Argyris_Geographic_UncertaintyCrisis_Management_Version_2.0.pdf (421.27 kB)
Download fileCommunicating geographical risks in crisis management: The need for research
journal contribution
posted on 05.09.2017, 08:30 by Simon French, Nikolaos ArgyrisNikolaos Argyris, Stephanie Haywood, Matthew C. Hort, Jim Q. SmithIn any crisis, there is a great deal of uncertainty, often geographical uncertainty or, more precisely, spatio-temporal uncertainty. Examples include the spread of contamination from an industrial accident, drifting volcanic ash, and the path of a hurricane. Estimating spatio-temporal probabilities is usually a difficult task, but that is not our primary concern. Rather, we ask how analysts can communicate spatio-temporal uncertainty to those handling the crisis. We comment on the somewhat limited literature on the representation of spatial uncertainty on maps. We note that many cognitive issues arise and that the potential for confusion is high. We note that in the early stages of handling a crisis the uncertainties involved may be deep, i.e. difficult or impossible to quantify in the time available. In such circumstance, we suggest the idea of presenting multiple scenarios.
Funding
Our recent work has been funded by the UK Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling Liaison Committee, as well as by the organisations in which we work.
History
School
- Business and Economics
Department
- Business