FAQ

• What is EMMA^©?
• What is CIMS Software?
• How do EMMA^© / CIMS / HSIN fit together?
• How do I participate?
• Why should I participate in the Data Survey?
• How does the Data Survey work?
• What is the timeline for this effort?
• What is being done to secure the data I will share?
• What will be done with the survey information that I provide?
• Who is coordinating interoperability issues in Maryland?
• Who do I contact for more information?

The Emergency Management Mapping Application (EMMA^©) enables the emergency management community to access and display relevant and real-time information on a map before, during, and after an incident occurs. Built using ESRI's ArcIMS software, EMMA^© is a secure, content and tool-rich, Web-based GIS application that enables the emergency responders to identify incident locations from the field, generate location-specific reports, visualize incident locations via a map, perform site-specific analysis, and coordinate response efforts. Using a simple Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, EMMA^© provides basic and advanced tools for map visualization, location analysis, and report generation.

For more information please explore the Technology links in this area.

CIMS is part of the integrated incident management system (IMS) concept. IMS is a notional term defined by the CIMS project to represent the ideal system that integrates multiple technologies (e.g., cell phones, personal digital assistants, radios, etc.). The development of an integrated IMS is among the top priorities articulated by the State and local incident response community. The fundamental objective is optimizing emergency management operations by the use of technology tools that augment and enhance the deployment of emergency response assets.

An integrated IMS requires that an EMA use an integrated system of technical capabilities that operates seamlessly and without duplication. This notion combines the elements of policy and procedure within a comprehensive emergency response plan that is aided by information technology.

(as defined in National Institute of Justice Report: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/197065.htm)

A well accepted model has been established that describes data-sharing across organizations. As shown in the model, EMMA^© will turn data into information by bringing together data from multiple current and real-time databases. Users of EMMA^© will generate maps and reports that will be brought into WebEOC (CIMS software) to provide knowledge to emergency managers who are responsible for making decisions about an incident. Because EMMA^© and WebEOC software are interoperable with the HSIN backbone, incident information can be shared across all levels of government in Maryland and neighboring jurisdictions in order to ensure coordinated action during an event.

The Maryland State Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC) has been asked to gather comprehensive information on spatial data (GIS data and resources) available for Maryland. The purpose of this survey is to identify databases that can be imported into EMMA^© to support Maryland's emergency management community. A phased approach to inventorying these data is envisioned using an Internet-based tool developed by the Towson University Center for Geographic Information Sciences in conjunction with the Maryland State Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC). This tool -- the Maryland Metadata Resource Guide (MMRG) -- provides a simple, quick means of inventorying your existing databases. For the initial deployment of EMMA^©, databases that are already in a GIS will be inventoried first. In the future, all databases that could be converted into a GIS, such as those that have an address, and would be useful for emergency management, will be inventoried. Your participation in this inventory process is critical to the success of this effort and will be the foundation upon which effective interoperability will occur.

In most emergencies, access to the right information at the right time is critical. EMMA^©, with its geographic information system (GIS) capabilities, will provide the homeland security and the emergency response community with the unparalleled ability to "see" and manipulate various databases in the form of computer-based maps. Its ability, however, is limited to the availability of data critical to decision makers - data that your agency may possess. Since it is frequently difficult to identify which databases might be needed prior to an emergency, it is crucial to inventory as many state agency databases as is feasible.

To assist you in this effort, forms have been created that ask a series of questions about the GIS data and resources your agency/organization has developed. The questions are easily answered and use "plain language" rather than formal metadata terminology. Once entered, this information will be searchable through this site.

Appropriate individuals or units within an agency, such as a GIS unit, program managers, or IT department, should complete the inventory. The inventory tool can be found at http://www.marylandgis.net/survey.

The Towson University Center for Geographic Information Sciences is currently working with MEMA to develop a rollout plan for this interoperable suite of tools. It is anticipated that this rollout plan will be complete by mid-summer 2004. The tools will initially be rolled out in the State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA and will then be extended to other locations within State agencies and local government during the fall of 2004.

Security is among the top priorities that are being addressed in the plan to rollout EMMA^©, HSIN, and DMIS. The initial deployment of these tools will use only non-sensitive data that can already be accessed publicly through the Internet or via standard licensing agreements and will be secured using Secure Socket Layer and security certificates. As more sensitive data sets are incorporated, security will be strengthened to include multiple layers of protection. Towson University is recognized and officially designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency.

At this time, only information about the existence of specific databases is being inventoried. In the future, your agency may be contacted to provide access to the data. At that time, issues such as data security, accessibility, privacy, and distribution will be addressed. Only authorized individuals or organizations only will have access to the data through EMMA^©.

The Public Safety Communications Interoperability Governance Work Group, which was convened by the Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security in December 2003, is coordinating interoperability issues in Maryland. The Work Group advises the Governor on strategies for strengthening communications during times of emergency. Interoperability Among Public Safety Agencies--the ability of public safety agencies to communicate, both within their own departments, and across departmental lines--is a critical aspect for the safety of first responders, and for the efficient allocation of scarce dollars in public safety budgets. For years, this interoperability has been hampered by incompatible radio hardware, systems, and networking protocols.

Matt Felton
Director, Center for GIS, Towson University
mfelton@towson.edu
410-704-5292

GIS Data Survey
gisdatasurvey@towson.edu

Warren Campbell
Assistant Director, Technical, Maryland Emergency Management Agency
wcampbell@mema.state.md.us
410-517-3641

MSGIC Leadership
Click here to see full list of MSGIC contacts