Spatial Awareness - Every Picture

Fact Sheet 2008-2

Spatial information has an essential role in the management and coordination of any major crisis situation. It provides emergency responders with a clear understanding of the geography of an affected region, and specific logistical information such as traffic routes, location of particular resources and hazards, wind directions, population distribution and incident updates.

Post-incident reviews of major emergency events, both in Australia and overseas, have often highlighted that agencies and personnel involved in such events have been using different, sometimes conflicting, base maps or have limited access to current and purpose-built maps.

Spatial information and GIS (geographic information systems) offer many benefits in the counter-terrorism, critical infrastructure protection and emergency management environment. Accurate, current information from a variety of sources can inform, and thereby empower, emergency managers. This comprehensive and versatile information capability can assist with both strategic and operational decision-making, including during prevention and planning phases.

Given the potential for multiple jurisdictions to be involved in the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery aspects of crisis situations, it is essential that spatial capabilities enable effective and timely sharing of information across borders and agencies.

NSIM provides a forum for coordination and collaboration. It encourages agencies to develop and augment existing capabilities, and to share information, knowledge and expertise across all jurisdictions.

NSIM is charged with the challenge of developing a national spatial information capability through the Spatial Strategic Plan 2007-2010, which defines milestones and outcomes over the life of the Plan.

Implementation of the NSIM Spatial Strategic Plan will deliver vital national spatial capability across all aspects of counter-terrorism, critical infrastructure protection and emergency management. It will facilitate easy national access to spatial information, through agreed data standards and access protocols.

For further information, please contact a relevant jurisdictional representative or the NSIM Secretariat.

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