Pre-Plans: Regional Pre-Planning

Pre-Plans: Regional Pre-Planning

Purpose Statement

Regional Pre-Planning enables users to create pre-plans for situations requiring a broader view than individual building pre-plans. This functionality supports planning for large-scale events (marathons, fairs), critical infrastructure (landing zones, water supply locations), and area-specific response considerations. Regional pre-plans provide responders with essential situational awareness and strategic information accessible from both web and mobile platforms.

Background Information

Regional pre-plans differ from building pre-plans by focusing on geographic areas, events, or infrastructure that span multiple locations. Common use cases include:

  • Special Events: Marathons, festivals, fairs, and concerts requiring coordination across multiple locations
  • Critical Infrastructure: Landing zones, water supply points, staging areas
  • Geographic Features: Flood zones, wildland interface areas, mutual aid boundaries
  • Temporary Situations: Construction zones, road closures, or seasonal hazards

Regional pre-plans can be viewed on both the First Due mobile app (iOS) and web platform, but creation and editing must be performed through the web interface. These layers can include annotations, pre-planned unit placements, and detailed supplemental information to support coordinated response efforts.

Warning
NOTE: Currently, the viewing of Regional Pre-Plan information is not available on the Android Mobile App

Required Permissions

All regional pre-planning permissions are located in the Pre-Planning permissions bucket under Admin. Users require the following permissions based on their intended actions:

  • Regional pre-planned layer read: View and access regional pre-planned layers
  • Regional pre-plan layer update: Edit existing regional pre-planned layers
  • Regional pre-plan layer create: Create new regional pre-planned layers
  • Regional pre-planned layer delete: Delete regional pre-planned layers

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Alert
Notes
NOTE: Creating and editing a regional preplan can only be accomplished through the Web side of First Due.
​
1. From Response > Responder View or Pre-Planning > Pre-Plans Map select the Show/Hide Layers button:






2. Beside Regional Preplan Layers, select Edit







3. In the menu of Regional Preplan Layers:
  1. To reorder the list, drag the stack 
  2. To edit an existing layer, select the pencil 
  3. To delete the layer, select the trashcan  
  4. To create a new layer, select Create New Layer. 






4. After selecting Create New Layer, you will see a screen where you can:




a. Edit the layer name and description
b. Edit Annotations
c. Edit or add Pre-Plan Units (For more about Pre-Plan Units, see: Pre-Plan Units )
d. Search for a place or address
e. Create an annotation on the map
f. Rotate the tilted view of the map
g. Tilt or reset the map (if available)

5. If you are creating a new layer, enter a name in the Layer (required) box and, if you wish, provide a description of the layer in the the Description box.



6. To create annotations on the map, select the pencil on the top right on the map screen. Then select:




a. Line
b. Polygon
c. Circle
d. Square or Rectangle
e. Text
f. Arrow
g. Measurement (creates a line and text annotation)

NotesNOTE: For more about Annotations, see: Pre-Plans: Adding Annotations.

To edit the Annotation, select the pencil icon on the left menu, make your modifications and then select "Accept".



Notes
NOTE: For more information about Visible Zoom Levels see: Pre-Planning: Visible Zoom Levels for Annotations and Units. Please note that these Visible Zoom Level settings are for the web view only.  On the Mobile App, all Regional Pre-Plan items will display at the "3 - Cities" zoom level and closer.

InfoINFO: For the Regional Preplan Text annotations viewed on the web, your specified text will show up at the zoom level selected and closer.  Above that level, a    icon will display.  This lets the user know that there is a text annotation in that place without crowding the map with the actual text.

7. To add Pre-Plan Units:

a. Select the PLUS icon. 



b. At the bottom of the window, select: 

 

c. From the dropdown menu, search or scroll and select the Unit you wish to use.  The Unit will populate on the screen as a "bouncing unit".  Drag the Unit to the appropriate location on the map, fill in the appropriate supplemental information and the Visible Zoom Level settings.





d. Scroll to the bottom of the window and select:

 



8. When you have completed your preplan, look to the top right of the screen and select:

Viewing a Regional Pre-Plan

From the iOS mobile app: 

1. From the Map view, select the Map Layers button:

 


2. Scan down on the list and enable the regional pre-plan layers you would like to see:



From the Web:

1. Select Response > Responder View or Pre-Planning > Pre-Plans Map

2. Select the Show/Hide Layers button:  

3. Scan down to the bottom of the list and enable the regional pre-plan layers you would like to see:



Sharing Regional Preplan layers with data sharing partners

Info
INFO: For more information on data sharing across client accounts, see the KBA: Client Data Sharing

NotesNOTE: Regardless of permissions or roles, users cannot edit or delete Regional Preplan layers that are shared from partners.
Regional preplans are not automatically shared with your data sharing partners.  To share and view shared regional preplan layers, follow the directions below:

  1. From the Web: Go to Pre-Planning > Pre-Plan Setup > Regional Layers



    1. To share layers with partner agencies:
      1. Select My Department Layers
      2. Toggle the layer(s) you wish to share
      3. Check the partner you wish to share it with





    1. To display the layers shared from partner agencies:
      1. Select Shared with Me
      2. Select the partner agency
      3. Toggle on the layer(s) you wish for users in your account to have access to.


Best Practices

Do's

  • Create descriptive layer names that clearly indicate the purpose and scope of each regional pre-plan
  • Use consistent naming conventions across your department for easier identification and management
  • Set appropriate zoom levels for annotations and units to avoid map clutter at higher zoom levels
  • Add detailed descriptions to layers to provide context for users who may be unfamiliar with the pre-plan
  • Include relevant attachments to units and annotations (maps, diagrams, contact information, procedures)
  • Regularly review and update regional pre-plans, especially for seasonal events or changing infrastructure
  • Test visibility on mobile devices before deploying regional pre-plans for field use
  • Coordinate with partner agencies before sharing layers to ensure mutual understanding of shared information
  • Use pre-planned units strategically to indicate staging areas, water supply points, or specialized apparatus positions
  • Leverage annotations to mark hazards, access points, boundaries, and key features

Don'ts

  • Don't create regional pre-plans on mobile - creation and editing must be done through the web interface
  • Don't overcrowd a single layer - use multiple layers to organize different types of information or events
  • Don't assume automatic sharing - regional pre-plans are not automatically shared with data sharing partners
  • Don't forget to save before navigating away from the editor or your changes will be lost
  • Don't use vague layer names like "Layer 1" or "Temp" that won't be meaningful to other users
  • Don't delete layers without verification - ensure the layer is no longer needed before removing it permanently
  • Don't mix unrelated information in a single layer - keep each layer focused on a specific event, area, or purpose
  • Don't overlook mobile display limitations - remember that zoom level settings only apply to web view

Tips & Recommendations

  • For large events, create separate layers for different operational periods or geographic zones
  • Use the clone function when creating similar annotations or unit placements to save time
  • Organize layers by frequency of use - place most commonly accessed layers at the top of the list
  • Consider creating template layers for recurring events (annual marathons, seasonal festivals) that can be cloned and updated
  • Document your layer structure in the description field or in departmental SOPs for consistency
  • iOS mobile users currently have full access to regional pre-plans; Android support may vary
  • Tilted map view can be toggled on/off and rotated for better perspective in complex terrain
  • For water supply planning, use annotations to mark hydrant locations and pre-planned units to show tanker shuttle positions
  • Coordinate with dispatch to ensure they're aware of active regional pre-plans that may affect response decisions
  • Use enlarge/reduce functions on units to emphasize priority resources or de-emphasize secondary equipment

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I create or edit regional pre-plans on my mobile device?
A: Regional pre-plan creation and editing functionality is only available through the First Due web interface. Mobile devices (currently iOS only) can view regional pre-plans but cannot create or modify them. Access the web platform to create or edit layers.

Q: I shared a regional pre-plan layer with a partner agency, but they say they can't see it. What's wrong?
A: The partner agency must also take action to make shared layers visible. They need to navigate to Pre-Planning > Pre-Plan Setup > Regional Layers, select "Shared With Me," select your agency, and toggle on the specific layers they want to view. Sharing is a two-step process requiring action from both agencies.

Q: Why do my annotations and units appear at different zoom levels on mobile than on the web?
A: Zoom level settings configured in the web editor only apply to the web view. In the mobile app (iOS), all regional pre-plan items automatically display at the cities zoom level and closer, regardless of the zoom level setting configured on the web. This ensures critical information is visible to field personnel.

Q: Can I copy an existing regional pre-plan layer to create a new one for a similar event?
A: Yes, you can use the clone function for individual units and annotations within a layer. While there isn't a single-click "duplicate layer" function, you can create a new layer and then clone each unit and annotation from the original layer. This is particularly useful for recurring annual events.

Q: I deleted a regional pre-plan layer by mistake. Can I recover it?
A: Deleted regional pre-plan layers cannot be recovered through the First Due interface. Contact First Due support immediately if you've accidentally deleted critical information. To prevent accidental deletion, consider implementing a departmental policy requiring administrator approval before deleting any regional pre-plan layers.

Q: What's the difference between annotations and pre-planned units in regional pre-plans?
A: Annotations are markers, shapes, lines, or text overlays used to highlight features, boundaries, hazards, or areas of interest on the map. Pre-planned units represent actual apparatus or resources positioned at specific locations, complete with unit identifiers and supplemental information. Use annotations for environmental features and pre-planned units for equipment staging and deployment positions.

Related Articles

  1. Pre-Plans: Adding Units
  2. Pre-Plans: Visible Zoom Levels
  3. Pre-Plans: Adding Annotations

    • Related Articles

    • Pre-Plans: Visible Zoom Levels

      Purpose Statement This article explains how to configure visible zoom levels for annotations and pre-plan units within the Pre-Plan module. This feature allows pre-planners to control when specific map elements appear in Web Responder, improving ...

    • Pre-Plans: Adding Units

      Purpose Statement This article demonstrates how to add, configure, and manage pre-planned units within the Pre-Plan module. Pre-planned units are visual icons and annotations placed on pre-plan maps to communicate critical tactical information, ...

    • Inspection Record - Pre-planning

      Purpose Statement This feature allows Fire/EMS personnel to update pre-plan data while conducting an inspection, ensuring that critical occupancy information remains current and accurate. This integration streamlines the inspection process by ...

    • Pre-Plans: Map Overview

      Purpose Statement The Pre-Plans Map section within the Pre-Plans module provides users with a comprehensive geographic view of occupancies and related emergency response resources. This feature combines mapping capabilities with pre-plan data to ...

    • Pre-Plans 201

      First Due Academy: Pre-Plans 201 This training session dives into the features and functionality within First Due's Pre-Incident Planning Module. In 201 level sessions we review advanced features of First Due modules including data gathering, ...