Using Big Data to optimize dynamic ambulance availability maps: bridging the gap in emergency services

Michał Lupa; Weronika Paterek; Mateusz Zawadzki; Michał Chromiak; Katarzyna Adamek

doi:10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0028

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Using Big Data to optimize dynamic ambulance availability maps: bridging the gap in emergency services

Miscellanea Geographica

Volume 30 (2026): Issue 2 (April 2026)

By: Michał Lupa , Weronika Paterek, Mateusz Zawadzki , Michał Chromiak and Katarzyna Adamek

Open Access

|Jan 2026

Abstract

In this study, we explore the use of Big Data to dynamically optimize ambulance availability and response times in emergency medical services (EMS). Integrating Big Data principles with the Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) routing engine, a novel algorithm was used to calculate travel times across an irregular grid, creating real-time, colour-coded time-accessibility maps. In contrast with traditional static models, this approach updates dynamically, accounting for road conditions, accidents and other disruptions to minimize delays. By excluding unusable segments from calculations, the algorithm ensures rapid recalculations, maintaining EMS coverage in evolving conditions. Testing showed significant improvements in response time estimation and resource allocation, particularly in urban environments with complex road networks. This real-time mapping tool offers EMS dispatchers an enhanced decision-support system, potentially saving lives by reducing ambulance response times and improving service availability across diverse areas.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0028 | Journal eISSN: 2084-6118 | Journal ISSN: 0867-6046

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Language: English

Page range: 89 - 94

Submitted on: Dec 18, 2024

Accepted on: May 20, 2025

Published on: Jan 14, 2026

Published by: Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Warsaw

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

Real-time mapping,

Big Data,

emergency medical services (EMS)

Related subjects:

Geosciences,

Geography,

Geosciences, other

© 2026 Michał Lupa, Weronika Paterek, Mateusz Zawadzki, Michał Chromiak, Katarzyna Adamek, published by Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Warsaw
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 30 (2026): Issue 2 (April 2026)