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Mobile Response (iOS): Map Technology & Layers

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


 
1. Click on the Map Layers button in the Map Module within the Mobile App.
 


 
 
2. You will now have the ability to switch between Google and ArcGIS Map technology. 
 

 

Google Map Technology

 
1. Google Map technology will allow you to select different map styles, including:
 
      - Street View. 
      - Street Dark Mode
      - Satellite Image Only. 
      - Satellite with Streets and POI.
      - 3D Map View. 

 
2. You can also toggle on or off different Map Layers. Those layers include:       
 
      - Responder Locations.
                  ~Toggles the ability to view tracked units on the map
      - Hydrants.
                  ~Toggles Hydrants on/off
      - Pre-plans.
                  ~Toggles Prep-Plan Unit Types on/off
      - Annotations.
                  ~Toggles Pre-Plan Annotations on/off
      - Nearby Addresses.
                 ~Toggles the Green houses or Primary (Parent) Addresses on/off
      - Address Tags.   
                  ~Toggles Address number tags on/off
      - Secondary Places  
                  ~Toggles Green houses for Secondary (Child) Addresses on/off
      - Google POIs (Points of Interest) - This is only for Google Street Map
                  ~Toggles Points of Interest or commonplace names on/off
      - Stations
                  ~Toggles Station locations on/off                
      - Google Live Traffic
                  ~Toggles Google live Traffic on/off
 

 
 
2.  Regional Pre-Plan Layers allow for Pre-Planning on a larger scale that will not need to be assigned or associated with an address. This will be crucial when Pre-Planning events such as marathons, large scale celebrations, or Pre-Planning geographic areas like rivers and trails.
 
 
 

ArcGIS Map Technology

 

1. ArcGIS Map technology can show any Map Styles that you have been granted access to from your GIS department.

 

 
2.  The Map Layers that are also available in Google Maps are identical in ArcGIS. Other Map Layers may be available to you based on what your GIS department grants users access to as well. Check with your GIS department or Program administrator for information on any additional layer available in ArcGIS.
 

 

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.

 

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