Agent-based systems for disaster management

The application of agent technology can support timely and enhanced data acquisition, information production, decision support, and action coordination. Applications of agent technology can be used to support many processes throughout the phases of the disaster management cycle from mitigation and preparation to actual response and recovery. Agent-based simulation systems are used to model human and systems behavior during or after disaster events. During disaster response agent-based systems are envisioned to support emergency managers by helping to maintain common situational awareness and by aiding the planning and coordination of response activities. Agent technology may provide benefits to a number of important system requirements for future disaster management applications. Agents may also be used to create combined systems of systems that integrate legacy information systems, mobile communication devices, sensor networks, human decision makers, or agent-based simulations.