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
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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.
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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
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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
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Link: 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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Example – Public Alerts and Warnings
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Local EOC to Mobile Apps in the Field
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CIKR Web Application with Attribute Data
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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
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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/
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Thank you to the SWG!
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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/