SAR TECHNOLOGY
Adapting GIS for ground search and rescue
by Gerry Delorme
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| Coordinating the search is easier
with this new GIS program developed by a search and rescue volunteer. |
Because of the complexity of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specialists
were often needed to program ground search and rescue (GSAR) missions.
Now, a collaborative effort between the Manitoba Office of The Fire Commissioner,
RCMP and a GIS specialist have created an application to help plan and
execute GSAR missions. The application, developed by one of the search
and rescue volunteers who works in the field of water conservation, uses
ESRI's ArcView, an industry standard GIS program that adds tools through
a custom dialog.
Where this tool differs from others is that it is completely designed
for the GSAR community. Commands and functions have been changed from
technical GIS language to language that is familiar to search managers
and the GSAR community. The tool allows a user to create search routes,
define a search radius, automatically load digital aerial and National
Topographic System maps, create and track ground clues, upload and download
information to GPS systems, as well as create maps. The tool also allows
users to pre-plan GPS missions that help to anticipate periods of high
satellite error. Users with no GIS experience can quickly become proficient
in GSAR Tools with as little as two days of training.
The application gives search managers more information for making decisions
and helps speed the deployment of searchers to the field. Using data such
as satellite land cover and an aerial photograph, users can plan missions
using detailed information about expected conditions.
"It used to take up to a couple of hours to get a good map into
the hands of our searchers", said Scott Kerbis, GSAR Coordinator
with Manitoba's Office of the Fire Commissioner. "Now I can have
mission-specific maps and a search planned before I step out on to the
scene."
For more information contact Scott Kerbis at 1-204-726-6855 or skerbis@gov.mb.ca
Gerry Delorme is a Firefighter with Gladstone Fire and Rescue and
is very involved with the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner GSAR
Program.
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