Towards Resilient Communities: Data Capability and Resource Mapping for Disaster Preparedness

Access to quality data is vital for informing decision making before, during and after emergency events. As more data becomes available, new artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as machine learning and generative AI are extending the possibilities for data-driven disaster resilience. However, despite the longstanding promise of digital humanitarianism, there are many friction points and challenges in using data to improve community resilience and decision making. In this project, our research team based in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society (ADM+S) worked in collaboration with experienced members of Australian Red Cross to better understand the challenges and potential of data-driven decision-making for community disaster resilience. Responsible and timely community data practices along with accessible platforms to support data availability are central to realising benefits on the ground. To work toward this outcome the ADM+S team has developed a model for involving communities in the data gathering process and supporting them to improve disaster preparedness through an open mapping platform. Responding to the community resilience frameworks developed by Australian Red Cross, our aim is to ensure that local information and knowledge becomes an integral part of disaster preparedness and community resilience rather than an afterthought.