The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an agency created to foster information and communications technology globally, recently commissioned an impressive “emergency communications” map that addresses the need and organization for expedient emergency communications.
The map can be found in high resolution, pdf format under the English tab in the left corner of the page here.
The map highlights how essential setting up swift and reliable communications networks are before, during and after a natural disaster or emergency as modern technology provides vital links which humanitarian teams must use to coordinate efforts when traditional networks go down.
The ITU, which operates with support from the United Nations, positions itself to utilize special radio frequencies that are kept clear for emergencies, helps developing nations establish emergency planning and early warning systems, and sends practical aid in disasters and expertise to restore networks.
When phone wires and mobile masts are broken, emergency communications networks must be set up to launch immediately for effective rescue and relief operations.
Cited as examples for emergency communications efforts on the map are television and radio broadcasts, satellites that monitor extreme weather conditions that also transmit phone calls and Internet services, and earthquake alerts that come from sensors on land.
The map also highlights portable satellite equipment that provides wireless links, medical advice and diagnoses sent to remote regions through broadband wireless, sensors on submarine cables that monitor ocean swells, and networks of buoys in the ocean that transmit tsunami warnings via satellite.
For more than 145 years, the ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve communication infrastructure in developing nations, and established worldwide standards to interconnect of a vast range of communications systems. These include broadband networks and new wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, satellite-based meteorology and converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies.
