Indonesia, regularly hit by earthquakes, volcano eruptions and other natural disasters, knows that quick response saves lives. However, valuable time is often lost because vital information is scattered among different responders; authorities may not have a complete picture as they prepare their response.
To address gaps in information sharing and coordination during disasters, iUN Global Pulse Jakarta introduced an automated, open-source platform called MIND in 2019.
MIND integrates many nontraditional data sets, analyses Twitter data within disaster zones, and uses information from OpenStreetMap and OpenRouteService to calculate the best routes for aid convoys. It also gleans valuable insights by using a text processing algorithm to extract casualty figures from reports and by analysing Google Trends to gauge public sentiment.
The platform can be customised to suit the needs of a specific organization.
Our impact
MIND can save lives. It improves logistics planning and information management after natural disasters. Its real-time, consolidated information improves coordination among responders. The open-source nature of MIND can deepen its impact by allowing modification to fit specific organizational needs.
The MIND platform has proven useful for various stakeholders involved in disaster management, including the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), government disaster authorities, and communities affected by natural disasters. It could be expanded globally and could benefit both the development and humanitarian sectors.
Our lessons
- Always involve stakeholders in the user testing process to better tailor tools to meet specific needs and expectations.
- Open-source, multi-data integration platforms can provide real-time insights that significantly improve disaster management processes and save lives.