This gripping real-time drama is set against the the devastation of the Haiti earthquake. The author, a pioneer of digital humanitarianism, didn't stay idle long. Within hours, from his laptop, he'd assembled a global network of volunteers to collect, analyze, sift through, map, and relay accurate information from survivors on the ground voicing cries of help using social media. Their data-mining accomplishments were record-breaking and set new standards for quick action in large scale disaster relief situations. This book explains the technology behind this new wave of ICT networking and data-mining. Praise for the book: ...examines how new uses of technology and vast quantities of digital data are transforming the way societies prepare for, respond to, cope with, and ultimately understand humanitarian disasters. -Dr. Enzo Bollettino, Executive Director, The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University ...explains the strengths and potential weaknesses of using big data and crowdsourced analytics in crisis situations. It is at once a deeply personal and intellectually satisfying book. -Professor Steven Livingston, Professor of Media & Public and International Affairs, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University