GEOG 858
Spatial Data Science for Emergency Management

Real-time Mapping and Spatial Analytics Exercise

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For the analysis part of this exercise, you will consider the applications of (near) real-time geospatial tools for emergency management in greater detail. You should critically evaluate what is already out there and what is required for an effective decision support system utilizing dynamic and real-time spatial data. Once again, you are assuming the role of a geospatial analyst that is planning for and responding to emergency situations.

Steps to Follow

  1. Start by evaluating some near-real time systems used by different emergency management agencies. We have looked at some examples already, but you should have a search of applications on the web. I can provide some pointers if you are having trouble finding suitable examples.
  2. From this, and the other material in this week’s lesson, you should come up with a needs assessment/system design for a hazard and location of your choosing e.g., wildfires in California, inland flooding in Queensland. In other words, what functionality should the tool have and what data is required. 
  3. Finally, build a simple prototype with ArcGIS Online tools. You should be able to find some data feeds, but there may or may not be much traffic on them if there isn’t a current emergency. That’s OK the idea is to have a simple prototype that has the essential static and dynamic data elements needed when an emergency occurs. You don’t have to find data for everything or address everything from Step 2. 

Deliverables

  1. Report your findings by writing a short 400 word essay on your critique of existing systems and your design advice. Please include a minimum of two figures (screen-grabs with captions will be OK) illustrating the points you raise.
  2. Create a simple app/dashboard with ArcGIS Online and share with me (and the class). Please include a link to your app at the TOP of the document. 

Submission Instructions

  • Submit a link to your app and your written assignment to the Deliverable: Real-time Mapping and Spatial Analytics Exercise Dropbox (L5).
  • Post a link to your app with a 2-3 sentence description of what you focused on to the Deliverable: Real-time Mapping App Discussion so that your classmates can see what you have done.
  • Review and provide constructive encouragement and feedback on your peer's apps.
  • See the Course Calendar for specific due dates.

Grading Criteria

This assignment is worth 50 points toward the exercise portion of your course grade.

This assignment will be grading using the following rubric.

Criteria Description Possible Points

Part 1 – Critique of existing systems and design advice

You make strong and logical arguments and provide analytical insights. Ideas are well organized, clearly communicated and relevant to the prompt. All criteria are accurately addressed. Supporting details are shared, elaborated upon and demonstrate understanding. Examples are provided, and your essay includes images or other multimedia that support content. 20
Part 2 – Needs assessment and dashboard demo You make strong and logical arguments and provide analytical insights. Ideas are well organized, clearly communicated and relevant to the prompt. All criteria are accurately addressed. Supporting details are shared, elaborated upon and demonstrate understanding. Examples are provided, and your essay includes images or other multimedia that support content. 20
Overall - Clarity and Mechanics

Evidence of editing and proofreading are evident. Writing is engaging and well-structured with excellent transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Concepts are integrated in an original manner. 

Mechanics (word limits and other requirements) were met.

10