The Use of Geo-Spatial Technology in Wilderness Search and Rescue
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Rose, C.
1UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN -MADISON Email: cmr.rose@gmail.com
Abstract
ICC 2015 Poster Presentation Abstract Caroline Rose Nov 12, 2014 Confronted with the urgent spatial problem of a search for a missing person, wilderness Search and Rescue (SAR) specialists use mapping technology, including paper maps, GPS devices, GIS packages, desktop software, web-based services, and smartphone applications, to support their response. Here, I report on an interview study examining the current use of geospatial technology in support of SAR operations and the opinions of SAR specialists regarding the challenges, limitations, and future of mapping technology for SAR support. Geospatial technology is used extensively in search and rescue, from training and general preparation to planning for each specific scenario, coordinating resources deployed to the field, debriefing after completed assignments, communicating about the event, and documenting the incident. I interviewed 23 SAR specialists from 19 sites across North America. Based on a review of existing SAR-based mapping literature and technology, I designed interview questions about one of 3 themes: (1) their experience and opinions regarding map technology (2) SAR challenges and barriers to use, and (3) collaborative work. Following completion of the study, I transcribed and coded the interviews following tenets of qualitative data analysis. To address interviewees’ experience with each of six formats of map technology—(1) paper maps, (2) GPS devices, (3) complete analytical GIS software, (4) desktop-based applications, (5) web-based applications, and (6) mobile phone applications—I asked how their SAR team currently uses that technology, what limitations or problems they encounter, and their opinion on how that type of map could be better designed to support search and rescue. I found that while paper maps are universally indispensable and GPS devices are a staple for all SAR teams, in contrast, GIS, desktop, web, and mobile phone technologies are not used in uniform ways across SAR teams. I also asked SAR specialists to discuss common challenges that SAR teams face. Regardless of whether a team consists of volunteers or paid National Park Service staff, there is generally limited funding and time for training with geospatial technology. To make use of a robust GIS software package, teams often rely on members who bring expertise from other jobs or classroom training. Finally, regarding geo-collaboration I found that each situation often calls for unique design considerations; for instance, it is often advantageous to use physically large maps in same-time/same-place situations. This poster includes overviews of analytical products derived from this research, which can be leveraged by SAR responders to improve their use of geospatial technology. This includes a comparison of currently available geospatial software used to support search and rescue. A comparison matrix shows which functions each technology can serve in support of SAR operations. A wide variation in familiarity with all available tools indicated a need for a comparative summary. Final outcomes of this study also include characterizing the diversity of practice and opinion regarding mapping technology for SAR and recommending best practices for map design to support search and rescue.
Keywords
Wilderness Search and Rescue; GIS Use Cases; Design Considerations