Purpose Statement

The Web Responder map provides personnel with tools for viewing incidents, tracking units, accessing chat groups, measuring distances, searching locations, and interacting with operational map data.

This article explains how to navigate the Web Responder map and use the available tools in both Google Maps and ArcGIS.

Background Information

Web Responder provides two map technologies: Google Maps and ArcGIS. Most map navigation features are similar between the two technologies, but some tools and functionality differ.

Users can access tools directly from the map to:

• View recent incidents
• View unit tracking
• Access chat groups
• Measure distances
• Manage map layers and features
• Center the map on the device's location
• Search for addresses and occupancies
• Access Google Street View
• Switch between map views
• View pre-plan levels
• View supported areas in 3D

Available map tools can vary depending on whether Google Maps or ArcGIS is selected.

Required Permissions

• None

Video

Step-by-Step Guide (Google Maps)

1. Access Responder View

• Select the Main Menu> Response> Responder View

2. View the Incident List

The Incident button is located near the top-right side of the map.

• Select the Incident button.
• The latest incidents will display in the incident list.
• Select the Incident button again to close the list.

3. View Unit Tracking

Select the Unit Tracking button on the right side of the map to view unit tracking information.

4. Access Chat

The Chat feature displays the chat groups to which the user belongs.

• Select the Chat icon.
• Select from the available chat groups.
• Select the Chat icon again to close the chat panel.

5. Use the Measurement Tool

• Select the Measurement icon, then select a starting point on the map

• Select an ending point to calculate distance or add additional waypoints to extend the measurement

For additional options:

• Select More Options

• View:

  • Total distance

  • Segmented distance

  • Accumulative distance

• Select Clear Measurement to remove measurements from the map

6. Access Map Technology and Layers

Select Map Technology and Layers to open the side menu containing the map layers and features available for the selected map technology.

Available layers and features may differ between Google Maps and ArcGIS.

For additional information about these options, refer to the Knowledge Base article Web Responder: Map Technology and Layers.5. View Google Points of Interest (Google Maps Only)

• Select the Flag icon

• Toggle Google Points of Interest on or off

7. Center the Map on Device Location

• Select the Crosshair icon

• The map centers on:

  • The device’s current location, or

  • The last known location if GPS is unavailable

8. Google Pegman (Google Maps Only)

• Select Google Pegman to view Street View areas & zoom in or out and pan around the map

9. Map Zoom Controls

• Zoom in and out of the map as desired. Zoom level is displayed while hovering over controls.

•  

9. Google Map Selector (Google Maps Only)

• Toggle between Map View and Satellite View  (Google Maps Only)

10. Pre-Plan Levels

• Select different Pre-Plan Levels as needed

11. Use Tilt View (Google Maps Only)

• Select the Tilt View icon

• View the map in 3D with a 360° perspective

• Rotate around buildings or terrain

• Select Tilt View again to return to 2D

12. Search for an Address or Occupancy

The search bar can locate addresses and occupancies.

1. Select the Search bar.
2. Enter a keyword or the beginning of an address.
3. Review the matching results.

The search checks for matching addresses within First Due as well as matching addresses provided by Google.

First Due addresses and occupancies are identified by a green house icon.

Matching Google addresses are identified by a red G.

Step-by-Step Guide (ArcGIS Maps)

1. Switch to ArcGIS Maps

• Select ArcGIS from the map options

2. ArcGIS Measurement Tool

• Select Measurement then select New Measurement

• Select a starting point, add waypoints, then select an ending point

Notes:

• ArcGIS measures total distance only

• Unit of measurement can be changed using the dropdown

• Select the measurement tool again to clear

3. Use ArcGIS Base Maps

• Select Base Maps

• Choose from available options:

  • Satellite

  • Streets

  • OpenStreetMap

  • Topographic

  • Terrain with labels

4. Manage ArcGIS Layers

• Select Manage Base Maps

• Add additional ArcGIS layers such as:

  • Trails

  • Hydrants and water mains

  • Underground utilities

  • Helicopter landing zones

Best Practices

Do:

• Use the Incident List and Unit Tracking tools to maintain situational awareness while working from the map.
• Select the map technology that provides the tools and information needed for the current operation.
• Clear measurements after use to prevent outdated measurement information from remaining on the map.
• Use additional waypoints when measuring distances that cannot be accurately represented by a single straight-line measurement.
• Use pre-plan levels when available to view information associated with specific levels of an occupancy.

Don't:

• Don't assume all Google Maps features are available in ArcGIS. Google Points of Interest, Google Pegman, and Tilt View are not available when using ArcGIS.
• Don't rely on the Crosshair to always provide an exact current location. If current location information is unavailable, the map may center on the device's last known location.
• Don't assume measurement options are identical between Google Maps and ArcGIS. ArcGIS only provides total distance, while Google Maps offers additional measurement display options.

Tips:

• First Due addresses and occupancies in search results are identified by a green house icon, while Google addresses are identified by a red G.
• In Google Maps, use More Options within the Measurement tool to display total distance, segmented distance, accumulative distance, or a combination of these options.
• In ArcGIS, use the measurement drop-down to change the unit of measurement.
• Use ArcGIS Base Maps to switch between available views such as Satellite, Streets, OpenStreetMap, Topographic Map, and Terrain with Labels.
• Pre-plan levels remain available in both Google Maps and ArcGIS when an occupancy has applicable pre-plan information.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why does the Crosshair take me to an incorrect or older location?

The Crosshair uses the location available from the device. If an accurate current location is unavailable, the map may use the device's last known location.

Why can't I see Google Points of Interest?

Verify that you are using Google Maps and that Google Points of Interest have been enabled using the Flag icon. Google Points of Interest are not available in ArcGIS.

Why can't I use Google Pegman or Street View?

Google Pegman is a Google Maps feature and is not available when using ArcGIS. Street View is also limited to areas supported by Google.

Why can't I use Tilt View in ArcGIS?

Tilt View is one of the Google-specific map features that is not available within ArcGIS.

Why don't I see segmented or cumulative measurements in ArcGIS?

ArcGIS only displays total distance for measurements. The desired unit of measurement can be selected from the available drop-down menu.

How do I remove an existing Google Maps measurement?

Select Clear Measurement from the Measurement tool.

How do I clear an ArcGIS measurement?

Select the Measurement tool again to clear the measurement.

What is the difference between the green house icon and the red G in search results?

The green house icon identifies matching First Due addresses or occupancies. The red G identifies matching Google addresses.

Why don't I see Google Points of Interest, Pegman, or Tilt View after switching maps?

These features are specific to Google Maps and are unavailable when ArcGIS is selected.

Can I view different floors or levels of a pre-plan in both map technologies?

Yes. When an occupancy has applicable pre-plan levels, those levels can be selected and displayed on the map in both Google Maps and ArcGIS.