Location map

[Bottlecapr]

I am still learning this scanner business but enjoy my sds100 very much. I have a question and figure this is a good place to start. I live in Indianapolis, Ind. and when I hear a Fire Dept call or EMS go out, they always finish with a Fire Map reference. I would assume this is like an old Thomas Guide where it broke down cities into pages and sectors. What I want to know is how I can get hold of something like this Thank you in advance

 

[marksmith]

Depends in what they are using. In many places the map was generated using one of those detailed street guide maps you can buy, or it is the actual source. ADC makes them in many areas. You can buy one and see if the coordinates given line up to the dispatch address. Even if they don't directly line up, it will aid you in identifying the street address or cross street location.

In some other cases this grid is built in to the dispatch CAD system they are using and you won't be able to specifically line up to it.

 

[a417]

You can try asking.

 

[JimD56]

ANY Police or Fire Department nationwide is using a Federal Standard GIS Mapping System, IF they are receiving any federal funding. This falls under US Presidential Homeland Security Directive #3 about late 2002-early 2003. Covers NIMMS and Command structure and universal plaint alk language as well.

 

[ofd8001]

ANY Police or Fire Department nationwide is using a Federal Standard GIS Mapping System, IF they are receiving any federal funding. This falls under US Presidential Homeland Security Directive #3 about late 2002-early 2003. Covers NIMMS and Command structure and universal plaint alk language as well.

I've spent a good number of years in the fire service, attending many Homeland Security/FEMA training programs. I'm unaware of any requirement for police and fire departments to use a Federal Standard GIS Mapping System. The part about using National Incident Management Systems and plain talk is completely correct.

Many of the fire departments I've come in contact with draw their own maps using a variety of computer software. Some times standard maps have more features/information than we need and are lacking information we do. Things like water supply locations, suppression equipment connections, utility shut-offs and so on. These department created maps can be called "Map Page" or "Box Number".

That said, there is some movement on third party software, such as "I am Responding" where fire departments can add layers to Google Maps showing that critical information.

 

[JimD56]

The GIS mapping system is standardized. There are numerous software companies that write a program geared towards the individual jurisdiction, and terminology may be different as well, but the overlying system is federally mandated and standardized. Try the local jurisdiction's website. Their GIS map may be there. It is with mine and ours overlays with google maps as does LA's, Dallas, Atlanta, etc.

 

[hiegtx]

Dallas Fire Rescue still uses map data from the old Mapsco guides, which were acquired by Kappa, and have finally been updated. "Dispatch Debbie", the automated dispatch channel, includes the map grid when a call is broadcast.

 

[NWI_Scanner_Guy]

Dallas Fire Rescue still uses map data from the old Mapsco guides, which were acquired by Kappa, and have finally been updated. "Dispatch Debbie", the automated dispatch channel, includes the map grid when a call is broadcast.

Dispatch Debbie does Dallas?

Sorry, I just couldn't resist.