Integrating geographic information systems, spatial digital libraries and information spaces for conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in urban environments

Abstract

The GeoWorlds system integrates geographic information systems, spatial digital libraries and other information analysis, retrieval and collaboration tools. It supports multiple applications ranging from intelligence gathering to urban planning, to crisis management and response. Teams can rapidly assemble collections of document-based information from the World-Wide Web and other specialized information sources, visualize geospatial distribution of these collections and monitor events that might change conclusions or decisions formed on the basis of an initial information set. This functionality is provided within a framework that supports both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration over finding, filtering and organizing information and presenting it in a rich visualization environment.