Introduction
With billions of dollars spent collecting data and with much more spent to share and catalog data, why is it still so hard to answer simple questions such as 'how many houses were damaged in the fire,' how much change has there been in mangroves in the last month or the last day,' or ‘have there been changes in the soil moisture?’ and ‘send me notification so I can alert organizations to increased fire danger”.
Stakeholders need trusted discoverable data to be able to efficiently find and use data. Data derived from many sources is needed to be resilient and responsive during a disaster event. Additionally, efficient access to models that can quickly synthesize large volumes of data is needed to timely deliver results to decision-makers.
During a disaster, various types of authoritative data are crucial for effective disaster response, management, and recovery. These data types provide valuable insights that can help authorities, organizations, and individuals make informed decisions and coordinate their efforts.
Using new technologies to save lives - that's where the OGC Disaster Pilot 2023 - Registration, Search & Discovery of Data comes in.
Challenges in Disaster Response Data Management
In the midst of a disaster, access to accurate, up-to-date data can mean the difference between life and death. But despite the billions of dollars invested in data collection and cataloging, we often struggle to answer even the most basic questions about the impact of disasters on our communities. This is where Voyager steps in, recognizing the need for a trusted and efficient data management system during times of crisis.
Voyager's Role in the OGC Disaster Pilot 2023
Voyager is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to save lives and make disaster response more effective. This commitment led Voyager to participate in the OGC Disaster Pilot 2023, which aimed to revolutionize data integration and discovery during emergency situations.
Data Integration: The Key to Effective Disaster Response
During a disaster, coordination is essential. First responders need access to geospatial data that is not only accurate but also readily available. This data must be "fit-for-use," meaning it is suitable for creating evacuation routes, assessing damage, and identifying vulnerable populations. Outdated or inaccurate information can hinder response efforts and put lives at risk. Voyager understands the critical role of data integration in disaster response and set out to make a difference.
Conditioning Content: Data Profiling and Enrichment
The cornerstone of fit-for-use and fit-for-purpose data is data profiling. This process involves a comprehensive analysis of data assets, assessing data quality, structure, and content. Voyager, alongside its collaborators, used manual, algorithmic, and generative workflows to evaluate the authenticity, accuracy, and reliability of the data. The registry they engineered was designed to adhere to ISO 19157 and ISO 9001 standards pre-ingestion.
The registry also features out-of-the-box and customizable templates and workflow processes that apply business rules based on various standards, ensuring data quality, security, and more.
Search and Discovery with Voyager's Registry
Voyager's registry employs a flexible search architecture that leverages open-source technologies and the Organic Data Science Ecosystem. This allows collaborators and stakeholders to narrow down their search results and discover valuable insights and intelligence. With an intuitive search box, a suite of filters, and the ability to retain search history, users can easily access the information they need in critical moments.
Results: Turning Data into Actionable Information
In the OGC Disaster Pilot 2023, Voyager demonstrated its capabilities in the detection of oil spills, landslides, solar panels, building damage assessments (including those related to wildfires), mangrove analysis, solar and wind turbine detection, storm tracking, and flooding imagery. The integration of deep learning models and an integrated processing engine accelerated the transformation of data into actionable intelligence.
Acknowledgments and Statistics
On behalf of the GeoPathways, Voyager extends its gratitude to OGC, federal advisors, and participating partners who contributed to the research, development, and ultimate success of this project. A special thanks and gratitude are offered to John Swanson, who served as the project manager and coordinator for this activity.
Some of the statistics from the project include:
- 369 connected sources of trusted data from governmental, commercial, and academic institutions
- 384 workflows with 2601 profiling and enrichment steps
- Generative notifications
- Approximately 194 million content items available
- Testing of 8 Deep Learning Models
- 139 automated geospatial tasks
- Testing of 61 ETL extractors for 880 format types
- Demonstrated over 10 million transactional resources over a 24-hour period
Conclusion
In conclusion, Voyager's contributions to the OGC Disaster Pilot 2023 have been instrumental in revolutionizing the way we integrate and discover data during disaster events. By prioritizing data quality, accessibility, and innovation, Voyager is helping to ensure that first responders and decision-makers have the tools they need to save lives and protect communities.
Closing Thoughts
As we move forward, Voyager remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in disaster response data management. The lessons learned from the OGC Disaster Pilot 2023 will undoubtedly inform future endeavors, as we continue to strive for more efficient, effective, and life-saving solutions.
Author's Note
We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated partners and experts in the field, and we look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can make a real difference in disaster response, ultimately saving lives and safeguarding our communities.
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