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Abstract
Geospatial data and tools are key in locating lost or missing persons in as short a time as possible. In this study, we used a geographic information system (GIS) to analyze four years of search and rescue (SAR) mission data from Colorado to determine the appropriate use of GIS for volunteer-based SAR organizations with limited resources and GIS expertise. GIS can provide more sophisticated analyses of geospatial data than simple mapping technologies, but our findings indicated that complex spatial analysis might not be required on all missions, because the majority of missions were completed within six to ten hours. Instead, new technologies such as tablets with mapping software and online GIS systems that provide quick and easy access to up-to-date geospatial data such as imagery offer capabilities that could improve mission planning. Here we provide a framework in which SAR missions can apply geospatial technologies to aid with missions, identify critical “hotspots,” and enhance postanalysis and training. The work here is highly applicable for nonprofit SAR groups when deciding on what GIS technologies to consider for their areas.
地理空间数据与工具, 是在短时间内能够定位迷途或失踪者的关键。我们于本研究中, 运用地理信息系统 (GIS), 分析科罗拉多四年期间的搜救 (SAR) 任务数据, 判定以自愿者为基础而且资源及 GIS 专业技术有限的 SAR 组织而言适宜的 GIS 使用。GIS 能够提供较单纯的製图技术而言更为复杂的地理空间数据分析, 但我们的研究显示, 并非所有的任务皆需要复杂的空间分析, 因为绝大多数的任务是在六到十小时内完成。反之, 诸如提供製图软体的平板电脑, 以及线上 GIS 系统等提供快速且便捷的管道来取得诸如影像等最新空间数据之崭新技术, 提供了能够改进任务规划的能力。我们于此提供一个架构, 其中 SAR 任务能够运用地理空间技术来协助任务、指认关键 “热点”, 并增进后设分析与训练。当非营利 SAR 团体决定以何种 GIS 技术来考量其区域时, 本研究对其而言具有高度可应用性。
Los datos y herramientas geoespaciales son claves para ubicar personas perdidas o desaparecidas tan pronto como sea posible. En este estudio, usamos un sistema de información geográfica (SIG) para analizar cuatro años de datos de la misión de búsqueda y rescate (SAR) de Colorado, para determinar el uso apropiado de SIG para organizaciones SAR basadas en voluntariado, con limitación en recursos y experiencia en el manejo de SIG. Los SIG pueden rendir análisis más sofisticados de datos geoespaciales que las tecnologías simples de mapeo, aunque nuestros hallazgos indicaron que el análisis espacial complejo podría no ser requerido en todas las misiones, ya que la mayoría de las misiones se completaron en un plazo de no más de seis a diez horas. En vez de eso, nuevas tecnologías tales como tabletas dotadas con software de mapeo y sistemas SIG online que proporcionen rápido y fácil acceso a datos geoespaciales actualizados, tales como imágenes, ofrecen capacidades que podrían mejorar la planificación de las misiones. Aquí suministramos un marco dentro del cual las misiones SAR pueden aplicar tecnologías geoespaciales para ayudar en las misiones, identificar los “puntos calientes” críticos y fortalecer el postanálisis y el entrenamiento. El trabajo desarrollado aquí es altamente aplicable en grupos SAR sin fines de lucro cuando se necesite decidir qué tecnologías SIG se deban considerar para sus áreas.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Loren Pfau
LOREN PFAU has been involved in Mountain Search and Rescue for more than fifteen years as a member of the Alpine Rescue Team based in Evergreen, CO. E-mail: [email protected]. He received his MGIS from The Pennsylvania State University and as an active SAR volunteer has a strong interest in using geospatial technologies to enhance SAR operations to increase the likelihood and efficiency of finding lost persons. As an Alpine mission leader, he is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all aspects of search, rescue, and recovery operations in the team's response areas in the mountains of Colorado.
Justine I. Blanford
JUSTINE I. BLANFORD is an Associate Professor at The Pennsylvania State University in the Dutton e-Education Institute, University Park, PA 16801. E-mail: [email protected]. She uses GIS and spatial analysis methods to address applied research questions across a wide range of topics. Much of her work has been concerned with topics related to health geographics. She uses novel technologies and data sources to better understand disease/health, mobility, and how places are connected and what this means in terms of the ecology of disease and human–environment interactions that take place at different spatial–temporal scales.