More on EMMA^©

EMMA, the Emergency Management Mapping Application, is a Web-based tool used to support public safety and manage emergencies in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and the National Capital Region.

The Problem

Big emergencies bring people together. Police officers, firefighters, medical experts. People on the front line and in the operations center. Local, state and federal government officials. Volunteers who want to help. Although emergency responders share the goal of saving lives and property, they each have very specific roles and information needs.They all need precise, timely information, and they need to work together and share their knowledge to make the best decisions.

How the Center for GIS Solved the Problem

The Center for GIS at Towson University solved the problem by developing the Emergency Management Mapping Application. Using geographic information systems technology, EMMA converts information about an emergency incident into an interactive map that allows responders to:

• Identify an incident location from the field (using GPS and map data)
• Create reports about the incident that may include real-time weather or traffic conditions, nearby police stations, schools or hospitals, or political districts
• Visualize an incident location with map layers
• Analyze an incident location
• Coordinate responses and resources in real-time

Terrorist events (such as 9-11) and natural disasters (such as Hurricane Katrina) highlight the need for a regional approach to data sharing across jurisdictional and agency boundaries. Solutions like EMMA provide access to critical information, ensure coordination among participants, and maintain security needed to prevent data from misuse.

How Does it Work?

With EMMA, emergency managers with diverse responsibilities share a common operating picture. Incidents are viewed on a map, with relevant real-time information layered on top of “base map” data. This information, along with operational and situational status, is shared so that response efforts can be coordinated. EMMA is typically installed on servers in an Emergency Operations Center.

Who Uses EMMA?

Emergency managers and government agencies in Maryland and throughout the mid-Atlantic use EMMA to get the information they need before, during and after an incident. The Center for GIS at Towson University has developed and licensed EMMA for clients that include the following:

• Maryland Joint Operations Center (for daily briefings to the Governor's office)
• Maryland Emergency Management Agency (at the State Emergency Operations Center)
• County Emergency Operations Centers throughout Maryland
• Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
• Delaware Division of Public Health's integrated Public Health Preparedness System
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management
• City of Richmond, Va.
• City of Charlottesville,Va./Albemarle County/University of Virginia

Does Everyone Need an EMMA?

EMMA is only one example of how GIS technology can be put to use. Geographic information systems technology is also used to protect the environment, improve the quality of life, make government more efficient, and contribute to economic development. It’s being used by government, businesses, citizens, and anyone who needs to understand the issues of place. 

So, does everyone need an EMMA?  Not exactly. But everyone can benefit from GIS. To find out more, contact the Towson University Center for GIS and see how GIS can work for you.