Info:

These permissions are typically assigned to all roles that will be creating Pre-Plans.

Do's

• Name every annotation with a clear, descriptive label to make it easier to locate and manage within the annotation list, especially for pre-plans with multiple annotations.
• Use consistent color coding across all department pre-plans (e.g., red for hazards, blue for water sources, green for entry points) to create visual standards that responders recognize immediately.
• Adjust zoom level visibility settings appropriately so annotations appear at the most useful zoom levels without cluttering the map when zoomed out.
• Assign annotations to the correct pre-plan levels (floor-based or discipline-specific) to ensure information displays only when relevant.
• Use the measurement tool to document critical distances such as hose lays, ladder reach zones, or collapse zones for tactical planning.
• Leverage transparency settings to allow underlying map features to remain visible beneath filled shapes like polygons and circles.
• Test annotation visibility at various zoom levels to ensure readability and proper display on both desktop and mobile devices.

Don'ts

• Don't create annotations without naming them, as this makes management difficult when multiple annotations exist on a single pre-plan.
• Don't overload a single pre-plan level with excessive annotations that create visual clutter and obscure important map details.
• Don't use inconsistent color schemes across different pre-plans, as this can confuse responders who expect standardized visual cues.
• Don't set line widths too thin to be visible on mobile devices or too thick that they obscure underlying features.
• Don't forget to assign annotations to appropriate pre-plan levels if your department uses floor-based or discipline-specific level structures.
• Don't place text annotations at rotations that make them difficult to read quickly during emergency operations.

Tips & Recommendations

• For polygons and circles marking hazards, use semi-transparent fills with solid perimeter lines to clearly define areas while keeping underlying features visible.
• When adding text annotations for equipment locations (Knox Box, standpipes, fire alarm panels), use contrasting highlight colors behind text to ensure readability against varied map backgrounds.
• Use the arrow annotation to indicate direction of travel, one-way access points, or suggested approach routes for responding apparatus.
• Create a department-wide annotation style guide that defines standard colors, naming conventions, and usage guidelines to maintain consistency across all pre-plans.
• For measurement annotations, consider displaying both segmented distances (individual leg lengths) and total distance to provide comprehensive tactical information.
• When creating line annotations for evacuation routes or hose lays, use appropriately contrasting colors that stand out against the base map imagery.
• Duplicate existing annotations with established properties when creating similar annotations to save time and maintain consistency.