MicroMappers: the first ever set of microtasking apps specifically customized for digital humanitarian response. The purpose of our web-based microtasking apps (we call them Clickers) is to quickly make sense of all the user-generated, multi-media content posted on social media during disasters. How? By using microtasking and making it as easy as a single click of the mouse to become a digital humanitarian volunteer. Therefore we can supply the first responders/field workers actionable information for when they arrive on site. They can then prioritise which are worse areas affected, what areas have what needs. We will then ideally be able to map routes of who needs what and where and the best route to deliver these items/resources. Collating damage to infrastructure, flooding etc.
As we now process "Big data" the best way to process the filtered information is to involve the general public for part of the process. This also enables them to feel they are contributing to the response.
Sharing the information for responders and field workers contributes to collaborative working, thus sharing information of needs, transportation networks, locations of responders etc.
TweetClicker: This Clicker invites volunteers to tag tweets based on categories specified by an organization like the UN, Red Cross or FEMA. These categories could include those from the UN Cluster System or other information needs.
ImageClicker: The purpose of this Clicker is to tag pictures posted on social media (and elsewhere) based on categories specified by a humanitarian organization. Images are auto-matically scraped from Twitter and uploaded to this Clicker
TweetGeoClicker: This Clicker invites volunteers to geo-tag tweets (that are not already automatically geo-tagged). The Clicker’s mini-tutorial provides a list of tips on how to find the GPS locations of places mentioned in a given tweet.
ImageGeoClicker: The purpose of this Clicker is to geo-tag images posted on social media (that are not geo-tagged auto-matically). Like the Clicker above, a mini-tutorial provides a list of tips on how to find out where a given image was taken.
There is also a video clicker in development.
The geo location part of the Micromapping process will be performed by trained volunteers.
All this information then feeds into a categorised visual map for quick and accurate response.
With money for aid being an issue in many locations, this tool will make response more efficient and effective.
Multi agency communication will also improve response times