Integration of Portable Information Technology and GSM Based Communication Devices for Disaster Management Operations
Paul Fischer, L. Fusco, Gabriele Brugnoni · 2000
A further exploitation in GPS area has been enabled by the combination of positional devices with handheld communication and possibility to add plug-in sensors for in-situ data read-out. This paper describes the integration of a demonstrator system, designed by European Space Agency (ESA), able to serve the need of real-time information exchange between a decision support center and n-field clients. Based on public available GSM services a client/server architecture was built. The next step is to enable this integrated system with a client/server-like computing link to a central processor. This will allow bi-directional near-real time data exchange between in-situ operators and a central DSS. The light field-client is hosted on a hand-held communicator and connected to a positioning device (GPS/DGPS) and additional tools for in situ measurements. Due to today's limited computing performance of the handheld devices the client/server architecture will be distinguished by most load on server side and easy data handling client protocol side. The server is hosting the decision support system build around a GIS environment. Using the GSM data calls and SMS protocol for near-real time information exchange (maps, images, text, etc.) the missions for this devices can be manifold, not only in the disaster domain. Objective of the project were: Demonstrate the engagement of handheld devices as a complement to activities that are related to the application-oriented Earth Observation (EO) imagery