Now that MapSAR can be used to create accurate maps quickly and get search teams deployed into the field faster, what can we do to help them work in a disconnected environment with spotty radio reception at best? One solution is the use of the Adapx digital pen. You just write on the paper form or map that is attached to the Incident Action Plan. When you return to the Incident Command Post and dock the pen in a USB adaptor, all the data is automatically downloaded to the computer and can be displayed in Excel and on the GIS map. That's it, no training is required by rescue team members to keep track of their search progress. It was used quite extensively to record damage following the 2011 Joplin tornado. There are also some Type II teams in CA that are using it to map wildfires. http://www.fireapparatusmagazine.com...echnology.html Here is a quick demonstration that depicts how easy it is to use: http://www.adapx.com/resources/video...-public-safety You can order a Disaster Response Kit and Adapx will send you everything you need to get started in one Pelican case: http://www.adapx.com/products/captur...-response#tab1
I'm the guy in the red fire hat from the first article below and I'll second how easy the pen is to use and how much time it saves with the workflow. Great group of people created and provide tech support for this product - really can't say enough good things about it - and them!
Now that MapSAR can be used to create accurate maps quickly and get search teams deployed into the field faster, what can we do to help them work in a disconnected environment with spotty radio reception at best? One solution is the use of the Adapx digital pen. You just write on the paper form or map that is attached to the Incident Action Plan. When you return to the Incident Command Post and dock the pen in a USB adaptor, all the data is automatically downloaded to the computer and can be displayed in Excel and on the GIS map. That's it, no training is required by rescue team members to keep track of their search progress.
It was used quite extensively to record damage following the 2011 Joplin tornado. There are also some Type II teams in CA that are using it to map wildfires.
