SAFE: A Comprehensive Data Visualization System

This paper describes Situational Awareness for Events (SAFE), a comprehensive data visualization system for mass-participation endurance events. Working in partnership with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the Chevron Houston Marathon, and their public safety partners, we developed SAFE to enhance logistics, medical preparedness, and response for mass-participation endurance events such as marathons. The system incorporates critical data into a user-friendly dashboard to serve as a centralized source of information during the events. SAFE uses historical and real-time data to provide pre-event and on-site analytics via descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models. These models help race organizers and relevant stakeholders effectively manage and oversee all participants, monitor the dynamic location of race participants, and manage health and safety resources throughout the event. The system was deployed successfully at the Chicago Marathon (2014–2018), the Shamrock Shuffle (2014–2018), and the Houston Marathon (2016–2018).