M.Sc. (Med.), Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2009

The need to have evacuation plans in place for readily implementation for special need populations has become evident after catastrophic events such as Hurricane Katrina. For the purpose of this research special need populations will include, but are not limited to, people with physical disabilities, senior citizens, non-English speaking populations, residents and employees without vehicles, and tourists. The main objective of this research is to evaluate different evacuation procedures for special need populations from large urban areas utilizing current public transit systems. A microscopic simulation model was constructed to analyze real life scenarios for evacuation methodologies. A linear programming optimization model was developed to find the optimum locations for evacuation bus stops for the case study area. The results from this research were very interesting and can aid evacuation planners in the future. / by Linda S. Hess. / Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of California, Los Angeles, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

The past three years have witnessed unprecedented growth of user-generated volunteered geographic information (VGI) on the Web. Although scholars, decision makers, and citizens have recognized the potential value of VGI in emergency management, there exists no rigorous study on the availability, quality, and feasibility of VGI for applications related to emergency management. This dissertation applies methodologies of GIScience and computer science to present an overview of VGI and explore its value in emergency management with the goal of developing a wiki GIS approach for community emergency preparedness. This dissertation research concludes that VGI and wiki GIS represent new development in public participation in the production and use of geographic information. In emergency management, VGI and wiki GIS suggest a new approach to incorporate the general public in emergency response activities. By incorporating VGI in emergency management, official agencies and the general public gain better situational awareness in emergency management.

Thesis (M.S.)--Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2009. / Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed January 13, 2010) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Contents page lists "references" starting on p.118 but the bibliography is missing from the copy submitted.

Thesis (M. A. in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense))--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2009. / Thesis Advisor(s): Bach, Robert. Second Reader: Woodbury, Glen. "December 2009." Description based on title screen as viewed on January 28, 2010. Author(s) subject terms: medical operations center, medical system, public-health system, medical surge, homeland security, integration, coordination, collaboration, emergency management, mass casualty, disaster, communications, resource management, public-health emergency, ESF-8, HSPD-21, EMS, hospitals. Includes bibliographical references (p. 123-128). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ball State University, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Dec. 14, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. 95-98).

Thesis (M.A. in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense))--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2009. / Thesis Advisor(s): Gordon, Ellen. Second Reader: Bellavita, Chris. "December 2009." Description based on title screen as viewed on January 27, 2010. Author(s) subject terms: Urban search and rescue (US&R), urban search and rescue systems, Florida Urban Search and Rescue (FLUSAR), search and rescue, US&R task force, technical rescue teams, state emergency response, States Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR), Florida State Fire Marshall, Marion County, FL Fire Rescue. Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-63). Also available in print.

Thesis (Master of Arts in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense))--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2009. / Thesis Advisor: Rollins, John. Second Reader: Woodbury, Glen. "December 2009." Description based on title screen as viewed on January 29, 2010. Author(s) subject terms: Public private partnerships, private sector, private business sector, collaboration, coordination, emergency management, local government, continuity of community, challenges to partnering, emergency preparedness, emergency response. Includes bibliographical references (p. 81-88). Also available in print.