Command: Map Section

Command: Map Section

Purpose Statement

The Map Section in the Command Module provides incident commanders with a visual, interactive tool for spatial awareness and tactical planning during active incidents. This feature enables users to view and annotate incident location maps, place pre-planned unit symbols for resource identification, create custom annotations to mark hazards and tactical features, position assignments geographically, and maintain a comprehensive visual representation of incident operations that integrates with the Command Board and incident log.

Background Information

Effective incident command requires clear spatial understanding of the incident scene, resource positioning, and tactical operations. The Map Section leverages pre-planning data while providing real-time annotation capabilities to support dynamic incident management. The map interface shares functionality with the Pre-Planning module map but is optimized for active incident operations.

Key capabilities of the Map Section include:

  • Building Level Display: Shows floor levels based on pre-plan data for the incident address, with ground level always available at minimum
  • Pre-Planned Units: Access to up to 25 pre-configured map symbols (such as utility shutoffs, hazards, building features) assigned to specific command templates in Command Setup
  • Custom Annotations: Seven annotation types (line, polygon, circle, square, text, ruler/measurement, arrow) with predetermined colors and styling for consistency
  • Assignment Visualization: Drag-and-drop placement of Command Board assignments with automatic display of lead units
  • Map Layer Options: Toggle between Google Maps and ArcGIS, with satellite and map views available in Google Maps
  • Integration: All map actions are automatically logged and reflected in the Overview section

Important Limitation: Annotations, pre-planned unit placement, and most Command Board features are only supported in Google Maps layer, not in ArcGIS maps.

Pre-plans completed for the incident address will display on the map but remain non-editable during active incident operations.

Required Permissions

Users must have the appropriate level of the Incident Commands permission configured in their role:

  • 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

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

Video


Step by Step Guide

1.  The Map Section is based off of the Pre-Plans Map and has many of the same features  Levels can be selected to display the different Pre-Plan Units assigned to those levels






2.  Pre-Plan Units can be accessed from the map which opens the Pre-Plan Unit selection Menu. Only 25 Pre-plan Unit Types are available and are chosen in Command Setup for each Template.





3. Pre-Plan Units can be added to the map by selecting the Prep-plan Unit from the list and then clicking on the location on the Map.






4. Pre-Plan Units can then be edited or deleted.





5. Annotations can also be added to the map. The annotation, colors, line size and other attributes is designated in Command Setup and cannot be changed.





6. To add a Annotation Line, Select Line then the starting point of the line on the map and then double click the end point. The line will then display in the color combination chosen in Command Set Up. A entry will also be created in the annotation list.






7. To add a polygon, select polygon annotation and then each corner of the polygon. The polygon will then display in the prefill color combination chosen in Command Setup. A entry will also be created in the annotation list.






8. To add a circle, select the circle annotation and then select the center of the circle on the map and then the radius end point of the circle. The circle will then display in the prefill color combination chosen in Command Setup. A entry will also be created in the annotation list.






9. To add a rectangle, select the rectangle annotation and then select one corner of the rectangle on the map and then the opposite corner of the rectangle. The rectangle will then display in the prefill color combination chosen in Command Setup. A entry will also be created in the annotation list.






10. To add Text to the map, Select the text annotation, then the location on the map to place the text. A pop up will appear where the text to display can be entered. Text can then be moved by selecting the text in the annotations column and then moving the text to the desired location. A entry will also be created in the annotation list.





11. To add a measurement to the map, select measurement from the annotation list, then the starting point on the map. Multiple points can be selected. In the menu more options can be selected which allows for total distance to be measured as well as segmented and accumulative distance. A entry will also be created in the annotation list.







12. To add a Arrow , Select Arrow from the list, then the ending point of the arrow and then point to the spot on the map where the arrow will be pointing to on the map and then double click the end point. A entry will also be created in the annotation list.






13. To delete any annotation, select the 'X' next to the annotation in the annotation menu on the right side of the map. Then Select confirm in the pop-up window.






14. The following items are similar to the items that appear in the Pre-Plan menu
16A. Primary addresses can be displayed which then opens the option to display secondary addresses
16B.  Map Layers
16C.  Google Points of Interest.
16D. Google Pegman (Street View)
16E.  Zoom in/out






15. Toggle between Google Maps & ArcGIS Maps. While in Google Maps the user can choose between the Satellite layer (with a dropdown for Labels option) or the Map Layer (with a dropdown for terrain option).

Warning
It's important to note that annotations and pre-plan unit placement as well as most of the other features of the command board are not supported in ArcGIS maps and are only supported in the Google map layer.






16.  Assignments can be dragged onto the map and placed wherever needed or desired.
17.  If an Assignment has a Unit that has been marked as the Lead, the Unit will show within the assignment bubble.
18.  If the Assignment does not have a unit or a lead unit that assignment will remain empty on the map.






19. New Assignments can also be created by selecting the Plus Icon (+), then selecting the assignment from the list or creating a custom assignment. The new assignment will now appear in the list and can be placed on the map.


Best Practices

Do's

  • Use pre-planned units to quickly identify critical building features like utility shutoffs, side designations, and hazard locations
  • Establish consistent annotation practices within your department for common tactical features (collapse zones, hot zones, staging areas, etc.)
  • Mark appropriate units as "lead" in assignments to ensure they display properly on the map for situational awareness
  • Utilize the measurement tool to calculate distances for apparatus placement, hose lays, or evacuation zones
  • Toggle between satellite and map views based on which provides better spatial context for your specific incident
  • Collapse assignment displays when the map becomes cluttered to maintain clear visual representation
  • Add text annotations to label critical information that isn't represented by standard symbols
  • Use arrows to indicate flow patterns, evacuation routes, or directional information
  • Verify that annotations and placements are supported in your selected map layer before extensive annotation work

Don'ts

  • Don't attempt to use annotations or pre-planned unit placement in ArcGIS map layer—these features are only supported in Google Maps
  • Don't forget to select the appropriate building level when annotating multi-story structures
  • Don't place excessive annotations that clutter the map and reduce its effectiveness for quick reference
  • Don't create custom assignments from the Map Section without understanding that unit assignment must be completed in the Board Section
  • Don't assume all incident personnel can see real-time map updates—communicate critical spatial information through appropriate channels
  • Don't delete annotations without considering their value for post-incident review and documentation
  • Don't use non-standard annotation colors or styles—rely on predetermined configurations for consistency

Tips & Recommendations

  • Familiarize yourself with the 25 pre-planned units available in your command template during pre-incident planning
  • Work with your department to establish standard annotation practices in Command Setup for consistency across incidents
  • Use polygon annotations to mark collapse zones, hot zones, or other area-based hazards
  • Combine circle annotations with text to create clear evacuation perimeters with distance indicators
  • Utilize the ruler tool during size-up to calculate apparatus placement distances or hose requirements
  • Review the map periodically during extended incidents to ensure it reflects current tactical operations
  • Train all command personnel on map annotation capabilities and standards during non-emergency periods
  • Consider printing or exporting map views at key incident milestones for documentation purposes
  • Use the integration between map, log, and overview sections to maintain comprehensive incident documentation

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I see my annotations when I switch to ArcGIS map layer?
A: Annotations, pre-planned unit placement, and most Command Board features are only supported in Google Maps layer. Switch back to Google Maps to view and edit your annotations.

Q: Why don't my assignments show the units assigned to them on the map?
A: Only units marked as "lead" within an assignment will display in the map dropdown. Navigate to the Board Section, locate the assignment, and mark the appropriate unit(s) as lead. Return to the Map Section to see the updated display.

Q: Can I edit pre-plans that display on the map during an active incident?
A: No. Pre-plans completed for the incident address will display on the map but are not editable during active incident operations. You can add annotations and pre-planned units, but the underlying pre-plan remains locked.

Q: How many pre-planned units can I use on the map?
A: A maximum of 25 pre-planned units are available within the Command Module. These units are assigned to specific command templates and configured in Command Setup.

Q: I created a custom assignment from the Map Section—why doesn't it have any units?
A: Custom assignments created from the Map Section are added without units. You must navigate to the Board Section of the Command Module to assign units to the custom assignment.

Q: Can I change the colors and line widths of annotations?
A: Annotation colors, line widths, and fill colors are predetermined and configured in Command Setup. This ensures consistency and efficiency when placing annotations during incident operations. Contact your system administrator if template-level changes are needed.

Q: What measurement units does the ruler tool use?
A: Refer to your system configuration for default measurement units (feet, meters, etc.). The ruler tool displays total distance, segmented distance, and accumulative distance based on system settings.

Q: Are map changes visible to all users viewing the Command Board?
A: Map changes are integrated with the Command Board system and should be visible to users with appropriate permissions. Specific visibility and real-time update behavior may depend on system configuration and user roles.


    • Related Articles

    • Command: Overview Section

      Purpose Statement The Overview Section in the Command Module provides incident commanders with a consolidated, single-screen view of critical incident information across four key areas: map visualization, pre-plan information, assignment tracking, ...

    • Command: Board Section

      Purpose Statement The Command Board Section in the Command Module serves as the central operational interface for incident commanders to manage all aspects of tactical operations by organizing command staff positions, tracking unassigned units, ...

    • Command: Log Section

      Purpose Statement The Log section in the Command Module provides comprehensive tracking and documentation of all activities, changes, and edits made within the Command Board during incident operations. This feature enables incident commanders and ...

    • Command: Notes

      Purpose Statement The Notes feature in the Command Module allows incident commanders and personnel to document important information, communications, and observations during active incidents. This feature enables users to create three distinct types ...

    • Command: Units

      Purpose Statement The units management system within the command module provides comprehensive control over all emergency response resources assigned to an incident. This feature enables incident commanders to track, organize, and deploy units ...