[Swarmfest2007] Oral Presentation Abstract

[Alec Pawling]

An Agent-Based Simulation For Emergency Response Management

Oral presentation

Timothy Schoenharl, Ryan McCune, and Greg Madey
{tschoenh,rmccune,address@hidden
University of Notre Dame
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
384 Fitzpatrick Hall
Notre Dame, IN 46556

A significant component of the WIPER System is a series of agent-based
simulations that model the behavior of a city's population.  The
simulations mimic the calling behavior based on cell phone data, and
simulate pedestrian agents on a GIS map of the area.  Simulations
demonstrate normal and crisis behavior.  The overall objective of the
WIPER Project is to use streaming cell phone data and simulations as a
tool for emergency response managers in order to better understand and
respond to public crises, such as fires or earthquakes.  Simulations of
such crises may help managers better understand the situation and best
develop strategies for appropriately handling the emergency.  The models
of calling activity for agent behavior are based on empirical cell phone
data.  The simulations display agent movement plotted over a GIS map of
the area.  Validation of the model is presented using real-world data.
Additionally, a taxonomy of crisis events are presented, categorizing
crises by agent behavior  into three events: Flock, Flee and Jam.