Situational Awareness: A core component in the development of a humanitarian common logistic operating picture

The onset of a natural disaster or complex emergency frequently sees multiple agencies responding in a relatively uncoordinated way. One potential solution is that of developing a 'Humanitarian Common Logistic Operating Picture' (H-CLOP) that would capture, analyse, validate, distribute and present the disposition of both existing and forecast demands, and the status and location of material in transit as the basis for improved inter-agency logistic decision making. This paper considers the challenges inherent in the development of 'situational awareness' as a core component of the H-CLOP concept, and it highlights a number of areas for further research.