Required Permissions

• Read: View command boards in read-only mode
• Update: Modify command board settings and information
• Create: Initiate new command boards and add custom items
• Delete: Remove command board elements and complete incidents

Additional permissions may be required for specific functions like messaging and roster access based on integrated modules.

Best Practices

Do's

• Use the Overview Section as your primary dashboard for maintaining comprehensive situational awareness during incidents
• Regularly monitor assignment timers to ensure accountability timeframes are being met
• Update resource request statuses promptly to maintain accurate tracking of incoming resources
• Review pre-plan information immediately upon accessing the Overview Section to identify critical building features and hazards
• Mark assignments as complete when operations are finished to maintain an accurate operational picture
• Use the map area to verify geographic positioning of assignments and ensure adequate coverage
• Reset assignment timers when crews are reassigned or when operational objectives change
• Add notes to assignments to document significant information that will be valuable during post-incident review
• Verify that lead units are properly marked in assignments so they display correctly on the overview map

Don'ts

• Don't attempt to edit or move annotations from the Overview Section—use the Map Section for annotation editing
• Don't delete or mark assignments as complete without understanding they will be removed from both the map and Command Board
• Don't forget that unit assignment to assignments must be done in the Board Section, not the Overview Section
• Don't create resource requests that aren't pre-configured in Command Setup—only existing request types are available
• Don't rely solely on the Overview Section for detailed operations—use dedicated sections when comprehensive functionality is needed
• Don't neglect to update resource request statuses as circumstances change
• Don't use ArcGIS map layer if you need to view annotations or pre-planned unit placements—switch to Google Maps
• Don't forget that custom assignments created from the Overview Section will have no units until assigned in the Board Section

Tips & Recommendations

• Position the Overview Section as your default view during incident operations for maximum awareness
• Train command personnel to develop a systematic scan pattern across all four overview areas during operational periods
• Establish department protocols for assignment timer thresholds that trigger accountability checks
• Use assignment duplication to quickly create multiple similar tactical assignments
• Leverage the status timestamp history in resource requests for accurate post-incident documentation
• Coordinate with dispatch and resource coordinators to ensure resource request statuses remain current
• Review the overview map periodically to ensure assignment positions reflect actual tactical operations
• Use assignment notes to document tactical changes, challenges, or completion details
• Consider displaying the Overview Section on large screens in command post for multi-person awareness
• Familiarize yourself with pre-plan information during non-emergency periods so critical data is recognizable during incidents

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I edit annotations that appear on the Overview Section map?
A: Annotations created in the Map Section will display in the Overview Section but cannot be edited or moved from the Overview view. Navigate to the Map Section to edit or reposition any annotations.

Q: I created an assignment in the Overview Section—why doesn't it have any units assigned?
A: Assignments created from the Overview Section (or Map Section) are added without units. You must navigate to the Board Section of the Command Module to assign units to these assignments.

Q: What happens when I mark an assignment as complete or delete it?
A: Completing or deleting an assignment removes it from both the map display and the Command Board. Use these functions carefully and ensure the assignment is truly completed before removing it from active operations.

Q: Why don't my resource requests show the options I want to add?
A: Resource requests can only be added from pre-configured request types created in the Command Setup area. Contact your system administrator if additional resource request types need to be configured.

Q: Can I see who changed the status of a resource request?
A: Status change timestamps are available by selecting the down arrow next to the resource request. For detailed user information about who made changes, refer to the Log Section where all actions are recorded with user details.

Q: Why don't I see units listed under assignments on the overview map?
A: Only units marked as "lead" within an assignment will display in the assignment dropdown on the map. Navigate to the Board Section and mark the appropriate unit(s) as lead, then return to the Overview Section to see the updated display.

Q: How do assignment timers work?
A: Assignment timers begin running when the assignment is created and track elapsed time for accountability purposes. Timers can be reset individually as needed when crews are reassigned or operational objectives change.

Q: Can I view the Overview Section from mobile devices?
A: Refer to mobile application documentation for specific capabilities and interface differences when accessing the Command Module from mobile devices.

Q: What's the difference between the Overview Section map and the dedicated Map Section?
A: The Overview Section map provides viewing and basic interaction capabilities but does not support annotation creation or editing. The dedicated Map Section provides full annotation creation, editing, and management functionality. Use the Overview Section for monitoring and the Map Section for detailed tactical mapping work.