In his new book, Dr. Patrick Meier, Director of Social Innovation at the Qatar Computing Research Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to addressing large-scale computing challenges related to growth and development, explores the impact information from disasters has on humanitarian efforts. This information, which Meier dubs “Big Crisis Data,” can be overwhelming for traditional humanitarian organizations and is giving rise to a new breed of aid workers known as “digital humanitarians.” Starting with the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Meier recounts stories of how digital humanitarians are increasingly relying on techniques and technologies like machine learning, social media analysis, and satellite imagery to transform how humanitarian aid is delivered. The book also serves as a guide for policymakers and humanitarians alike that want to learn how data and technology can improve disaster response.
“Digital Humanitarians: How Big Data Is Changing the Face of Humanitarian Response”
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