Hi Tech mapping system will help Gosford SES manage floods - Central Coast Gosford Express Advocate

Gosford SES unit hopes to be using a hi-tech ­mapping system by the end of the year which will give vital help in managing floodwater.

Deputy controller Werner Klumpp said the system would allow volunteers on the ground to instantly share critical information and would also allow residents to input vital information.

It was tested during major flooding of the Tweed and Clarence rivers recently and will be extended throughout the state during the year.

"We have not been given a time frame but hope we will have the system up and running by the end of the year," Mr Klumpp said.

"We are mainly affected by flash flooding prompted by heavy rainfall and tidal surges".

"This mapping system will allow us to update information on site as the flooding is occurring which will be invaluable in planning mitigation strategies.

"Residents will also be able to input valuable information via social media." Backed with Geographic Information System technology from intelligent mapping specialists Esri Australia, the system will allow volunteers to log in ­remotely from regional command centres or the field with mobile devices.

NSW State Emergency Service GIS manager Elliott Simmons said until now volunteers needed to be connected to the NSW SES network in the headquarters to view critical geospatial data.

"When they were out on a job, mapping features could only be described through manual communication methods," he said.

Elliot Simmons said with the new technology, the SES could be even more cohesive and responsive during a natural disaster.

The NSW SES public web mapping site is at: http:// nswses.maps.arcgis.com/

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