SIE Team wraps up Maine National Guard-funded project “Situational Awareness in Emergency Management”

September 22, 2010 News and Events, School News

Today, a SIE team consisting of Drs. Beard, Nittel and Worboys and Dr Abedi (ECE) with students Jake Emerson, Ben Maynard, JC Whittier, Lisa Walton and Fred Schwaner wrapped up the Maine National Guard funded project “Situational Awareness in Emergency Management”, and presenting the results and a system demo to LTC Darveau, who represented the Maine National Guard.

The goal of the SenseME project has been to improve situational awareness — what is happening in an emergency, and where, when and how the state is responding. The effort addresses disasters indoors and out, including those with swift devastation, such as tornadoes or floods, or with evolving impact, such as pandemics. Using sensor  and wireless sensor network technology, spatial database management systems, OCG interoperability standards, and Google map based user interfaces, the researchers have developed a prototype system of an integrated common operating picture built with real-time information to better equip civil and military emergency management responders.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins helped secure $1.9 million in funding for the Maine National Guard. The allocation funds development of a rapid data management system by Global Relief Technology (GRT), which specializes in mobile computing technology using real-time data for use in emergency management, military operations, and relief and reconstruction efforts worldwide. SenseME is a component of that rapid data management system. “The research being conducted by (the University of Maine and) Global Relief Technologies and the deployment of the Rapid Data Management System will improve the ability of our nation’s soldiers and first responders to respond in times of crisis,” says Collins. “As we have unfortunately seen from past disasters, a breakdown in communication will hamper the ability of first responders and emergency management officials to take action.”

For more information on the project, see the article in Umaine Today.