that responder. However, if a COP tool is to be used by several emergency responders, then, required functionalities need to be negotiated between potential users. Such negotiations are necessary to determine a balance between a general level of essential functionality included in COP tools for emergency management and specific interactive functions wished by some responders, but likely to generate confusion to other responders.
This paper reports on our research on the level of operational support of COP map-based tools for Norwegian emergency responders. We pose two research questions: What are the requirements for operational support of map-based COP tools expressed by various emergency responders in Norway? What are the interactive functions of COP tools desired by emergency responders during their operations? While the first question considers specific emergency scenarios in which COP tools are used, the second aims at revealing a list of interactive functions to be of primary importance to the emergency responders. To gain empirical material, we undertook several steps. First, we surveyed COP map-based interfaces in use by selected emergency responders in Norway to gain a comprehensive insight into their functionality (i.e., supported use case scenarios). Next, we interviewed representatives of six emergency responders. Lastly, we organized a desktop exercise where we used one of the well-known COP tools to elicit shortcomings and to highlight functionalities essential for supporting future emergency work practices related to COP and situational awareness. Based on our findings, we propose the concept of a “web repository” containing the list of essential interactive functions to be included in a “common operational functionality.” Furthermore, we implement the concept of the repository in a prototype of a web tool that exemplifies essential interactive functions and provides them to developers in an informative and attractive manner.
Exploring Future Work Practices for Information Sharing and Achieving Common Situational Understanding in Disasters