Management and diffusion of technology for disaster management

Abstract

This paper suggests a rationale and a framework to classify technologies used for disaster management, and especially for Disaster Management Information Systems (DMIS). It further aims to present diffusion of DMIS technology innovations and utilizations in Turkey, a country that is exposed to many different sources of disasters. Management of technology utilized for disaster management is a challenging topic, because effective disaster management is not only a complex problem which involves many parameters that are usually difficult to measure and identify, but also an important subject which can save lives and millions of dollars. Analysis of current situation, planning, optimum resource management, coordination, controlling and monitoring current activities and making quick and correct decisions in case of crisis and emergency are only some of many parameters, whose complete list is very long. Throughout the history of disaster management, existing technologies have been used at different stages of disasters: before, during and after the disasters. Among the several technologies utilized to deal with disasters, DMIS play a key role. (c) 2006 PICMET.