Purpose Statement
The Mobile Responder App's map technology provides field personnel with comprehensive geographic visualization tools to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness. This feature allows users to switch between different map technologies (Google and ArcGIS), customize map layers, and access critical information overlays to support emergency response operations.
Background Information
The map technology feature integrates multiple mapping platforms to provide responders with flexible visualization options tailored to different operational needs. Google Maps offers familiar navigation and traffic information, while ArcGIS provides advanced geographic data and custom layers specific to your department's requirements. Understanding how to effectively use both technologies and their associated layers is essential for optimal field operations, pre-planning activities, and real-time response coordination.
Required Permissions
- Admin>Allow mobile app sign in: Allows user to sign into the Mobile App
- Admin>Allow Offline Sign in: Allows user to sign into the Mobile App while Offline
- Response>Responder Map - Show Unit Tracking: User can toggle on or off the display of unit tracking on the map
Video
Step-By-Step Guide
Google Map Technology
- Street Dark Mode
- Satellite Image Only.
- Satellite with Streets and POI.
~Toggles the ability to view tracked units on the map
~Toggles Hydrants on/off
~Toggles Prep-Plan Unit Types on/off
~Toggles Pre-Plan Annotations on/off
~Toggles the Green houses or Primary (Parent) Addresses on/off
~Toggles Address number tags on/off
~Toggles Green houses for Secondary (Child) Addresses on/off
~Toggles Points of Interest or commonplace names on/off
~Toggles Station locations on/off
~Toggles Google live Traffic on/off
ArcGIS Map Technology
1. ArcGIS Map technology can show any Map Styles that you have been granted access to from your GIS department.
Best Practices
Do's:
- Explore different map styles to determine which works best for specific operational scenarios
- Consult with your GIS administrator to understand the purpose and capabilities of custom ArcGIS layers
- Use 3D map view for complex urban environments to better understand building layouts
- Enable live traffic during emergency response to identify optimal routing
- Customize layer combinations based on incident type and operational needs
- Use satellite imagery for wildland operations or unfamiliar terrain
- Enable responder locations for coordinated multi-unit responses
Don'ts:
- Leave unnecessary layers active - this creates visual clutter and can impact app performance
- Assume all ArcGIS layers are available - layer access depends on your department's GIS configuration and permissions
- Rely solely on one map technology - switch between Google and ArcGIS based on operational needs
- Ignore custom regional pre-plan layers - these provide valuable large-scale planning capabilities
- Forget to verify layer accuracy - report discrepancies in hydrant locations or address data to your administrator
Tips:
- Toggle off layers you're not actively using to improve map loading speed
- Use street dark mode during nighttime operations to reduce screen glare
- Combine satellite imagery with pre-plan layers for comprehensive incident preparation
- Practice switching between map technologies during non-emergency periods to build familiarity
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Some ArcGIS layers are not visible or available
A: Layer availability depends on permissions granted by your GIS administrator. Contact your IT or GIS department to request access to specific layers.
Q: The map appears to load slowly or incompletely
A: Try switching between Google and ArcGIS technologies. Check your internet connection strength and consider reducing the number of active layers.
Q: Regional pre-plan layers are not appearing
A: These layers are only available if your department has configured them. Verify with your administrator that regional pre-planning features are enabled for your account.
Q: Address tags are not displaying
A: Ensure that "Nearby Addresses" is enabled first, as this is a prerequisite for address tags to appear.