The first sentence of David Kroenke’s piece, Database Concepts, provides the reader with a simple yet appropriate definition of what databases do: “help people keep track of things”. Database management systems lie at the core of all databases and are responsible for keeping the database wheels turning. These self-describing “collections of related records” are responsible for holding endless amounts of tables made up of like data that can be used later for analysis or simple reference. The number of instances in which databases can be useful or helpful is endless, and in today’s digital era they are becoming more crucial than ever.
This article I came across (link) illustrated the increasing importance of databases tied to the exponential advances in technology. The recent outbreak of Ebola throughout West Africa has kept the world on its toes, no one sure of where the next positive diagnosis might occur. Health specialists are in the process of developing effective methods to help track the geographical movement of the viruses associated with Ebola in order prepare the areas that are in potential danger. The article stresses the key role that data and metadata collection/interpretation can play in the attempt to thwart the spread of the deadly disease. It specifically references Harvard’s HealthMap service, which gathers and analyzes millions of social media posts in order to track where potential “global disease outbreaks” are occurring in real time. This service uses a massive database to store information collected from around the world and processes all of it to geographically locate where certain key words associated with various diseases are appearing. Relief organizations are aiming to use technology similar to this to be able to anticipate where diseases such as Ebola are heading, in order to be more prepared for immediate aid and support.
The collection of mass amounts of cell phone data, including both phone calls and text messages sent, has been one specific method of disease-related data collection that has provided promising results. Using the databases of cell providers, relief organizations have been able to see the patterns connected to disease outbreaks. Data collation and analysis by the cellular database management systems allows experts to see where high concentrations of emergency calls are being made, helping to pinpoint problem towns and regions. The article highlights how vital the development of large-scale data collection is in the near future, in order to collect and sort through data in a timelier manner. If we are able to utilize databases and the helpful data and metadata they store to their full potential, we will be able to more efficiently track world disasters as well as ensure that all those involved in helping the cause are up to date with what is occurring at all times.
Sources:
- Ebola Crisis and Big Data – http://recode.net/2014/10/24/the-ebola-crisis-and-where-big-data-can-help/
- David M Kroenke and David J Auer, Database Concepts (Upper Saddle
River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008), chapter one (link).