A geospatial web app to localize disaster risk management through open-source data collection, sharing, and mapping
Abstract as pdf
Corresponding Author:
Elaine Donderer
Lead Facilitator and Author Germany
e.donderer@student.maastrichtuniversity.nl
Author(s):
Isabella Krause1, Dr. Serdar Turkeli2 , Ulrike Krüger3 and Noa Zogo Ayissi4
1Research Assistant , Isabella.Krause@Student.Maastrichtuniversity.Nl, NLD
2Research Coordinator, Serdar.Turkeli@Maastrichtuniversity.Nl, NLD
3Research Assistant, U.Kruger@Student.Maastrichtuniversity.Nl, NLD
4Research Assistant, N.Zogoayissi@Student.Maastrichtuniversity.Nl, NLD
A growing amount of literature in the development field points out that progress can only be achieved through the participation of local and marginalized actors. Hence, localization and community involvement are established objectives of the international disaster risk reduction (DRR) governance system. Nevertheless, many community actors that provide vital resources, know-how, and grassroots projects to this end, remain invisible to governments and humanitarian actors. Despite technological advancements to bridge the dysconnectivity between different development actors, few web applications connect non-state actors with hazard information and provide ways of participation and ownership. Thus, structural asymmetries in the humanitarian governance system persist. Therefore, this study investigates the potential and features of an accessible, transparent, and secure data, and information sharing platform tailored to local needs, capacities, and networks for participatory global risk governance. The project asks: How could a geospatial web app harness open-source data collection, sharing, and mapping to localize disaster risk management? Thus, the study investigates how to build inclusive networks of actors involved in the DRR process by applying critical cartography and participatory DRR approaches. The purposive literature review and comparative study of existing DRR applications aim to reveal the strengths and weaknesses in the current landscape of these web applications in promoting community networks and hazard preparedness. Thereby, the paper constructs a wireframe to complement lacking functions and create a blueprint for an inclusive GIS community app. The innovated geospatial web application Homa Reto (Engl. The Human Network) processes crowd-sourced information combined with available data by humanitarian agencies to provide a comprehensive overview of ongoing emergencies, hazards, needs, and provision of support. Thereby, Homa Reto wants to encourage data-critical and democratized humanitarian aid, decision-making, and evaluation processes. Furthermore, challenges of community ownership and subsequent empowerment are discussed to inspire further investigations of potential information technologies in building resilience.
Community response to crises and disasters: From preparedness to practices