Open Innovation Boost to Earthquake Research

July 11, 2013 By IdeaConnection

San Andreas FaultOpen innovation, social media and crowdsourcing are making signification contributions to the study of earthquakes according to a new report by the Commons Lab at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Transforming Earthquake Detection and Science Through Citizen Seismology describes how organizations such as The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are tapping into citizen science projects to augment their capabilities.

The wisdom of the crowd is also filling an information gap in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake.

Through a number of specific examples the report highlights how the public is helping to advance earthquake knowledge by providing more rapid earthquake detection, and real-time information following a quake.

Impact

One of the projects discussed in the report is Tweet Earthquake Dispatch (TED). It uses an algorithm to provide seismologists with initial alerts of earthquakes around the globe via Twitter in less than two minutes. The report also features the Quake Catcher Network, which equips the public with low-cost sensors to collect information on seismic activity.

“With the success of these efforts, scientists will continue to look for additional opportunities to involve the public, incorporate innovative and cutting-edge tools and ultimately extend our reach and monitoring across the landscape,”said Paul Earle, a seismologist with the USGS and a co-author of the report.

Future Direction

The study is more than just a pat on the back for open innovation as it also looks at how crowdsourcing systems can be improved in the future – including how to overcome practical, legal, and policy considerations.

To download and read the report in full click here.


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