Australian state launches GIS-based emergency response system - futuregov Asia Pacific

The New South Wales State Emergency Services (NSW SES) has launched a new mapping system that allows volunteers on the ground to instantly share real-time information needed by incident management teams to coordinate rescue operations.

In the previous year, over 20,000 people were temporarily isolated by floodwaters when intense rainfall caused major flooding in the Tweed and Clarence rivers affecting nearby communities.

According to NSW State Emergency Service GIS Manager Elliott Simmons, a pilot trial of the mapping system was used during that time to help first responders. Because of its success, Simmons said it is now ready to be extended to 229 units located throughout the State.

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