JultikaUniversity of Oulu repository

Abstract

The number and severity of natural hazards has increased in recent decades. These natural hazards cause billions in financial damage, as well as loss of life every year. Fortunately, societies have learned to adapt to these phenomena and invested in managing and mitigating their effects. Communication plays a key role in managing these natural disasters and the effects they smite upon communities. At the same time, information and communication technologies have become ubiquitous and integral part of our lives. However, the available technologies and the ability to utilize these technologies vary. Thus, there is a need for up-to-date review of the use of these technologies. In this thesis, the role of information and communication technologies in natural disaster management communication is examined.

The purpose of this thesis is to aggregate scientific knowledge on the role of information and communication technologies in natural disaster management communication. As a result, this study used systematic literature review as a research method. In addition, the aim is to identify possible best practices and discuss the findings of the systematic literature review. The results are used to inform future work on developing an opensource-based system for natural disaster management.

The main contribution of this thesis is the summarization of the findings. These findings can be used as a knowledge base or to reflect upon new solutions in natural disaster management. The search strategy used in this study identified 584 studies in total from which 24 primary studies were selected.

Recommended future actions involve further studying the identified best practices and their application in practice. In addition, further developing the proposed artifact is recommended.