OR/17/045 Aims and objectives

Duncan, M, Mee, K, Hicks, A, Engwell, S, Robertson, R, Forbes, M, Ferdinand, I, Jordan, C, and Loughlin, S. 2017. Using the 'myVolcano' mobile phone app for citizen science in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: a pilot study. British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/17/045.

The overall aim of the workshop and school visits was to explore the practicality and usefulness of recording observations through the app by groups of potential users (including both uploaders and users of the app data), and in addition to raise awareness and encourage uptake of the app.

The objectives were to:

• Explore the existing/potential role of citizen science in St. Vincent;
• Raise awareness of the myVolcano app;
• Identify types of data or information that users would like to see in myVolcano and how they would use it;
• Provide an opportunity to test how data are uploaded and accessed through myVolcano and gather feedback on functionality;
• Explore issues around: everyday observations, data quality and assurance, language, trust, data sharing, telecommunications redundancy, health and safety, motivating volunteers, utilisation in a crisis, etc.;
• Gather suggestions for improvements;
• Gather information about mobile phone usage and most popular operating systems in St. Vincent (e.g. Android vs. iOS);
• Encourage use of myVolcano to provide the opportunity to analyse incoming data over the coming weeks and months post-field visit;
• Continue building a community of interested stakeholders.

The following section briefly describes St. Vincent and the Grenadines in terms of hazards, risk and disaster management.