When Disaster Strikes, Ushahidi Gives Social Check-Ins a Purpose May 10, 2011

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Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2011/04/26/Advancing_the_New_Machine_Disaster_Responsev

Patrick Meier, director of crisis mapping and partnerships at the non-profit tech company Ushahidi, explains how digital devices are capable of crowdsourcing real-time information to create maps of disaster areas. Ushahidi puts a twist on Facebook and Foursquare, providing activists and communities "check-ins with a purpose" during disaster situations.

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In parallel to the panel on early warning systems, the disaster response panel will also focus on early response to serious crimes and gross violations of human rights, specifically in the context of disasters. Broadband and cellular networks can be quickly established to support the information flow to and from victims. The analysis of information flows can be automated to detect patterns and emergencies. But technology can also represent a challenge, creating information overflow and requiring capacities that are not always available. How do we design effective systems for situations that require rapid and efficient response mechanisms? What are some of the lessons learned in light of recent disasters? - Human Rights Center UC Berkeley

Patrick Meier is the Director of Crisis Mapping & Partnerships. Meier is the co-founder of the International Network of Crisis Mappers and previously co-directed Harvard University's (HHI) Program on Crisis Mapping and Early Warning. He has consulted for many international organizations including the UN, OSCE and OECD on numerous crisis mapping and conflict early warning projects in Africa, Asia and Europe. Patrick is a recognized expert and thought leader on the intersection between new technologies, early warning, civil resistance, human rights and humanitarian response. He has written extensively on these topics and has presented his work at numerous high-profile conferences worldwide.