Information is power - in good times and bad

Data is the foundation of decision-making in ordinary day-to-day business operations. But in a civil emergency, when normal operations are disrupted, the focus on robust business process in collecting and distributing data is suspended in favour of the immediate need to restore service.

Emergency situations demand emergency actions. Data collection responses must be capable of meeting the needs of unknown future users with unspecified and possibly divergent requirements.

This paper explores approaches to data collection on the repair work to the underground pipe networks in Christchurch following the earthquakes. In particular, it will showcase a software application used to capture closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection data. CCTV based data is facilitating the post-disaster repair, design and management of Christchurch’s underground pipe network.