The Information Architecture of Emergency Response

We will explore the evolution of technology in emergency response, with a special focus on advances in geographic systems, incident management, social media and policy in New York City since September 11, 2001. What technologies do emergency responders in NYC use? How have events like 9/11 and other incidents influenced technology advances? What effect, if any, has the change from a Law Enforcement Mayor to a Media Mayor had on data policy? What are the challenges and opportunities of open government data? How is social media being used in NYC and elsewhere to engage the public in emergency preparedness and response? And, finally, are app contests and hackathons an effective way to improve public services in difficult economic times? The session will conclude with a Town Hall discussion of how the IA community can support emergency response efforts throughout each of our own neighborhoods.