Through the use of a host of modern GIS tools, a common operating Picture and Initial damage assessment and dollar loss estimate is available within minutes to emergency support, and decision makers. The Role of GIS in the EOC: • To provide dynamic situational awareness and a common operating picture To provide initial Damage/ Loss estimates • To provide Analysis support for a wide range of spatial questions • To provide external map information for the general public • To provide requested paper maps in support of EOC Functions Traditional GIS vehicles; Wall Maps and Paper Map Books are combined with Interactive maps, and newer map technologies; Web Maps, map services, and on-line map services are all utilized. Inputting minimal data, various Models and tools automatically build out damage and loss zones. From these zones lists of the number of schools, properties, hazardous material locations, hospitals, roads affected, and a host of features are identified on the maps while reports, and spreadsheets are created. In addition, property damage estimates, are key outputs. GIS at Adams County encompasses a variety of departments and people. Each GIS team contributes to the success of GIS in the EOC, and all participate in the readiness exercises, to be prepared in the event of a full scale disaster. This presentation will demonstrate many of the tools developed to support the EOC, and describe the variety of multidisciplinary aspects of GIS at Adams County. The presentation will highlight successes; outline challenges overcome, and explore future challenges.

1. PRESENTERS:
GREG BACA AND BRANDI RANK
CONTRIBUTORS:
MARGARET GRONDALSKI AND KEN SMITH
GIS Provides Dynamic
Situational Awareness in the
Adams County’s Emergency
Operations Center

2. Overview
 Introductions
 Emergency Operations Center
 Tools for GIS
 GIS Role
 Examples

3. Introductions
 GIS at Adams County encompasses three separate
GIS groups that support different departments and
offices:
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Assessor’s GIS
GIS Operations Group – DCA
IT GIS
 Each GIS team’s involvement is critical to the success
of GIS in the EOC.

5. Highest Risks Identified
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Hazardous Materials
Tornado
Winter Storm
Flood
Critical Infrastructure/Utility Failure
Terrorism
Pandemic Event
Lightning
Windstorm
Wildfire
Earthquake
Source: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN (EOP) 2012

6. I’m still looking for one with a map on the screen

7. Tools for GIS Support in the EOC
 Pre printed maps
 Software
 Web Based maps
 Data
 Models
 WebEOC
 Projectors & Screen
 Plotters, Printers and other hardware

8. WebEOC

9. Why GIS is in the EOC ?
 GIS provides information in a way no other tool
or technology can
 GIS provides a Common Operating Picture and
Situational Awareness dynamically
 Answering questions such as
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What - the incident and the extent of the incident(s)
Where – (location)
Proximity (what’s nearby)
Extent (how big)
How far
How many
How much (assist the ESF 14 - Damage Assessment)
and help provide initial valuation quickly

10. The Role of GIS
To provide support for:
Response
Recovery

11. Response
Provide data and staff in the event of an incident.

12. Rapid Assessment Maps

13. Common Operating Picture

14. Analysis Model

15. Sample Map from the Analysis Model

16. Sample Reports from the Analysis Model

17. Reports

18. Interactive Map - External

19. Recovery
 Recovery is ongoing and as needed.
 Data and maps are provided where needed.
 Data and support is provided to cooperating agencies
to aid them.

20. Recovery

21. Examples
 ArcGIS Online Story Map

22. Lessons Learned
 More Collaboration / Communication
 Need more GIS staff trained for EOC Operations
 Keep thinking outside the box
 GIS Section Procedures, Documents, Checklists,
Templates and Organization
 The process is fluid; -> constant improvements

23. Appreciation
 Thank you Adams County Office of Emergency
Management staff for your continued efforts,
encouragement and support in the EOC.

24. Future Plans
 Mobile maps for field personnel
 GIS Software on each computer in the EOC
 Interactive collaborative web map capabilities