Spatio-Temporal Knowledge Representation and Analysis for Earthquake Disaster Management

Abstract

This paper examines the importance of integrating different spatial and temporal knowledge representations in order to structure disaster relevant information. Special focus is made here on the human-machine interface. An overview for structuring the knowledge is presented within the framework of a technical information system. The idea of configuring the relevant knowledge with templates for spatial reasoning is extended for collaborative spatial decision making. The architecture of a system for co-operative decision making is then outlined. This provides a means for co-operative disaster management. A central part of this system is the messaging system. The specifications and main characteristics for such a messaging system are presented. An example implementation is then given.