Ad hoc dynamic systems in emergencies

Abstract

The accelerated growth of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), especially the expansion and use of social media, has significantly influenced the flow of information in emergencies. Virtual organizations are becoming increasingly interconnected. Dynamic systems, such as Ushahidi crisis mapping platform, allow ad hoc virtual collaboration and enable its users – first responders, digital volunteers, private and non-prot organizations to gather and disseminate useful information in near real-time. Therefore, a complex system created in this way collects big crisis data from various sources. The effectiveness of the collective action and organized behavior, apart from providing an opportunity for a timely emergency response, greatly contributes tobetter decision-making in dynamic environments.