IRMA

Recent large natural and anthropogenic disasters have clearly shown various shortcomings and failures in existing technologies and policies for efficient early warning and emergency response. Many barriers exist in making data available, providing the most appropriate data and making systems co-operate. Most geo-data currently available is designed, stored, and managed by organizations that normally have distinct mandates. Under normal circumstances, these organizations operate largely independent of each other. The presentation of data is adapted to the needs and tasks of particular groups of users. Early warning and emergency management requires different types of systems. The systems have to be user-centered and ensure that every person (professional or citizen) receives the information that will help him/her to avoid losses of life and damages of critical infrastructures.

Geoinformatic techniques have already proven that they could significantly facilitate emergency management. Methods and approaches used in cartography can greatly help in presentation of data by adapting the visualization with respect to the context of the user, and enhance the decision-making process with visual analytics and simulations.