Modelling information flow and situational awareness in wild fire response operations

Abstract

Wild fire management is often an intense and highly dynamic context, which requires the continuous flow of large amounts of information. It requires effective preparedness, quick response, and efficient and effective team communication and situational awareness. Aside from the skills and experience of the management team, the success of the process often depends on effective tools and technology that can present, communicate, and document the fire information in a way that supports and facilitates the response process. The aim of this study was to assess the informational needs of the wild fire response process and model the information flow and situational awareness, with and without supporting technology. It aimed to translate the findings to definitions and requirements for enhancing the process through human-computer interaction (HCI) design solutions and improved usability.