Tina Kunz-Plapp

VuWiki: An Ontology-Based Semantic Wiki for Vulnerability Assessments

Three decades of vulnerability research have generated a complex and growing body of knowledge. The concept of vulnerability, as well as its implementation in vulnerability assessments, is used in various disciplines and contexts. Correspondingly, a multitude of ideas and frameworks about how to conceptualize and measure vulnerability exists. To provide a structured representation of vulnerability, we have set up an ontology-based semantic wiki for reviewing and representing vulnerability assessments (www.vuwiki.org). Based on a survey of 55 vulnerability assessment studies, we first developed an ontology as an explicit reference system for describing vulnerability assessments. The ontology was then implemented in a semantic wiki which allows for the classification and annotation of vulnerability assessment. The resulting semantic wiki, VuWiki, does not aim at “synthesizing” a holistic and overarching model of vulnerability, but at (1) providing—both scientists and practitioners—with a uniform ontology as a reference system; (2) providing easy and structured access to the knowledge field of vulnerability assessments with the possibility for any user to retrieve assessments using specific research criteria; and (3) serving as a collaborative knowledge platform that allows for the active participation of those generating and using the knowledge represented in the vulnerability wiki.

Framework for Systemic Socio-economic Vulnerability and Loss Assessment

A unified approach for modeling shelter needs and health impacts caused by earthquake damage which integrates social vulnerability into the physical systems modeling approaches has been developed. The shelter needs and health impact models discussed here bring together the state-of-the-art casualty and displaced population estimation models into a comprehensive modeling approach based on multi-criteria decision support, which provides decision makers with a dynamic platform to capture post-disaster emergency shelter demand and health impact decisions. The focus in the shelter needs model is to obtain shelter demand as a consequence of building usability, building habitability and social vulnerability of the affected population rather than building damage alone. The shelter model simulates households’ decision-making and considers physical, socio-economic, climatic, spatial and temporal factors in addition to modeled building damage states. The health impact model combines a new semi-empirical methodology for casualty estimation with models of health impact vulnerability, and transportation accessibility to obtain a holistic assessment of health impacts in the emergency period after earthquakes.

Chapter 4 Near-Real-Time Analysis of Publicly Communicated Disaster Response Information

Analysis of a disaster event can identify strengths and weaknesses of the response implemented by the disaster management system; however, analysis does not typically occur until after the response phase is over. The result is that knowledge gained can only benefit future responses rather than the response under investigation. This article argues that there is an opportunity to conduct analysis while the response is operational due to the increasing availability of information within hours and days of a disaster event. Hence, this article introduces a methodology for analyzing publicly communicated disaster response information in near-real-time. A classification scheme for the disaster information needs of the public has been developed to facilitate analysis and has led to the establishment of best observed practice standards for content and timeliness. By comparing the information shared with the public within days of a disaster to these standards, information gaps are revealed that can be investigated further. The result is identification of potential deficiencies in communicating critical disaster response information to the public at a time when they can still be corrected.