SLUDGEDM

SLUDGEDM, or System for Local Unified Data and Geospatial Emergency Decision-Making, is a framework and platform designed to integrate local data streams with geospatial information to support emergency management decisions. It emphasizes interoperability, real-time situational awareness, and structured decision-support for responders and officials.

Its core components include a common data model that standardizes incident types, sensor feeds, and reports; geospatial layers used for risk mapping and route planning; dashboards that synthesize indicators for different operational views; and decision-support modules that suggest resource allocations and evacuation options under predefined criteria.

Operations rely on data-sharing agreements, open standards for geographic information systems, time-synchronized feeds, and privacy controls. Users typically span local government, public safety agencies, hospitals, and utilities. The system is intended to be modular and scalable to accommodate jurisdictions of varying size and complexity.

Limitations and challenges include data quality and timeliness, governance and accountability for automated recommendations, and the need for adequate training. Effective use requires clear escalation paths, robust data stewardship, and ongoing evaluation of outcomes.

SLUDGEDM remains a conceptual framework and has seen pilot implementations in a number of regions that aim to test interoperability and joint decision-making across agencies and communities.