MapTooL

The central component of our mapping system is a software product called MapTooL. MapTooL is a powerful, simple to use geographic information system (GIS) application. Agencies that use MapTooL can reduce their response time and enhance the safety of their personnel with the following capabilities:

• In vehicle data retrieval
• Mobile pre-plan data collection
• Simple data backup and sharing
• Administrative decision support

The most unique and exciting aspect of MapTooL is that no matter who updates the map data, everybody is looking at the exact same map. The services that are built into MapTooL allow all users to share their information…. It doesn’t matter whether the users are assigned to different engines or different agencies.

In-vehicle data retrieval

MapTooL is designed to run on a touch screen computer. With large buttons and simple choices to make, an emergency responder can view critical data (building characteristics, ERG pages, water sources, etc…) while speeding towards the incident.

Mobile pre-plan data collection
As a data collection tool, MapTooL allows firefighters to collect and maintain the information that is important to them. With a valid username / password, a user can place icons on a map either by pointing and clicking, or by entering coordinates from a GPS receiver. These icons than become records in a database which can store any number of attributes that firefighters may need to retrieve including: Resource locations, ongoing hydrant maintenance, floor plans, Hazmat locations, gate combinations, assembly halls, and many others. Typical field duties that lend themselves to data collection with MapTooL are doing “plan checks”, fire hydrant maintenance, or building inspections.

Simple data backup and sharing
One of the most appealing aspects of MapTooL is that the fire agencies using it do not need an in-house data administrator. Every user running MapTooL can refresh the pre-plan data on their machine with a click of the mouse. Also, with a valid username / password every MapTooL user can add new information to the master database with data that they have collected within their area of responsibility.

Administrative decision support
Administrative personnel can use MapTooL to answer the questions that arise every day:

• How far is the nearest hydrant to a house?
• What fire district is this address in?
• Are there structures in that valley?
• How many vacant parcels are in my district?

MapTooL can also be used for report generation or mailing label creation. A user can select parcels on the map, filter them through some attribute (e.g. show me only improved parcels) then export the list to create mailing labels.

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