Crisis response: seeing the big picture
Geographic Information Systems are playing an increasingly vital role in helping organisations both plan for, and act decisively at the moment of crisis, says Keith Wishart, Government Strategist for ESRI (UK)
Effective contingency planning cannot prevent a crisis but can, through effective management, mitigate its negative effects. To support decisive action when a situation is rapidly changing, contingency planning teams depend upon the collection, management and analysis of an increasingly wide range of information from numerous sources. Almost all data relating to a critical incident is likely to relate to a location, for example the geographic extent of the incident itself, but also the location of responders, nearby risks and assets. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a powerful mea… More…
Tackling the flood threat
The Association of British Insurers' Justin Jacobs says no further proof is needed that flood management must be a priority for the UK. He identifies gaps in the government's proposed legislation to safeguard communities and the economy from the devastating impact of the more severe and frequent floods that the country can expect
Its timing was as ironic as it was important. Hours after the publication in December 2009 of the long-awaited government's Flood and Water Management Bill, parts of North West England were hit by the worst floods in living memory. The trauma and tragedy of the events focusing around Cockermouth provided dramatic proof that an overhaul in managing the UK's rising flood risk was needed. Not that further proof was needed. Better flood management must be a priority for government if we are to safeguard communities and the economy from the devastating impact of the more severe and frequently-occu… More…
Doubts persist following appointment of US Cyber-Czar
CT Review's Jonathan Rush reports that doubts are surfacing regarding the perceived mismatch between the wide responsibilities and real authority of the new US cybersecurity coordinator. Meanwhile, the UK is on course with its own cyber security strategy
In May 2009 President Obama declared digital networks a strategic national asset and protecting them would be a national security priority. Obama said he would personally select a cyber-czar. Seven months later on 22 December he named Howard Schmidt, a former Bush White House official, as the White House's cybersecurity coordinator. Schmidt, who will report to deputy national security adviser, John O. Brennan, will coordinate cybersecurity across the US federal government spectrum, from the military to civilian agencies. In the White House announcement, Brennan stated: "Howard will have… More…
Modern unmanned systems make their mark
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are gaining popularity because of their versatility, persistence, and the minimized risk to operators involved in tactical military missions and civil operations
The modern UAS comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the control system, and other support equipment. The systems are used around the globe to secure ports, assist with disaster recovery, protect borders, and monitor wildfires and other natural disasters. Real-time images and videos derived from unmanned systems provide a wealth of information that must be analyzed quickly. Streaming video gives analysts and ground forces a current and realistic view of the operational environment. The development of adaptable platforms and sensors accelerates the need to transform motion imagery into … More…
