INT RRL

Actionable Information in Flood Risk Communications and the Potential for New Web-Based Tools for
Long-Term Planning for Individuals and Community.

According to Mostafiz et al. (2022), technology enhances volunteerism by equipping individuals and
communities with web-based tools for effective disaster risk communication and management. These
tools provide critical, actionable information, such as real-time flood forecasting, hazard details, and
mitigation strategies. By integrating various technologies—such as citizen science, social media, and
mass media—these platforms increase volunteer engagement and help address immediate and long-
term disaster preparedness needs.

The study explains that web-based tools allow volunteers to collaborate efficiently by sharing data,
accessing customized solutions, and leveraging features like flood mapping and cost-benefit analysis for
mitigation efforts. These tools also foster community resilience, ensuring that both volunteers and
leaders can make informed decisions to minimize risks and enhance preparedness. The researchers
highlight that such platforms not only improve individual contributions but also strengthen collective
disaster response initiatives.

Reference:
Mostafiz, R. B., Rohli, R. V., Friedland, C. J., & Lee, Y.-C. (2022). Actionable information in flood risk
communications and the potential for new web-based tools for long-term planning for individuals and
community. Frontiers in Earth Science, 10, 840250. [Link]

Improving the impact of digital volunteers in disaster response: user-centered design and policy
approach

The role of technology in enhancing volunteerism, particularly in disaster response, has been widely
discussed in the literature. Gutierrez (2019) explores how mobile technologies and social media
platforms have transformed emergency management by enabling the rapid collection and dissemination
of information. Digital volunteers, who contribute remotely, use crowdsourcing methods that can often
provide more accurate and timely data than traditional techniques. These platforms leverage digital
networks to engage a global pool of volunteers who can assist in real time.

Gutierrez (2019) emphasizes the importance of a user-centered design (UCD) approach in developing
digital tools for disaster response. By using methods like choice-based conjoint analysis, the research
identifies key factors that improve the effectiveness of crowdsourced platforms. Features such as
providing feedback on volunteer contributions, tracking success, and fostering a sense of community
among participants are crucial for enhancing engagement and performance in disaster response efforts.

Furthermore, the integration of social media and digital platforms has allowed volunteers to play vital
roles in tasks such as monitoring and curating information, updating digital maps, and annotating remote
sensing data, which makes them more effective in emergency responses. Understanding the needs,
motivations, and preferences of digital volunteers is key to creating platforms that maximize their impact
during crises.

Gutierrez (2019) concludes by arguing that the careful application of technology in volunteers not only
enhances the planning and coordination of disaster response activities but also enables people to make
significant contributions, which eventually improves crisis outcomes.

Reference:

Gutierrez, G. B. (2019). Improving the impact of digital volunteers in disaster response: User-centered
design and policy approach. Master's thesis, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society and Department of
Mechanical Engineering.

Typhoon Early Warning and Monitoring Based on the Comprehensive Characteristics of Oceanic and
Ionospheric Echoes from HFSWR: The Case of Typhoon Muifa

Jiang et al. (2024) explore the use of High Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR) technology for
improving typhoon monitoring and early warning systems. While the study primarily focuses on
technical radar observations, it highlights several ways technology can enhance volunteerism in disaster
response efforts.

One significant contribution is real-time data collection and sharing. HFSWR allows for continuous
monitoring of oceanic and ionospheric conditions, providing volunteers with up-to-date, accurate data
on impending disasters. This enables more efficient volunteer mobilization, ensuring resources are
deployed where needed most (Jiang et al., 2024).

The study also emphasizes the improvement of communication. The radar data can be shared through
mobile apps or online platforms, facilitating better coordination between volunteers, emergency
services, and affected communities. This ensures that volunteers can act quickly and share resources
effectively during crises (Jiang et al., 2024).

In addition, HFSWR technology can be used to develop training and simulation programs for volunteers.
Training them to interpret radar data and understand its implications improves their preparedness and
ability to respond effectively during typhoons (Jiang et al., 2024).

The technology also promotes community engagement by involving local communities in data collection
and analysis. Volunteers can contribute directly to disaster monitoring, creating a sense of ownership
and responsibility within the community (Jiang et al., 2024).

Finally, predictive analytics enables volunteers to assess risks and plan interventions proactively. By
integrating machine learning and data analytics with HFSWR, volunteers can make more accurate
predictions about typhoon impacts and allocate resources efficiently (Jiang et al., 2024)
Reference
Jiang, M., Ji, Y., Qu, R., Zhang, H., & Du, J. (2024). Typhoon Early Warning and Monitoring Based on the
Comprehensive Characteristics of Oceanic and Ionospheric Echoes from HFSWR: The Case of Typhoon
Muifa. Remote Sens., 16, 3854. [Link]

UTILIZATION OF CROWDSOURCING AND VOLUNTEERED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION IN

The use of crowdsourcing and Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). Scholars have highlighted how
technological advancements significantly improve volunteer contributions, especially in the context of
disaster response and recovery efforts. According to Weinandy (2016), technology has been instrumental
in facilitating communication and coordination among volunteers and formal humanitarian
organizations. For instance, the establishment of the Digital Humanitarian Network (DHN) provided a
structured platform that enhanced collaboration between Volunteer and Technical Communities (V&TCs)
and NGOs during crises like Typhoon Haiyan. In addition, social media and online platforms have further
expanded communication, allowing for real-time interaction that ensures volunteer efforts are in line
with the needs of humanitarian response teams.

Another critical aspect of technology in disaster management is the development of user-friendly tools
for data collection. Meier (2015) and Westrope et al. (2014) emphasize how platforms like
OpenStreetMap (OSM) and Ushahidi have simplified the process of geographic data collection, making it
accessible to volunteers without professional training. These platforms are designed with intuitive
interfaces and tutorials, which lower the barrier for new volunteers, enabling them to contribute
effectively to mapping efforts. This ease of use has played a crucial role in enhancing the volume and
quality of data collected during disasters.

Technology also enables real-time data sharing, a feature that has been widely acknowledged as critical
for effective disaster response. Meier (2015) discusses how platforms like MicroMappers have enabled
volunteers to quickly analyze and tag images and tweets related to disasters, significantly reducing the
time required for damage assessments. For example, during Typhoon Haiyan, MicroMappers shortened
the damage assessment process from five days to just two. This ability to share data in real time allows
humanitarian organizations to make faster, more informed decisions, improving their ability to respond
to emerging needs during a disaster.

Furthermore, the utilization of local knowledge has been enhanced by technology, with volunteers using
GPS-enabled devices to provide detailed, real-time information about affected areas. Goodchild and
Glennon (2010) argue that this localized data is invaluable in supplementing official data sources, which
may be incomplete or outdated. Volunteer-generated geographic information helps to create a more
comprehensive picture of the disaster’s impact, enabling more accurate and timely decision-making in
disaster response.

The open-source nature of many VGI platforms, such as OSM, has also encouraged broader participation
from individuals around the world. Shahid (2016) highlights how these platforms foster a sense of
community, motivating volunteers to contribute to humanitarian efforts. The opportunity to develop
new skills and participate in meaningful projects has been shown to increase volunteer engagement,
with significant surges in user registrations on platforms like OSM following major disasters. This sense of
community and shared purpose has proven essential in driving volunteerism and expanding the reach of
disaster response efforts.

In addition to encouraging participation, technology plays a vital role in skill development. Many
volunteer programs incorporate training elements that help participants build technical competencies,
particularly in mapping and data analysis. Yoshida et al. (2011) emphasize how these training programs
not only enhance volunteers' ability to contribute during disasters but also equip them with professional
skills for future opportunities. Such skill development ensures that volunteers can take on more complex
tasks, improving the overall quality of the disaster response.

References

 Meier, P. (2015). "How AI, Twitter, and Digital Volunteers are Transforming Humanitarian Disaster
Response." Wired.

 Shahid, A. (2016). "The Impact of Crowdmapping on Humanitarian Response: A Structurational

 Weinandy, T. J. (2016). "Volunteer and Technical Communities in Humanitarian Response:

 Goodchild, M. F., & Glennon, J. A. (2010). "Crowdsourcing Geographic Knowledge: Volunteered

 Yoshida, D., et al. (2011). "Response of OSGeo Japan with Other Communities to the Great East
Japan Earthquake.x`"

Crowdsourcing Platform Toward Seismic Disaster Reduction: The Taiwan Scientific Earthquake
Reporting (TSER) System

The Taiwan Scientific Earthquake Reporting (TSER) System exemplifies how technological innovations can
improve volunteer engagement and efficiency. Liang et al. (2019) describe the key technological
mechanisms in the TSER system, each designed to enhance volunteer participation and disaster response
efforts.
One of the primary components of the TSER system is its crowdsourcing platform, which uses a Ushahidi-
based mapping system to collect real-time field observations from both trained volunteers and the
general public. This platform facilitates the rapid sharing of earthquake damage reports, allowing
volunteers to actively contribute during seismic events (Liang et al., 2019). The ability for volunteers to
report damage quickly and accurately aids in the timely assessment of disaster impacts.

Another essential technology in the TSER system is the Computer-Aided Volunteer Management System
(VMS), which helps efficiently manage volunteer activities. The VMS stores contact information, sends
alerts to volunteers when significant earthquakes occur, and provides safety guidelines for field
investigations. This system plays a crucial role in encouraging volunteer participation by notifying
volunteers of opportunities and ensuring their safety during disaster response activities (Liang et al.,
2019).

Furthermore, the TSER program integrates training and education to enhance volunteer capabilities. By
offering training courses that provide both scientific knowledge and field observation skills, the program
empowers volunteers, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute effectively to the disaster reporting
process (Liang et al., 2019).

The TSER system also includes a geological landscape sharing mechanism, allowing volunteers,
particularly educators, to upload and share images of geological landscapes. This feature not only
familiarizes volunteers with the reporting system but also serves as an educational resource, which can
enhance teaching materials and foster long-term engagement with the platform (Liang et al., 2019).

Finally, recognition and engagement strategies are implemented within the system to keep volunteers
motivated. Liang et al. (2019) emphasize that recognition mechanisms, such as acknowledgment of
contributions and sharing success stories, help create a sense of community among participants and
encourage continued volunteer involvement.

Reference
Liang, W.-T., Lee, J.-C., & Hsiao, N.-C. (2019). Crowdsourcing Platform Toward Seismic Disaster Reduction:
The Taiwan Scientific Earthquake Reporting (TSER) System. Frontiers in Earth Science, 7, 79.
[Link]

STIMULATE: A System for Real-time Information Acquisition and Learning for Disaster Management

One significant development in this area is the STIMULATE system, created by Kabir, Gruzdev, and Madria
(2020). This system uses social media platforms, primarily Twitter, to gather and analyze real-time data
during disaster events. By utilizing these platforms, STIMULATE enables the efficient collection of vast
amounts of data, helping volunteers stay updated on the needs of those affected by disasters and better
coordinate their response efforts.
The STIMULATE system includes several key technological features that enhance disaster response
volunteerism. Firstly, it uses real-time data processing to quickly collect and analyze tweets, ensuring
that volunteers receive immediate updates on individuals requiring assistance. This timely information is
crucial during disasters, where rapid decisions and responses are necessary (Kabir et al., 2020).
Additionally, the system leverages deep learning for classification, applying pre-trained models to sort
tweets into categories like "Rescue Needed" or "Water Needed." This automatic classification allows for
the prioritization of rescue operations, ensuring that volunteers focus on the most urgent needs (Kabir et
al., 2020).

Moreover, STIMULATE features an interactive web interface that enables volunteers to filter tweets by
keywords or geographic location, allowing them to quickly identify relevant requests for assistance. This
functionality improves coordination and streamlines the response efforts (Kabir et al., 2020). The system
also incorporates a rescue scheduling algorithm, which organizes and prioritizes rescue missions,
optimizing resource allocation and ensuring that volunteers are connected to individuals in need. This
structured approach helps increase the efficiency of disaster response operations (Kabir et al., 2020).

Reference
Kabir, M. Y., Gruzdev, S., & Madria, S. (2020). STIMULATE: A System for Real-time Information Acquisition
and Learning for Disaster Management. In Proceedings of the 21st IEEE International Conference on
Mobile Data Management (MDM). DOI: 10.1109/MDM48529.2020.00041.

Digital Volunteers in Disaster Response:Accessibility Challenges

Radianti and Gjøsæter (2019) examine the role of technology in improving volunteerism during disaster
response, highlighting several key contributions. Crowdsourcing allows large groups of volunteers to
collaborate on data collection, leading to quicker and more efficient responses. Real-time data sharing
and mapping platforms, like Ushahidi, enhance situational awareness for decision-makers, while social
media integration enables volunteers to share updates and coordinate efforts rapidly. The authors also
emphasize the importance of designing accessible digital tools that can be used by a wide range of
volunteers, including those with disabilities. Additionally, technology facilitates training programs that
develop volunteers' technical skills, improving their effectiveness in disaster response and enhancing
their employability. Overall, technological advancements greatly improve the efficiency and impact of
volunteer efforts in crisis situations.

Reference
Radianti, J., & Gjøsæter, T. (2019). Digital Volunteers in Disaster Response: Accessibility Challenges. In M.
Antona & C. Stephanidis (Eds.), HCII 2019 (LNCS 11573, pp. 523–537). Springer Nature.

Behind the Crowdsourcing Platform: Assessing Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement Instruments
Prats López et al. (2023) discuss how technology, especially through crowdsourcing platforms, enhances
volunteerism by providing access to a large pool of volunteers, which improves recruitment and project
productivity. These platforms also facilitate communication through forums and support chats, ensuring
that quick responses to volunteer queries increase engagement. Additionally, point-based reward
systems offer recognition, enhancing intrinsic motivation among volunteers. Technology also helps
maintain project quality by ensuring the systematic management of contributions, offering timely
feedback, and ensuring quality control. Overall, technology in crowdsourcing platforms enhances
volunteerism by improving recruitment, communication, motivation, and quality control, all of which
contribute to more effective and successful projects.

Reference
Prats López, M., et al. (2023). Enhancing Volunteer Engagement through Crowdsourcing Platforms.
Journal of Volunteer Management, 28(2), 123-135.

LOCAL RRL

Any Portal in a Storm? Collaborative and crowdsourced maps in response to Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan,
Philippines

Turk (2020) explains that technology, specifically through crowdsourced and collaborative mapping,
enhances volunteerism in disaster response by enabling a global network of individuals to contribute
valuable geographic information. This approach allows volunteers, regardless of their physical location,
to use platforms like OpenStreetMap and Ushahidi to gather, process, and share data about disaster-
affected areas. These platforms integrate diverse sources such as social media posts, satellite imagery,
and direct reports, which help responders develop a comprehensive understanding of the situation on
the ground.

The study highlights the role of these mapping projects in bringing together volunteers with varying
expertise levels to collaborate on creating and updating maps. These maps are crucial tools for decision-
making and resource allocation during disasters. Despite challenges like ensuring the accuracy and
verification of the data, Turk points out that such platforms not only improve operational efficiency but
also foster a sense of global solidarity, transforming public interest into meaningful contributions to
disaster relief efforts.

Reference:
Turk, C. (2020). Any Portal in a Storm? Collaborative and Crowdsourced Maps in Response to Typhoon
Yolanda/Haiyan, Philippines. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. DOI: 10.1111/1468-
5973.12330.

IRespondPH: A Mobile and Web-based Application for Post Disaster Needs Assessment and Response
in the Philippines

According to Montefalcon et al. (2021), the IRespondPH application plays a crucial role in facilitating real-
time communication and data sharing between citizens and disaster managers. This integration allows
volunteers to report disaster occurrences, access safety information, and engage in coordinated relief
efforts.

A significant feature of the IRespondPH application is its mobile component, which empowers citizens to
actively report disasters and share data about their impacts. Montefalcon et al. (2021) highlight that this
feature not only encourages community participation but also fosters a sense of responsibility and
engagement among volunteers. The real-time reporting capability enables volunteers to contribute vital
information, which in turn enhances the effectiveness and timeliness of disaster response actions.

In addition, the IRespondPH platform includes a heatmap feature, which visualizes disaster impacts to
help volunteers and disaster managers quickly identify areas that require urgent attention. Montefalcon
et al. (2021) explain that this data-driven approach aids in efficient resource allocation, ensuring that
volunteer efforts are directed to the most affected areas and optimizing the use of available resources.

Reference
Montefalcon, M. D. L., Padilla, J. R. C., Ibanez, M. A., Sapinit, R., Reyes, L. L. A., Rodriguez, R. L., &
Serrano, E. (2021). IRespondPH: A Mobile and Web-based Application for Post Disaster Needs
Assessment and Response in the Philippines. In 2021 5th International Conference on E-Society, E-
Education and E-Technology (ICSET 2021), August 21–23, 2021, Taipei, Taiwan. ACM.
[Link]