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Computer Graphics: Helping to Cope with Terrorism
IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications Staff . IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications22 (2):16-23,2002.Type:Article
Date Reviewed: Apr 8 2004

The attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City on September 11th, 2001 is the focus of this paper. It concentrates mainly on issues to do with informing the general public of events, helping mitigate their effects, and assisting with reconstruction.

Delaney describes how existing and readily available technology was adapted to provide information on the unfolding situation. Graphics specialists with different skills had to act as a team, using multiple systems to produce explanatory graphics. For example, weather graphics systems were adapted to generate on-air sequences.

The paper discusses how computer graphics helped rescue services to mitigate the effects of the tragedy. Within 24 hours, scanning and mapping applications were helping emergency services staff be more effective, because they could better understand Ground Zero’s layout.

Finally, Delaney discusses how mapping with geographic information systems (GISs) showed the position of infrastructure, and computer aided design (CAD) software can show design options for new buildings worthy of the site.

Delaney addresses a difficult subject with sensitivity and objectivity. The title of the paper is somewhat misleading, since it covers a single event, the WTC tragedy, rather than overall terrorism issues.

The paper provides a good start for readers, giving details of the contributions that computer graphics can make, especially in explaining complex events to the general public. The February 2004 issue of National Geographic includes coverage of the Columbia shuttle tragedy. It demonstrates how GIS was the hub of that disaster recovery operation and takes this idea forward.

Delaney does a good job of explaining data capture and the creation of a single digital map. However, the contribution of computer graphics to understanding the structural failure, and to site reconstruction, is better covered in papers gathered by CAD Digest at http://www.caddigest.com/subjects/wtc/index.htm.

Reviewer:  M. A. Evans Review #: CR129424 (0410-1230)
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