This week we looked at a practical example of GIS application in the City of Calgary fire department. GIS is used in risk analysis, response mapping, operational decision making, station planning, apparatus deployment, and station relocation planning. One thing that I found intriguing was the examination of the multiple exposures of fires due to the close proximity of properties and narrow roadways. With the density map they produced, they are able to identify locations of concerns at a regional level down to the actual structures at risk, as well as the inaccessible locations where some apparatus cannot reach.

GIS also allows them to plan and ensure their services comply with the NFPA 1710 standard. Other usages of GIS in the Calgary fire department include the mapping of fire hydrants, medical calls, as well as the planning of station locations and apparatus deployment away from oil and gas facilities