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Palm Pilots Aid Recovery Operations

Integrated Digital Data System Provides Near Real-Time Mapping of Ground Zero Damages and Enhances Safety for Recovery Workers

 

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The PQuake system developed by Georgia Tech's David Frost and colleagues uses handheld computing technology to quickly and accurately record and map damage- assessment data in the wake of earthquakes and other disasters.

Georgia Tech professor David Frost leads an NSF-supported team using advanced digital technology to collect damage assessment data in the vicinity of the World Trade Center (WTC). The effort features an integrated system developed by Frost and his research group that applies handheld computing technology to more rapidly gather and analyze higher-quality data on damage to buildings and infrastructure. Detailed maps of the recovery site can be generated in hours rather than days, providing recovery workers with critical information to assist planning and operations and ensure their safety.

Frost originally devised the system, known as PQuake, for earthquake reconnaissance missions. He and his colleagues have modified the software to account for the different pattern of damages seen at the WTC site. Rather than logging damages only on a building-by-building basis, the revised software can be used to record damage face by face or even floor by floor.

An important characteristic of the PQuake system is standardization of data collection formats. Analysis of information collected following past disasters has often been hampered by inconsistencies in data recording. The PQuake system allows several teams to simultaneously collect and input digital data, digital photos, and GPS coordinates in a standard format. The teams working at the WTC site are equipped with Palm handheld computers, handheld global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and digital cameras. Reconnaissance data are uploaded to a laptop computer, where a specialized geographic information systems (GIS) application links the digital photos and GPS waypoints to damage data from the Palm. This enables near real-time generation of detailed maps of damage degree and extent. Further data analysis will shed light on building performance and may suggest ways to improve integrity of structural and non-structural systems in future disasters.

Initial field collection of data occurred in early October 2001, and a second mission took place in late November. (The type of data collected was not perishable before the October or November missions.)

Frost is discussing future collaboration opportunities with University of Florida professor Dave Bloomquist, also a recipient of NSF funding to collect damage assessment data at the WTC site (see related article). The PQuake system complements the 3-D laser-mapping techniques used by Bloomquist and his colleagues. Long-term efforts to link the two technologies could produce an enhanced emergency response system in which PQuake would be used to collect and accurately plot damage against 3-D laser-generated base maps.

For more information, contact David Frost at dfrost@ce.gatech.edu, 404-894-2280.

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