Post by 3105 on Dec 22, 2007 7:03:23 GMT -5
I've heard on several occassions that with the adoption of a common software platform on the County level, ie: Firehouse, they could then begin taking their GIS information and overlaying it onto maps that could be supplied as a part of the program. Again, that's not confirmed, but if true, one more reason why this initative is so important. Here in Motown, we diddled with GIS on and off for many years but the information is stored in such a manner as to be useless when we need it the most. We have most of our hydrants pinpointed, but no viable way of getting this info to the command vehicles or apparatus. If the County offers an overlay to the Firehouse map module, all we have to do is give them our data and we'll suddenly have instant access. Not only that, but if we grant access to our surrounding departments, they can see where the fire is and where the nearest hydrants are....all it will take is a laptop and an aircard.
This is one of the many reasons why I can't help but believe the Firehouse program could turn out to be one of the best initiatives the County has ever come up with. It isn't what the program can do now, but later when the County IT troops start integrating everything. For the price of a laptop and aircard, every command vehicle in the county could have data access literally overnight...if they sign onto the program. Granted, some organizations don't have the monies available to make the necessary purchases, but with a little thought and creativity, I'm sure a grant could be found somewhere to make it happen.
In case I'm being too subtle here, this program has me stoked...
Another compelling reason: instant add/modify capability. Example: not long ago we had an alarm system in one of our local McMansions..while wandering through the house I noticed that the roof structure was all stick construction, but the floor joists were engineered I beams. With this system, I could then stroll out to 3100's limo, tell him what I found, he accesses the system, creates the address, enters the relevent data (along with other intel I gathered such as location of gas shut off and electric panel), pushes "Send" and it's forever captured for future reference.
How can that be a bad thing? Easy, simple, and instantly accessible.
Sales pitch concluded.
This is one of the many reasons why I can't help but believe the Firehouse program could turn out to be one of the best initiatives the County has ever come up with. It isn't what the program can do now, but later when the County IT troops start integrating everything. For the price of a laptop and aircard, every command vehicle in the county could have data access literally overnight...if they sign onto the program. Granted, some organizations don't have the monies available to make the necessary purchases, but with a little thought and creativity, I'm sure a grant could be found somewhere to make it happen.
In case I'm being too subtle here, this program has me stoked...
Another compelling reason: instant add/modify capability. Example: not long ago we had an alarm system in one of our local McMansions..while wandering through the house I noticed that the roof structure was all stick construction, but the floor joists were engineered I beams. With this system, I could then stroll out to 3100's limo, tell him what I found, he accesses the system, creates the address, enters the relevent data (along with other intel I gathered such as location of gas shut off and electric panel), pushes "Send" and it's forever captured for future reference.
How can that be a bad thing? Easy, simple, and instantly accessible.
Sales pitch concluded.