CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2022
| Author | Kvasha, Anastasia |
|---|---|
| Title | Challenges and Prospects in the Application of Space-based Information and Technologies for Disaster Management |
| Summary | Climate change and urbanization, combined with other natural and man-made causes, are leading to more frequent and devastating disasters. As such events are inherently spatial phenomena, the use of geospatial information and communication technologies (GeoICTs) is crucial for effective disaster management. At the same time, despite the growing diversity and accessibility of GeoICTs, in some cases, their implementation remains rather limited or not as successful. A mismatch can be noticed between the availability and potential benefits of modern GeoICTs and their practical application. This dissertation explores existing challenges in the application of geospatial technologies, particularly space-based, for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management. The overall aim is to contribute to strengthening the disaster resilience of countries by analyzing the current state of the use of space-based information and technologies by national authorities across the world. The conceptual framework of the dissertation is based on the disaster management theory and diffusion research traditions. A combination of methods was used to ensure that the research topic is explored in a comprehensive manner, as well as to confirm and validate the findings. Among others, it included the analysis of the reports from the Technical Advisory Missions carried out by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, network analysis of the satellite-based emergency mapping (SEM) mechanisms’ activations, and participant observation. Some of the most prominent mechanisms that support the wider diffusion and application of the GeoICTs in DRR were identified and discussed. The focus on the three SEM mechanisms allowed exploration of their activities and highlighted some of the potential gaps and common challenges. While studied mechanisms formally aim to get involved in different phases of the disaster management cycle, it was clear that the overall focus remains on disaster response, and pre-disaster activities are yet to be fully supported. A number of specific challenging issues related to the application of GeoICTs in DRR were identified through the analysis of the Technical Advisory Missions’ reports from 33 countries. Overall, six groups of topics were defined, which included promotion of geospatial technologies, awareness-raising and capacity building, coordination and cooperation, availability and use of resources, data and information management, and new technologies and tools. The main identified challenges in the diffusion of space-based information and technologies included: lack of access to useful, timely, and credible data and information; confusing and fragmented landscape of existing platforms and tools, together with the lack of guidelines; need for equal access to the right data across various fields and regions; Global North dealing with difficulties in navigation in all the available data, while Global South still suffering from the lack of data; need for better cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge-sharing; lack of feedback mechanisms between data providers and end-users needs. Discussion of the challenges was accompanied by potential solutions to address them. The findings were also generalized in a form of a concept map which might help raise awareness about the complexity of the situation and existing opportunities. |
| Supervisor | Lagutov, Viktor |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy PhD |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2022/kvasha_anastasia.pdf |
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