Operational Effectiveness of Smartphones and Apps for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations -- A Systems Engineering Study
Abstract
The revolution in wireless technology has made smartphones an integral part of people's lives. In today's hyperconnected world, smartphones could possibly help save hundreds of thousands of lives in the aftermath of a disaster or humanitarian crisis. Smartphone applications (apps) developed by computer scientists could be used by first responders to quickly and accurately locate missing people and rapidly identify cases of malnutrition. Smartphone apps can effectively point people towards safe zones simply by checking their phones. From a systems engineering and analytical perspective, this study examines the feasibility of using smartphones that are connected through commercial and private communications networks and coupled with different types of applications to effectively assist in humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations. The study analyzes the operational requirements and presents networking solutions and a list of applications that have proven useful in HADR operations. The study allows defense organizations to have a deeper appreciation of the possibilities of commercial smartphones and their applications in HADR operations. The study also highlights the problems associated with smartphone technology in HADR operations. Defense organizations may benefit from and implement the list of feasible and proven applications presented in this study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA567498
Entities
People
- Wen K. Chan
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School