Importance of Communication Infrastructure as a Social Infrastructure during Disasters

Abstract

Social infrastructures such as electricity, gas, water, and communication means are cut off when disasters take place. It is possible at home to take measures to these situations by preparing generators and batteries to get electricity, gas cylinders to get gas, and water storage. As for communication infrastructures, however, it is difficult to take measures at home. GeoChat, which has been developed recently, is a system and device for communication between distant points in forestry. With its unique long-distance radio standard, it is possible to exchange communication between distant points in written form. In this study, it was investigated how GeoChat could be a substitute equipment for communication infrastructure amid disasters. The followings were found by the demonstration experiment. (1) In the communication by GeoChat, it is necessary not to have any geographical obstacles between two GeoChat terminals. (2) GeoChat lets the communication be possible within 100km without being dependent on base stations and communication environment. This result indicates that GeoChat could be a substitute for communication infrastructure at the time of disasters. Regarding the real usage of GeoChat amid disasters, it is necessary to have no geographical obstacles between the communicators and to set the relay points in the case of long-distance communication. These findings show the necessity of sufficient preparation and cooperation among the individuals and organizations concerned in advance.