thThe 14 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
October 12–17, 2008, Beijing, China

A STUDY ON THE DISASTER INFORMATION COLLECTION SUPPORTSYSTEM, INCORPORATING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGY
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A. Shibayama , Y. Hisada , M. Mirakami , M. Endo ,45
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S. Zama , O. Takizawa , M. Hosokawa and T. Ichii
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Expert Researcher, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo. Japan
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Professor, Dept. of Architecture, The Kogakuin University, Tokyo, Japan
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Associate Professor, Dept. of Architecture, The Kogakuin University, Tokyo, Japan
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Researcher, National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster, Tokyo, Japan
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Group Leader, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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General Manager, Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications, Tokyo, Japan
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Sales Executive, Autonomy Corp., Tokyo, Japan
Email: shibayama@nict.go.jp

ABSTRACT:
We have developed a support system to facilitate the rapid and effective collection of disaster information, andwe have conducted operational experiments to test the system in Tokyo, Japan. We have named this system theDisaster Information Collection Support System (DICSS); it incorporates the Geographic Information System(GIS) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). We have added additional functions to the
DICSS in order to increase the efficiency of investigation, such as an information sharing function using ad
hoc network technology, an information collecting function using a middle-distance laser rangefinder, and an
information sharing function using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. This improved system is a
simple and user-friendly GIS specialized for collecting disaster information; it has been designed so thatanyone can use it. It can change the specific data under investigation to accommodate the requirements of eachindividual situation, from quick inspections to rapid assessments of the safety of buildings to detailed
investigations for academic purposes. When a public communications network is rendered nonfunctional by adisaster, the system is capable of securing communication between terminals by ad hoc network. It can collectinformation on the damage caused to a remote location from an elevated position by using laser rangefinder
binoculars. We applied this system to an experiment conducted in Tokyo, Japan and confirmed its validity andeffectiveness.
KEYWORDS:
Information Collection, Disaster Inspection, GIS, Laser Rangefinder, Ad Hoc Network, GPS
1. INTRODUCTION
Since the 1995 Kobe earthquake, the national and local governments of Japan have developed systems for
information collection during earthquakes, such as the Disaster Information System (DIS) developed by thecabinet office of the government of Japan, the REaltime Assessment of earthquake Disaster in Yokohama(READY) of the city of Yokohama, and the estimated seismic intensity map of the Japan Meteorological
Agency (JMA). However, it is important to keep in mind that the actual damage caused by an earthquake could
be different from the estimated damage. If we rely on only the estimated information, the emergency response
may be inadequate. On the other hand, the estimated information can be useful in locating the most severely
affected areas at the initial stage of the damage investigation. With all of this in mind, we have proposed areal-time system for collecting earthquake damage information (Shibayama et al., 2002 [1]). In this paper, wethThe 14 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
October 12–17, 2008, Beijing, China
will introduce the details of this novel system and explain the results of the field experiments undertaken to
check the effectiveness of the proposed system.
2. THE DISASTER INFORMATION COLLECTION SUPPORT SYSTEM, INCORPORATINGINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
2.1. The Main Features of the System
As shown in Figure 1 and Photo 1, we have developed the Disaster Information Collection Support System(DICSS) to efficiently perform the collection, transmission, and consolidation of actual data pertaining to areas
affected by a disaster utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment (e.g., tablet PC,
Global Positioning System (GPS), ad hoc network, and laser rangefinder). The DICSS was developed based on
two existing systems: an efficient system for acquiring earthquake damage information by Shibayama et al.
(2004) [2] and a disaster information collection terminal developed by Zama et al. (2001) [3]. Additional
functions to increase the efficiency of the investigation were also added to the system, such as an information
sharing function using an ad hoc network, an information collecting function using a middle-distance laser
rangefinder, an information sharing function using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and a simulation
coordination function.
The main features of the proposed system are as follows:･This system is a simple and user-friendly GIS specially designed to collect damage information;･The input to this system can be changed depending on the purpose of the investigation.
･The system imports data in standard vector and raster data formats.
･The system can be accessed using a personal computer, without the need for any special equipment.
･The combined system can determine a worker’s present position using the connected GPS.
･It facilitates the collection of data on the damage sustained in a remote location from an elevated position byusing laser rangefinder binoculars.
･ When a public communications network is rendered nonfunctional by a disaster, it can securecommunication between terminals by ad hoc network.

Figure 1 Main window of the system.

Photo 1 Example of extended system (Tablet PC).

2.2. The Configuration and Function of the System
2.2.1 The system configuration
As shown in Figure 2, the DICSS consists of a basic system and any additional systems. The basic system wasdeveloped in the GIS engine of ESRI MapObjects LT 2.0 and Microsoft C#.NET, which have all the tools
necessary for creating and maintaining a GIS, and an interface designed for indoor and outdoor use. The basic
system can be used to manipulate the map display, display data using classifications, pan and zoom throughmultiple map layers, manage a database of collected data, import external data, and export collected data.

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The 14 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
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Additional functions can be added to the basic system to increase the efficiency of the investigation, such as aninvestigator's navigation function using GPS, an information sharing function using ad hoc communication, an
information collecting function using the middle-distance laser rangefinder, and an information sharing
function using an RFID tag. It is possible to develop these additional systems using Microsoft C#.NET or
Microsoft VisualBasic.NET, and the user can use some other system to develop the additional systems.

Map control

Database

Data
Import/Export

Microsoft C#.NET
MapObjectsLT 2.0

Calls
DLL or OCX

GPS
Laser Rangefinder
Ad Hoc Network
RFID
Output XML
etc.

The basic system

The Additional system
Figure 2 Concept chart of the system configuration.
2.2.2 The system equipment
The DICSS software license is available free of cost and is open to public use. In addition, common personal
computers can be used to run it—no special equipment is required. Thus, it is possible to collect damage
information by assembling many volunteers for data collection following an earthquake. The personal computerused for data input can be a desktop, a laptop, or a tablet (see Photo 2) depending on the purpose and situation.
For example, a laptop PC or tablet PC is appropriate in the field, whereas a desktop PC is more appropriate in an
office. The minimum requirements of the current system are compatibility with a Pentium or higher CPU, a
16-bit high color screen adapter with a resolution of 1024 × 768 or higher, and a keyboard or other input device(mouse, tablet, etc.). This system can be run on Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista. The
minimum RAM size is 256 MB for Windows 2000, 512 MB for Windows XP, and 1 GB for Windows Vista.
The minimum hard-disk space required to run the system is 200 MB, although it could be more, depending on
the size of the digital maps used.
The DICSS configuration can be extended utilizing various peripheral ICT equipment such as a head-mounted
display (HMD), GPS, digital communications terminals, or a digital camera. For example, a HMD frees a user’s
hands to more efficiently input data (see Photo 2, right). The combination of GPS and the digital map can beused to navigate the target area—an extremely powerful tool for a person who is unfamiliar with the area.
Currently, the system is compatible with handheld GPS receivers; however, digital communications terminals
such as cellular phones or wireless LANs can be used to transmit the data to the disaster headquarters.

Photo 2 Example of the system equipment. Left: Tablet PC. Right: Tablet PC and HMD.
2.2.3 Data import/export
As shown in Table 1, the DICSS is able to be used in various fields and is compatible with many different map

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The 14 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
October 12–17, 2008, Beijing, China
formats. This system supports formats for imported data in the form of vector maps ranging from standard GIS
formats (ArcInfo coverages and ESRI shapefiles) to computer-aided design (CAD) formats (DXF, DWG, and
DGN) and raster image formats (GeoTIFF and JPEG image compression). This system can export map images
in raster image format (JPEG image compression).
The system uses ASCII data formats (XML, CSV, and TEXT) to input and output the investigated data. The
investigation data that are output are compatible with various systems such as the disaster countermeasuressystem, the fire spread simulation system, and the evacuation simulation system.
Table 1 Data import/export
Data format
Vector map data
ImportRaster map data
Investigation data

ExportVector map data
Raster map data
Investigation data

Data format typeESRI ArcView Shapefiles(*.shp)
ESRI Arc/Info Coverages(*.e00)
CAD Format(*.dgn, *.dwg, *.dxf)
GeoTIFF(*.tif), JPEG(*.jpg)
XML(*.xml), CSV(*.csv),
TEXT(*.txt)
None
JPEG(*.jpg)
XML(*.xml), CSV(*.csv),
TEXT(*.txt)

2.2.4 The basic input data (location, properties, and damage grade)
The basic input data of the DICSS are as follows:a) Choice of damage type (building damage, road damage, or damage due to fire, selected from the side panelof the DICSS)b) Locations of the damaged objects or areas (e.g., building, area, road)c) Information on the damaged objects or areas
Upon locating a damaged building, road, or area, we first choose the nature of damage; it can be a damagedbuilding, a damaged road, or damage due to fire, each of which can be chosen from the side panel (see Figure 3,left). Second, we click on its location on the digital map. Third, we input information on the object’s properties.
After we choose the location, a pop-up window appears, from which one may choose the object type (see Figure
3, right), including construction material (e.g., wooden, steel, reinforced concrete or other), use of the building(e.g., residential, industrial, or commercial), damage grade (e.g., minor, major, or complete collapse), andcasualties. Finally, after checking the confirmation window, which shows the all input items, we click the “yes”,“no”, or “cancel” button.
Operation panel (input/output map data, zoom in/zoom out, navigation controls,
information reference, etc.)

Input panel：・Fire damage
・Building damage
・Road damage
・Information reference・Information erasure

Damage information (e.g., fire damage)

Mouse cursor position coordinate (Lat/Lon, X/Y)

Figure 3 Basic input data of the DICCS.
Left: Main window. Right: Input window for damage information.

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The 14 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
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2.2.5 The utilization of variably presented information
Using this system, we can change the input contents according to the requirements of the investigation. For
example, we may require an immediate estimate of the overall damage in the affected areas after a large
earthquake. In such a case, speed is more important than accuracy. On the other hand, inspecting the safety ofdamaged buildings requires us to carry out more detailed investigations. Accordingly, this system can provide
various investigation menus ranging from simple to detailed. An academic investigation of structural damage is
one example of a case that would require a detailed menu. For this purpose, we use the chart for describing
building damage patterns proposed by Okada et al. (1999) [4] and Takai et al. (2001) [5].
2.3. The Information Collecting Function using a Middle-distance Laser Rangefinder
As shown in Figure 4, we have developed an additional function that uses a middle-distance laser rangefinder tocollect information on fire and building damage from an elevated position (e.g., high-rise office building, steel
tower, or other) or from a distance.
This system has the following features:･Ability to locate the area where the damage occurred from an elevated position or from a distance･Ability to help ensure the investigator's safety from a fire or secondary disaster because of its capability of
remote data collection･Ability to collect information on damage over large areas in a short time･Ability to be used from a motorcycle, car, or helicopter
This additional function requires a hardware configuration that consists of a PC (e.g., Laptop or Tablet PC), thelaser rangefinder, and a data cable. In this experiment, the laser rangefinder used a VECTOR IV from Vectronicthat can measure range, azimuthal angle, and vertical angle. To use this system, input the locations of the origin
form a GIS screen. The distance and the azimuthal angle from the starting point to the object are then measured
using the laser rangefinder, and the object is displayed on the GIS screen. Finally, information on building andfire damage is input.

Connection cable

LaptopLaser rangefinder

Figure 4 Laser rangefinder function
Left: Screen shot of the laser rangefinder function. Center: Example of the system configuration for the laser
rangefinder function Right: Photograph of laser rangefinder in use.
2.4. The Information Sharing Function using an Ad hoc Network
We developed two additional functions to accomplish information sharing using ad hoc network technology, aschematic of which is shown in Figure 5. One is an information sharing function and the other is an information
communication function. The information sharing function shares the task of information collection between theterminals of the investigators, and the communication function transmits information to a remote terminal by thebucket brigade method. By using these functions, information sharing and transmission between the terminals
are made possible in the case of a communication blackout during a large-scale earthquake.

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The 14 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
October 12–17, 2008, Beijing, China

Figure 5 Information sharing and communication using ad hoc network.
Left: Information sharing function. Right: Information communication function.
2.5. Other Functions
2.5.1) The information sharing function using an RFID tag
As shown in Photo 3, we have developed an additional function that writes or reads assessment results to orfrom an RFID tag [6]. This function is intended to compare previously recorded building data with data on thecurrent status in order to facilitate rapid damage assessment. The user inputs the grade of a building’s incline
and other data, and the application classifies the building into three risk categories: dangerous, requiring special
attention, and safe. The assessment results are electronically deposited on-site for use by other rescue teams,
thus avoiding duplicative investigation, streamlining relief subsidies, and contributing to the timely
establishment of a detailed disaster database.
To use the system, investigators point to locations represented on the GIS screen and input information aboutcollapsed buildings, fires, and road blockages at that location. The GIS displays the RFID reader-writer window
on the screen, and the data from the GIS are transferred to RFID tags. The combined system can determine aworker’s present position with the help of the connected GPS.

Photo 3 Intelligence sharing function with RFID tag.
Left: System equipment. Right: Equipment in use.
2.5.2 Cooperation with other systems’ simulations
As shown in Figure 6, The DICSS can cooperate with other systems via the information sharing and integration
platform [7], such as the fire spread prediction simulation [8] and the evacuation simulation [8]. The ability of
DICSS to cooperate with these systems aids in decisions being made at disaster headquarters and helps ensure
the safety of investigators.

thThe 14 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
October 12–17, 2008, Beijing, China

Figure 6 Cooperation with other systems’ simulations.
Left: Fire spread prediction simulation. Right: Evacuation simulation.
3. EXPERIMENTS
We carried out several experiments to test the efficiency of the DICSS. In particular, we compared its advantages anddisadvantages with those of the conventional method based on paper maps.
We carried out an experiment in Kamijujo, Tokyo (with an area of approximately 25 ha, a population of
approximately 3,700, and approximately 1,500 houses) in 2005. During the experiment, images of collapsedbuildings, fires, and road blocks were posted in different places in the experiment area. Four investigators
carrying tablet PCs and wearable PCs with the DICSS system evaluated the extent of damage to buildings,
damage due to fire, and damage to the road displayed in each poster. The investigators input their inspection
results into their terminals. Photo 4 shows a poster of simulated building damage in one panel and datacollection being performed by investigators in the others.

Photo 4 Left: Poster of simulated building damage. Center: Use of tablet PC. Right: Use of wearable PC.
Table 2 Experimental results
Building
Road block
InvestigatorFiredamage
A
3/3
12/15
3/3
Tablet PC
B
3/3
13/15
3/3
A
3/3
12/15
3/3
Wearable PC
B
3/3
14/15
3/3
* The number of investigated posters/ the number of the posters

Investigation time
104 min
124 min
115 min
109 min

Table 2 shows the results of the experiment. Although all investigators overlooked one poster each, those withwearable PCs (except for Investigator B) finished their investigations within two hours. This investigation timeth

The 14 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
October 12–17, 2008, Beijing, China
was approximately the same as that in the experiment conducted in the same area in 2004, wherein investigators
used the conventional method based on paper maps but that otherwise had identical experimental parameters. In
conclusion, the proposed system was found to be comparable with the conventional method regarding the required
input time; however, the proposed system allows much more efficient data analysis because the data are digital assoon as they are input.
4. CONCLUDING REMARKS
We have proposed the Disaster Information Collection Support System (DICSS) to efficiently perform thecollection, transmission, and consolidation of actual data pertaining to areas affected by a disaster utilizing ICT
equipment. Additional functions to increase the efficiency of the investigation were also added to the system,
such as an information sharing function using an ad hoc network, an information collecting function using a
middle-distance laser rangefinder, an information sharing function using a RFID tag, and a simulation
coordination function. We carried out several experiments and found that the proposed system was more
effective than the conventional method based on paper maps.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This research was partially supported by the Special Project for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation in Urban Areasof the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT), and by the Special
Project for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation using the crisis-adaptive information sharing platform andtechnology from MEXT.
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[2] Shibayama A. and Hisada Y. (2004). An efficient system for acquiring earthquake damage information in adamage area. 13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, 1121.
[3] Zama S., Endo M., Hosokawa M., Hatayama K., Shibata Y. and Harada T. (2001). Development of disaster
information collection terminal -as an element of the information system for support of fire-fighting
activities- (in Japanese). Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Institute of Social Safety Science 11,
113–116.
[4] Okada S. and Takai N. (1999). Classifications of structural types and damage patterns of buildings forearthquake field investigation (in Japanese), Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering 524, 65–72.
[5] Takai N. and Okada S. (2001). Classifications of damage patterns of reinforced concrete buildings forearthquake field (in Japanese). Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering 549, 67–74.
[6] Takizawa O., Shibayama A., Hosokawa M., Takanashi K., Murakami M., Hisada Y., Hada Y., Kawabata K.,
Noda I. and Hajime A. (2007). Hybrid radio frequency identification system for use in disaster relief as
positioning source and emergency message boards, International Workshop on Mobile Information
Technology for Emergency Response (Mobile Response 2007).
[7] Noda I. (2007). Information sharing and integration platform for disaster and rescue activities, Proc. ofWorkshop on Innovative Technologies for the Prevention Monitoring and Mitigation of Environmental Risks
in Entrepreneurship, The Regional Office of Bari of I.C.E.
[8] Final report of special project for disaster mitigation using crisis-adaptive information sharing platform andtechnology of MEXT (in Japanese). http://www.kedm.bosai.go.jp/project/info-share/H18report.html (2007).