|
Greetings... I'm hoping someone can point me to a software package that is 1) reasonably priced and 2) easy to use (I know, 'Better/Faster/Cheaper' Pick any 2...)
I'm a Wildland firefighter and I'll explain some of the challenges we have on the line and how GPS and GIS helps us. What I'm looking to do is have an interface that uses Topo maps, street maps, and GIS data.
1st priorty: Establish how big the fire is. We'll either do it by helicopter and GPS, or drive the line and GPS
2. Establish where our water sources are - either lakes, swimming pools, etc, or hydrants. Hydrant info is also listed under GIS data that I have available.
3. Establish where homes are within the fire perimeter - GIS data is available for this. Would LOVE to have a program that would allow us to put detail to the home (imported from GIS)
4. Establish staging areas, command posts, etc.
5. Establish danger zones
6. Establish where we're going to make a stand and fight the fire, and where we're going to let it burn
7. Establish divisions.
SO... in my perfect world, what we would do is:
1. Someone GPS's the fire line.
2. Import that data into the program.
3. Import the GIS data.
4. Export all that data to several GPS units for field use.
Ongoing during the incident:
1) Hourly updates to the master map with progress.
2) Incorporate waypoint data from the field - when new dangers are noted, field user creates a waypoint
3) re-export the data to the field GPS units every 12 hours (shift change)
Post incident:
1) Establish total area of fire
2) Show on a daily basis the growth/shrinkage of the fire area
3) Show daily progress of units
Technical resources available: Laptop computer, cellular modem, GPS units, etc.
Anyone have any brilliant ideas? Does this type of software exist? I've asked on the "fire side" of the internet, but no one's been able to help me out. Basically, I have data in GIS format that is fabulous - but how can I make GIS and GPS work together?
Thanks much.
Paul Hammerschmidt
|
Login
Register
FAQ
