implementing napsg's incident symbology · gis technical professionals public safety leaders...

Implementing NAPSG's Incident Symbology

Instruction on how to use the Incident Map Symbology

Framework

NAPSG Foundation

Chris Rogers, Lt. Kirkland Fire Department and NAPSG Technical Advisor

Tari Martin, NAPSG Program Specialist and Project Lead

napsgfoundation.org | @napsgfoundation 2

About NAPSG Foundation

• National Alliance for Public Safety GIS (NAPSG) Foundation• 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization established in 2005

• +8,000 members: Public safety officials and GIS responders

• Board of Directors comprised of public safety & emergency management leaders

• Partnerships with major national and international public safety associations

• Our vision is to provide the resources and support necessary to equip emergency responders and leaders with the knowledge and skills to apply technology and data to change the outcome for survivors.


Training Purpose

In this virtual training, participants will gain awareness-level knowledge of updates to the Symbology Guideline and Symbol Sets and learn ways to implement the Guideline across mapping platforms, as well as, learn techniques for developing/modifying symbols for their specific agency needs.

Training Objectives

• Learn what the Incident Symbology Guideline and Symbol Set is

• Learn why to use the standardized Incident Symbology Guideline, and Symbol Set

• Learn how to use the Symbol Library Tool to support your public safety agency

• Learn how to search and download symbols in multiple formats

• Gain insight on efforts underway in 2017 to expand the Symbol Set and enhance the Implementation Tools

• Share ideas on potential enhancements to the Symbol Library Tool

Purpose of NAPSG Symbology

• Consistently communicate incident information on maps

• Gain efficiencies in mutual aid planning, readiness, and response

• Enhance operational coordination across agencies, jurisdictions, and all levels of government

• Address needs for first responders for daily preparedness efforts and incident response

• Common Incident Language through Common Symbols


Key Terminology

• Symbology – the study or interpretation of symbols

• PNG – Portable Network Graphic is a raster graphics file format that supports lossless data compression

• SVG – Scalable Vector Graphic is an XML-based vector impact format for two-dimensional graphics with support for interactivity and animation

• Style Sheet – A file that provides style and layout information within an XML or HTML document.

Agenda

• 2:00pm – Introduction and History (Tari Martin)

• 2:10pm – Overview of Guideline (Chris Rogers)

• 2:25pm – Demonstration of Techniques (Chris Rogers)

• 2:50pm – Participant Questions & Answers (All)

Recording & slides will be made available. Type questions into the Q&A feature, we will review at the end

What is the Incident Symbology Program

• Suite of technical and operational solutions made publicly available• Incident Symbology Guideline: flexible and scalable

framework for us in creating and using symbols for public safety maps

• Guideline and implementation guidance available

• Incident Symbol Set: specific symbols that apply the guideline and achieve symbol standardization across the public safety enterprise

• Harmonizes multiple formal and informal symbol standards

• Formal stakeholder engagement process representing ~40 state/local/federal agencies

• Served through the NAPSG Symbol Library Tool


Link: https://www.napsgfoundation.org/all-resources/symbology-library/

http://www.napsgfoundation.org/all-resources/symbology-library/

http://napsg-web.s3.amazonaws.com/symbology/index.html#/

https://www.napsgfoundation.org/all-resources/symbology-library/

Symbol Library Tool Capabilities

• Example Geodatabase Schema

• REST Features Services for Symbols by Group

• Organized into commonly understood groups to form ‘Symbol Packages’. Packages contain symbols in the following formats for flexibility and scalability:• STYLE File

• Fonts

• SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic)

• PNG 16, 32, 64, 256

• Note - Serving-up 696 different symbols in all formats requires managing and maintaining over 4,872 unique symbol files

• Create customized “symbol packages” by selecting several individual symbols


Quick Facts

• ~700 incident level symbols provided and growing

• Publicly available on the web and in multiple formats: SVG, PNG, STYLE, API, REST services

• Flexible Symbology Framework and Guideline for customizing/creating new symbols

• More than 70 SLTT stakeholders have served on the Symbology Working Group over 8 years, representing a national perspective across disciplines


Symbol Sets Considered

ANSI 415 and the FGDC HSWG Symbol Set

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Symbol Set

Canadian Emergency Mapping Symbology

Australasian All Hazards Map Symbology

National Wildfire Coordinating Group Symbol Set

Other Public Safety Symbol Offered by Esri

Noun Project

NFPA Standards

DOT Hazardous Materials Placard Standards

• More than 400 stakeholders provided feedback on national Symbology survey

• In process of being integrated by GIS software providers (i.e. Esri) as default symbols

• Leverages, harmonizes, and fills gaps across standards

Standards Philosophy

Challenges:

• Different public safety disciplines adopt standards exclusively from specific SDOs

• SDO-based standards are sometimes not capable of rapid updating to meet evolving needs and requirements resulting from recent incidents and technology developments

• Many require users to purchase copies of standards, making implementation cost prohibitive

• Some SDOs require working group members to pay in order to participate in the process

Solutions:

• Participate in and support multiple SDO-based standards development and maintenance efforts across public safety disciplines and technology standards bodies

• Solicit stakeholder input that reflects a truly national perspective through focused and no-cost Task Forces and Working Groups

• Fill critical gaps that require more nimble and agile solutions and tools

• Develop and disseminate tools to the community that enable and expedite implementation

History

2008Formed Incident Symbology Working Group with 20 emergency responders. Addressed needs for symbols to support NIMS, ICS, and facility pre-incident planning

2009 Released first

symbol set and framework for NIMS, ICS, and

facility pre-incident planning

symbology

2010-2011Worked w/ first responder agencies to implement the symbology.Captured feedback for improvements and requirements.

2012 Expanded Incident

Symbol Set and Framework to include symbology for access hazards, hazardous

materials, and others.

2015 Conducted National Survey on needs and requirements for symbology and implemented findings from survey results. Developed symbols for incident types and public alert & warnings.

2016

Developed initial ~100 infrastructure symbols

aligned with HIFLD data layers, US&R Symbols, and

complete IPAWS event code symbols. Released first version of Symbol

Library Tool.

2017

Developing additional ~50 infrastructure symbols aligned with HIFLD data layers, standardized framework for law enforcement, and other priority needs. Update to Symbol Library Tool underway.


https://www.napsgfoundation.org/share-your-thoughts-complete-survey-on-incident-symbology/

http://napsg-web.s3.amazonaws.com/symbology/index.html#/

Federal Agency Engagement2015 to Present

• HIFLD Sub-Committee – ongoing coordination

• DHS Science and Technology Directorate – general ongoing coordination

• DHS Office of Health Affairs• Vetted medical and health related symbols. Coordinated on specific needs and requirements.

• USDA US Forest Service• Liaison from the NWCG for unification of effort on ICS symbology

• NOAA National Weather Service• Vetted natural hazard symbols and IPAWS event code symbols for natural hazards

• FEMA Urban Search & Rescue• Hosting the official National US&R symbol set

• FEMA Integrated Public Alerts and Warnings• Developed and hosting the official IPAWS symbol sets for the event codes

• FEMA National Exercise Division• Integrating standardized Incident Symbol Sets into mapping used for exercises and for national Exercise

Location and Scenario Planning Tool


HIFLD Coordination

• 2016 – Ongoing Coordination throughout development of initial ~100 infrastructure symbols aligned with tier 1 priority HIFLD data layers• NAPSG SMEs conducted a priority analysis of the HIFLD data layers based on frequency of use by local

and state public safety and homeland security agencies

• Routinely provided briefings and sought feedback from HIFLD Subcommittee members

• 2016 - Prior to releasing initial 100 infrastructure symbols:• Provided update to HIFLD Subcommittee during scheduled meeting

• Provided HIFLD Subcommittee with structure opportunity to provide final round of feedback• Link to Final Feedback Form: http://conta.cc/1UdIz8c (survey complete but available to view)

• 2017 – Recently kicked-off development of 60 additional infrastructure symbols aligned with tier 2 priority HIFLD data layers (total ~160 infrastructure symbols)• HIFLD Sub-Committee passed the decision to use NAPSG’s infrastructure symbols as the default for

HIFLD data


http://conta.cc/1UdIz8c

High Quality Sample:

• 406 stakeholders participated

• Broad geographical distribution confirmed a National perspective

• Even split between 2 target audiences

• Diverse participation by organization types, with majority representing local/county/state

• Diverse participation by discipline, 62% representing core public safety

2015 Survey Participation

55%

45%

Survey Participation by Target Audience

GIS TechnicalProfessionals

Public Safety Leaders &Operators

0102030405060708090

Survey Participation by Organization Type

GIS Technical Professionals Public Safety Leaders & Operators

• Existing incident symbols are only somewhat adequate or easily understood, and there remains significant gaps in incident symbology and room for improvement in the effectiveness of symbol designs.

• Full copy of Survey Report and other historical artifacts from the program available by request

Adequacy of Existing Incident Symbols

Yes

No

Somewhat

Extent of Difficulty Understanding Symbols on Maps from Other Organizations

Yes

No

Some but not all

Example Survey Findings

Symbology GuidelinePrinciple on using a guideline to create symbols for a scalable and flexible workflow

Symbol Production Cycle

NAPSG Creates Draft Symbols

Test Symbols in Decision Support

Tools(Multiple applications

and platforms)

Symbols Vetted with Stakeholders for

Input

Stakeholders Conduct Testing

& Provide Feedback

Process Stakeholder (or Real-World

Validation) Feedback/Testing

Update Symbols based on Results

of Testing and Feedback

Real-World Validation in

Exercises and/or

Incidents

Once the iterative design cycle is completed (both internally and with the SOG), the symbols can be included in incident/exercise map products for further vetting and refinement

Why Guideline

• A guideline is flexible and scalable

• Creates a framework to standardize

• Allows for the creation of symbols where gaps exist

What is this?

Wagon

Aid Car

Unit

Truck

Transport

Unit Ambulance

MedicSquad

Rescue

Rescue Ambulance

Same Thing, Different Rendering

Emergency Maps need a map to:

Find the problemthey are going to

Identify hazardsthat can cause harm

Show where people and equipment are located that help solve the problem

Identify features to fix the problem

Incident Command

Feature Location

Incident Symbols

Pre-Incident Symbols

Hazards

Emergency Maps also need to …..

Inform the Public

Critical Infrastructure

911 (Law Enforcement) Call Typing

Legend

Attributes

Location

Notes

Symbol Categories

Ambulance with icon

Communications Unit

Water Tender

Unit Symbols

Symbols representing the

semi-static to active

location of a unit. Based

on FEMA Resource

Typing. Also based on the

location of where the unit

is “working”

Incident Symbols

NIMS

NIMS Command

Structure Locations

Fire Branch

SAR Group

Incident Commander

Location

Location of features that relate to

the National Incident

Management System Command

Structure. Can be used for semi

static mapping or if possible,

active mapping of supervisors at

an incident

Airstrip

Base

Camp

Incident Resources and

Command Features

Features with a semi

fixed position that

supports the

management of the

incident.

Exposures

The side visible in an

incident. Define the section

of the incident

“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”

• This symbology is clear or white background (In the event of hand drawing).

• Used to manage information during an active incident

Examples

Base

Fire Hydrant

Civilian Staging

Evacuation Feature

Camp

Staging

Symbol Modifiers

• Icons can be used in the background

to detail specific type of feature

• Clear text on the bottom

• Arrow on symbol note direction

S

There is always an exception

• Color (Treatment in this example)

• Represents “Green Patient” value

Command Post (not a circle)

Use Clear Text to explain

Preplanned Features

Access Point

“Iconic” look stairway

Attic Access

Knox or Key Box

Access point and ways to access a building or incident area

Assessment Features

Control Panel with Burglar

Alarm Modifier

Fire Alarm Reset Panel

Public Alert alarm symbol

with red triangle with blue circle

Alarms and other

Location of where you shutoff utilities

Fuel Shutoff

Gas Shutoff

Compressed Natural Gas Shutoff. “M” indicated “Main” and line through feature indicating product line

Utility Shutoffs

CO2

System

Duct

Detector

Dry

Chemical

Detectors And Building Extinguishment Systems

Place to manage the exhaust of gases

Ventilation

Smoke

Vent

HVAC

SystemVent

Opening

Water Flow Control Valves and Water Sources

Post Indicator

Valve with

NFPA Icon

Fire Department

Connection with

NFPA Icon

Dry Chemical

Reel station with

NFPA Icon

Water flow devices

Child Care

(Standard icon) Electrical

Room

Fire

Pump

Location of features

Equipment Rooms.

• Pre-incident symbols have a color background to differentiate from incident symbols

• Derived from NFPA

Hazards

• The most important symbols

• Derived from several hazard features !

General Hazard

DHS “Incident” Symbology

DOT HazMat Placarding

NFPA 704

Hazards

Specific

Hazard

Building

Collapse

Fall Hazard

Ad-Hoc symbols used for

indicating a local specific

hazard

HazMat Hazard

Explosives

NFPA 704

Acids

Corrosives

NFPA 704 symbols and

DOT HazMat Placarding

Man Made Hazards

Child AbductionRadioactive

Hazard

Indicates events that

happens a locations

related to man-made

features. Intentional or

accidental

Natural Hazards

Flood

Fire

Earthquake

Indicates natural hazards

events

Access Hazards

Narrow Access Restricted Weight

Access

Features that indicate restricted or

limited access of people or vehicles

• DIAMOND is the reserved shape for any emergency hazard

• Symbols are variable other than shape

Infrastructure

• RECTANGLE with Rounded Corners is the reserved shape for any infrastructure

• Symbols are variable other than shape

• Based on HIFLD Infrastructure Layers• Not Exclusively HIFLD

American Red Cross Chapter Facilities Bridges

Electric Power Generating Plants

Infrastructure

Represents critical fixed features or Critical Infrastructure Protection. Noted by rectangle with rounded corners.

Hospitals

Public Alert

Statement

Warning

Symbol indicating a “Warning”

Event

Watch• TRIANGLE with Rounded Corners is the reserved shape for any Public Alert

• Symbols and color are variable other than shape

Storm Surge

Symbol indicating a “Watch”

Event

Symbol indicating a

“Statement”

CAD Option

• Similar to Resources but more rounded • Resource are mainly

a “capsule” shape• Other programs use this

as a shape• PulsePoint

• Has good width for labelling

• Used to indicate severity or status

• Work with both points and polygons

• Secondary treatment or modifier

Color Ramp

Image Scale Wind Speed

Damage

EF0 65 to 80 Minor Damage

EF1 86 to 110 Moderate Damage

EF2 110 to 135 Considerable Damage

EF3 135 to 165 Severe Damage

EF4 166 to 200 Extreme Damage

EF5 >200 Total Destruction

Color Ramp Example

Hot Zone, Inner Perimeter, Fire

Perimeter

Warm Zone, Outer Perimeter, Transition

Zone

Symbol Library Tool

NAPSG Website and Symbol Library Tool(Publicly Available)

Other TechnologiesOpen Source, Open Geo, Google Earth

(KML)

ArcGIS Online and Web-Based Mapping

PNG Link

Desktop GISPNG, SVG & True

Type FontEsri Style Sheets

- Symbols- Symbol Guideline- Implementation Guidance- Map Templates- Geodatabase Schema- Version 2.0 API

• Eases search and discoverability• Eases and automates use and

integration• Publicly available at no-cost and

no licensing restrictions or requirements

Demonstration

• Simple map for Google Earth (Everyone)

• Create a simple map in AGOL

• Show a web map using Infrastructure Data

• Use a web maps to edit and view data

Google Earth Map

• Easy and free to use

• Good for sharing small amount of data

Demonstrate Using Google EarthAdd a point to a map and change symbol

AGOL Map/ Web Map

• Esri built platform

• Benefits• Maintain GIS Data

• Create various web based applications

• Can do analysis and simple map production

Create a Simple Web Map

Demonstrate the use of ArcGIS Online

Infrastructure Mapping

• Use• Web App Builder

• Customized version of HIFLD


Infrastructure Mapping

Demonstrate a custom application with Web AppBuilder

Create Your Own Symbols

• Use InkScape (freeware) for vector drawing

• Layer • Shape

• Background

• Graphic

• Icon Sources• Free Clipart

• Noun Project

Create Your Own SymbolsDemonstrate creating symbols using InkScape

Example – Local Fire Preplanning with Mobile

• First Due Areas, Battalions

• Hydrants/Water Features

• PrePlan Features

• Hazards

• Mutual Aid Data

• First Due Areas, Battalions

• Hydrants/Water Features

• PrePlan Features

• Hazards

• Mutual Aid Data

Example – Incident Briefing Web App


Example – Public Alerts and Warnings


Local EOC to Mobile Apps in the Field


CIKR Web Application with Attribute Data


What is coming?

• 60 infrastructure symbols aligned with HIFLD layers, under following categories:• Chemical• Commercial• Communications• Education• Emergency Services• Public Venues• Agriculture• Transportation (Air and Ground)

• 2 IPAWS event codes (new codes)

• Standardized symbol framework for law enforcement types of calls for service

• Priority symbols for medical/health assets from DHS OHA

• All above to be completed by Early Fall 2017, served-up in the Symbol Library Tool

Industry Adoption and Use

• Working with Esri to integrate the symbols as the default symbol option in multiple categories/groups• Latest development – Esri has fully integrated the pre-incident planning symbols as the default option

and served them up in the associated templates

• Esri conducts additional symbol testing and provides feedback to NAPSG in the design process

• Many 3rd party vendors have already begun to implement the symbology as the standard in option in their COTS solutions and applications


Technical Implementation Tools

• Video Tutorial

• Symbol Library Tool

• Incident Symbology Framework & Guideline

• Technical Implementation Guidance

• Example Geodatabase Schema

• REST Feature Services for Symbols

• Sample Maps and Map Packages using symbols for public safety/homeland security

• All above available at: https://www.napsgfoundation.org/all-resources/symbology-library/



Thank you to the SWG!


Name Agency State

Brian Crumpler Virginia Information Technologies Agency VA

Xenophon (Yo) Gikas LA City Fire Department CA

Eric Fisher Fairfax County Fire Rescue VA

Soheila Ajabshi Miami-Dade Emergency Management FL

Bill Burgess NSGIC, Washington Liaison MD

Tommy Presley Huntsville Police Department AL

Paul Morgan Alameda County Fire Department CA

Rusti Liner St. Tammany Parish Government LA

Vanessa Glynn-Linaris National Parks Service AZ

Mike Domingue New Hampshire National Guard NH

John McKenna New York City Police Department NY

Rusty Russell Huntsville Madison County Emergency Management AL

Larry Fox Mount Laurel Fire Department NJ

Pablo Lee Seattle Police Department WA

Robert Bingham FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force AL

Lori Peltz Lewis US Forest Service (NWCG Liaison) CA

Chris Renshaw University of Connecticut Fire Department CT

Peter Hann Baltimore City Fire Department MD

Steve Pollackov New York Fire Department NY

John Petro New Hampshire National Guard NH

Scott Cotstello NJ Homeland Security NJ

William Lescure Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency DC

Questions?

Technical Contact: Chris Rogers [email protected]

NAPSG Foundation Contact: Tari Martin [email protected]

Key Link : https://www.napsgfoundation.org/all-resources/symbology-library/

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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