Coping with extreme events in the built environment: ICT for disaster mitigation and collaboration

Abstract

Developments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have made great contributions to the quality of life, enhancing information flow and exchange and thereby collaboration in many fields such as education, design, construction and management. This paper is concerned with the use of ICT for disaster management and mitigation for a more secure and safe built environment. The management of disasters requires a continuous cyclic process that involves the pre-, during and post-disaster activities to mitigate the impact of unexpected natural and manmade disasters on people and the environment. It is a highly collaborative process involving governments, disaster management organizations, responders, the construction sector and the general public. An extensive research on the purpose and capabilities of available technologies is important to find out the most suitable ICT solutions so as to avoid failures and inconsistencies caused by misplaced reliance on technology. The integration of various ICTs with each other and other technologies is even more effective for the collaborative process of disaster management. In this paper, a conceptual framework is introduced to integrate ICTs in disaster management for the mitigation of the impacts of disasters on the built environment. Within this context, the deployment of ICT tools in disaster management is explored. Finally, the tools and technologies defined for two disaster case studies are presented and future research areas are discussed.