A linked-data based virtual repository for disaster management tools and applications

Abstract

Nowadays, developed regions in the world, including Taiwan, have a wealth of data and information, which if made available in time for disaster preparedness and response purposes, can help save lives and minimize damage. With a few exceptions, however, state-of-the-art data management information systems (DMIS) available in most countries do not provide adequate support for search, discovery, access and use of data and information residing in independent sources across institutional boundaries. This paper describes architecture and design of a distributed middleware-level framework, called Virtual Repository (VR), together with functionalities and structures of its key components. By leveraging linked data and related technologies and tools, VR aims to eliminate this limitation. Two applications, Mobile Assistant for Disasters (MAD) and Automatic Disaster Alert System for Tourists (ADAST) are described to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of VR. © 2013 WIT Press.