Pre-Plans: Adding Annotations

Pre-Plans: Adding Annotations

Purpose Statement

This article demonstrates how to add and configure the various annotation tools available in the Pre-Plan editor.

Annotations allow users to visually enhance Pre-Plans with custom shapes, text, measurements, and directional indicators to improve clarity and communication for responders.

Background Information

Annotations are accessible via the pencil icon in the Pre-Plan editor.

They can be used to mark hazards, access points, zones, or provide visual guidance.

Each annotation type includes customizable properties such as color, transparency, zoom level, and display layer.

Permissions

To add and manage annotations in Pre-Plans, users must have the following permissions:
  1. Pre-Plans - Read

  1. Pre-Plans - Edit

  1. Pre-Plans - Publish

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

Video


Step-by-Step Guide


1. When editing a Pre-Plan, click on the annotation icon to show the annotation tool menu.


 



2.  Use the line tool  to create straight lines.


 



3. Use the polygon tool  to trace shapes and shade in areas on the map.


 



4. Use the Text  tool to place text on the map.


 



5. Use the Ruler  tool to save measurements onto the map.



  


6. Use the Circle  tool to place circles on the map.


 



7. Use the Rectangle  tool to place rectangles on the map.


 



8. Use the Arrow  tool to place arrows on the map.





9.  To keep track of each Annotation make sure to name the Annotation for easy reference.





10.  Chose the Fill Color:
  1. Fill Color
  2. Transparency of the Fill Color






11.  Visible Zoom Level  (For the Annotation)






12.  Chose the Line Color:
  1. Line Color
  2. Line Transparency
  3. Line Width





13.  Choose the Level(s) where the Annotation will be displayed.





14.  Text Annotations have the unique options of:
  1. Font Size
  2. Font Color
  3. Font Shadow Color
  4. Rotation Angle (Allows User to rotate text on map)






15.  Select UPDATE to add the Annotation to the Pre-Plan.





16. Annotations can be relocated on the map by selecting edit and then moving the annotation to the desired location.



Best Practices

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.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can’t I see my annotation on the map?
A: Check the zoom level and display level settings. The annotation may be hidden based on those parameters.

Q: Can I duplicate an annotation?
A: Yes. Use the Copy icon in the annotation list to clone any annotation.

Q: How do I delete an annotation?
A: Select the annotation and click the Trash icon.

Q: Can I edit multiple annotations at once?
A: No. Each annotation must be edited individually.


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