Geospatial Tech's Impact on Government's Emergency Response Efforts

Click on the link below to proceed to the article as published in Government Computer News:

Virtual USA: How Geospatial Tech Is Changing Government
By Patrick Marshall
Aug 10, 2011

Here's the pitch: "A geospatial framework emerges for emergency response coordination among federal, state and local governments."

Comment: This article is actually the lead piece in an interlocking series on the same subject that can be found by clicking links in the "Related coverage" window, middle of the first page.  Correspondingly, even more articles can be found by using the "Related coverage" links in those follow on pieces.   As you are reading these articles that focus primarily on the power of technology, remember there are three pieces that must be in place to make a Common Operating Picture (Virtual USA) approach work: technology, people and policies.  Without those last two, the effort will fall far short of what is technologically possible.  Go here to read more on that point (shameless plug).

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Geospatial Tech's Impact on Government's Emergency Response Efforts

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About: EMR-ISAC

Here's information about a free DHS program of information that may be of help to you:


The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) is located at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It provides no-cost threat and vulnerability information as well as critical infrastructure protection and resilience lessons learned and best practices to the leaders and operators of the nation’s Emergency Services Sector (ESS).


The EMR-ISAC primarily aims to assist firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, law enforcers, emergency managers, 9-1-1 operators, and related disciplines in making informed decisions regarding survivability and continuity of operations in an all-hazards environment. The intended outcome of the EMR-ISAC efforts is to improve the capabilities of emergency departments and agencies to perform their mission-essential tasks before, during, and after an all-hazards event.


In addition to “For Official Use Only” documents for vetted/validated personnel, the EMR-ISAC also disseminates weekly non-sensitive INFOGRAMs for a wider ESS audience. The free services of the EMR-ISAC specifically support Department of Homeland Security initiatives to share information among federal, state, local, tribal, territorial public and private departments, agencies, and organizations. Recently, the EMR-ISAC established a community of interest (COI) on the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) to facilitate the sharing of FOUO information with the vetted, incumbent ESS leadership. The COI includes announcements, alerts, advisories, updated products, news feeds, and other useful links.

For more information see their website at: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/emr-isac, or contact them at: emr-isac@dhs.gov; 301-447-1325.

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About: EMR-ISAC

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DHS IP Releases Infrastructure Taxonomy Version 4

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Infrastructure Protection (IP) has just announced release of Version 4 of its Infrastructure Taxonomy.  Read more.

Comment: Since its creation, DHS has struggled to align the various agencies it inherited and resulting divisions that were created when it came into existence following 911.  Nowhere is this more evident than in the various geospatial ("visualization") programs that populate the Department, with taxonomy being a perfect case in point.  While most parts of DHS break down geospatial information about infrastructure into 20+  basic categories (HSIP with slight variations by system) that were agreed to by the federal geospatial community - such as Agriculture, Energy, and Food Services, the Infrastructure Information Collection Division (IICD) has been using the approach outlined in the Infrastructure Taxonomy, an approach that owes its origins to standard industrial classifications.  Consequently, there are two very different approaches for visualizing infrastructure as promoted by the same federal Department.  However, as noted in the bulletin, look for IICD to transition away from the Infrastructure Taxonomy (industrial classifications) and toward the geospatial catalog approach in the next couple of years.  This will be done not only for intra-department standardization purposes, but because the Infrastructure Taxonomy approach simply doesn't provide the focused granularity that is required to keep up with DHS’s evolving geospatial capabilities.      

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DHS IP Releases Infrastructure Taxonomy Version 4

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DHS Launchs OneView - Prepares to Pull Plug on iCAV

On Wednesday, July 20th, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Geospatial Management Office (GMO), announced the official release of its next generation geospatial viewing platform, OneView.  According to the news release:

"OneView is now available to the Homeland Security community from the following URL: https://gii.dhs.gov/oneview. Users will still have access to iCAV for a limited period of time to allow them to transition to the new OneView capabil­ity, but in the near future, iCAV will be discontinued. The GMO will apprise the user community of final cutover dates for iCAV users."

In addition, the release noted that, "users will access OneView through the same HSIN credentials they use for iCAV."

Specifics of the platform were related as follows:

"OneView will continue to provide end users access to the same capabilities as iCAV with a richer inter­face for viewing maps of critical infrastructure, natural hazards data, and other user defined data sources as well as enhanced imagery, geocoding, and routing features."

Comment: Homeland Security Information System (HSIN) credentials are granted on an as needed basis through a variety of Communities of Interest, or COI's.  In most cases, state and local applications for access in Minnesota should be directed to the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM).  Alternately, it may be possible to gain access by contacting the HSIN help desk directly, at 1-866-430-0162 or HSIN-Helpdesk@dhs.gov and requesting access to a HSIN community of interest (Geospatial).

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White House Unveils National Strategy for Counterterrorism

President Obama’s National Strategy for Counterterrorism, which was presented today by John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. The strategy articulates the United States’ broad, sustained and integrated campaign against al-Qa’ida, its affiliates and its adherents, consistent with the President’s enduring commitment to protect the American people.

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White House Unveils National Strategy for Counterterrorism

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HSIP Gold/Freedom Feedback Session - Feedback Requested

In preparation for the upcoming 7-8 July 2011 Homeland Security Infrastructure Program (HSIP) Gold/Freedom Data Feedback Session the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation Level Data (HIFLD) Working Group is collecting feedback to better understand your HSIP Gold/Freedom data usage and requirements. To assist in the feedback process and ensure the success of HSIP, please provide feedback by visiting http://www.hifldwg.org/node/add/hsipfeedbacksessionquestionnaire or via email to the  HIFLD Support Staff (hifldwg@bah.com). The HIFLD Working Group would specifically like to understand:
                1. How do you use HSIP Gold/Freedom data to support your mission?
                2.  a. Which HSIP Gold/Freedom Data Layers do you use the most?
                     b. Which HSIP Gold/Freedom Data Layers do you use the least?
                3. What additional data, data attributes and /or data sources would you like to see in HSIP Gold/Freedom?
                4. What data are you currently purchasing to meet your mission?
                5. Do you currently use HSIP Gold provided symbology? If no, what symbology is used?
                6. How do you use HSIP Gold/Freedom in support of exercise/training (e.g. NLE 2011)?


If you would like to provide specific data layer HSIP feedback please utilize the HSIP Feedback Mechanism found on the HIFLDWG website (www.hifldwg.org). The Feedback Mechanism allows for specific types of feedback, including:
-          General Comment
-          Recommend New Data Layer
-          Recommend New Data Layer Attribute
-          General Data Layer Comment
-          Point/Line/Polygon Comment
-          Metadata Comment


As always the HIFLD Working Group and HSIP appreciates your support and dedication.  The updated July 2011 HIFLD WG Agenda is attached, for additional information the on the July HIFLD Working Group Meeting or HSIP please visit www.hifldwg.org or contact Casey Perry, Perry_Casey@bah.com, 703-377-9684

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HSIP Gold/Freedom Feedback Session - Feedback Requested

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2011 HSIP Freedom Information is Now Available

Courtsey of Kara Scott, GIS Specialist, Radiological Emergency Preparedness Division, FEMA Region V in Chicago, information on the 2011 HSIP Freedom data sets is now available using links along the right hand side bar.  Information provided includes instructions on how to receive a copy of the HSIP Freedom data sets for use at your unit of government.

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2011 HSIP Freedom Information is Now Available

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The National Terrorism Advisory System Q&A's

The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This new system will more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector.
It recognizes that Americans all share responsibility for the nation's security, and should always be aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attack in the United States and what they should do.
Q1 – What will happen to the color-coded advisory system?
A - The new National Terrorism Advisory System replaces the Homeland Security Advisory System that has been in place since 2002. The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, will include information specific to the particular credible threat, and will not use a color-coded scale.
Q2 – How does the new system work?
A – When there is credible information about a threat, an NTAS Alert will be shared with the American public. It may include specific information, if available, about the nature of the threat, including the geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, as well as steps that individuals and communities can take to protect themselves and help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat. The advisory will clearly indicate whether the threat is Elevated, if we have no specific information about the timing or location, or Imminent, if we believe the threat is impending or very soon.
Q3 – As a citizen, how will I find out that an NTAS Alert has been announced?
A – The Secretary of Homeland Security will announce the alerts publically. Alerts will simultaneously be posted at DHS.gov/alerts and released to the news media for distribution. The Department of Homeland Security will also distribute alerts across its social media channels, including the Department’s blog, Twitter stream, Facebook page, and RSS feed.
Q4 - What should Americans do when an NTAS Alert is announced?
A – The NTAS Alert informs the American public about credible terrorism threats, and encourages citizens to report suspicious activity. Where possible and applicable, NTAS Alerts will include steps that individuals and communities can take to protect themselves to help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat. Individuals should review the information contained in the alert, and based upon the circumstances, take the recommended precautionary or preparedness measures for themselves and their families.
Q5 – How should I report suspicious activity?
A – Citizens should report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement authorities. The "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign across the United States encourages all citizens to be vigilant for indicators of potential terrorist activity, and to follows NTAS Alert for information about threats in specific places or for individuals exhibiting certain types of suspicious activity.
Q6 - I get my news online, so how will I find out about an NTAS Alert?
A – Americans can go to DHS.gov/alerts to see the most recent advisories. Additionally, advisories will be sent out widely through social and mainstream media.
Q7 - How will NTAS Alerts be cancelled or updated?
A – The NTAS Alerts carry an expiration date and will be automatically cancelled on that date. If the threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an updated NTAS Alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an NTAS Alert, will be distributed the same way as the original alert.
Q8 - Do these alerts apply to Americans in other countries?
A –  NTAS Alerts  apply only to threats in the United  States and its possessions.  The Department of State issues security  advisory information for U.S.  citizens overseas or traveling in foreign countries.

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New Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) on National Preparedness

On March 30, 2011, President Barack Obama signed a new Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) on National Preparedness.  The Directive outlines the President’s vision for strengthening the security and resilience of the United States through systematic preparation for threats to the security of the Nation, including acts of terrorism, pandemics, significant accidents, and catastrophic natural disasters.  The Directive replaces Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8) (2003) and HSPD-8 Annex I (2007).  
 
The Directive emphasizes three national preparedness principles:
 
·        An all-of-Nation approach, aimed at enhancing integration of effort across Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial governments; closer collaboration with the private and non-profit sectors; and more engagement of individuals, families and communities;
·        A focus on capabilities, defined by specific and measurable objectives, as the cornerstone of preparedness.  This will enable more integrated, flexible, and agile “all hazards” efforts tailored to the unique circumstances of any given threat, hazard, or actual event; and
·        A focus on outcomes and rigorous assessment to measure and track progress in building and sustaining capabilities over time.
 
The Directive calls for the development of an overarching National Preparedness Goal that identifies the core capabilities necessary for preparedness, defined as a spectrum of five broad efforts:
 
·        Prevention – those capabilities necessary to avoid, prevent, or stop a threatened or actual act of terrorism;
·        Protection – those capabilities necessary to secure the homeland against acts of terrorism and manmade or natural disasters;
·        Mitigation – those capabilities necessary to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters;
·        Response – those capabilities necessary to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs after an incident has occurred; and
·        Recovery – those capabilities necessary to assist communities affected by an incident to recover effectively.
 
The Directive also calls for development of a National Preparedness System to guide activities that will enable the Nation to achieve the goal; a comprehensive campaign to build and sustain national preparedness; and an annual National Preparedness Report to measure progress in meeting the goal.  
 
This action recognizes that our national response to a wide range of events, from the 2009-H1N1 pandemic to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, has been strengthened by leveraging the expertise and resources that exist in our communities.  All of us can contribute to safeguard our Nation from harm, and we must continue to lean forward together to prepare for all hazards.
 
A copy of the PPD is posted to the DHS website at http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/laws/gc_1215444247124.shtm and is linked at FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/prepared/directives.shtm. 

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New Release Features - DHS First Responder Communities of Practice

As many of you are aware, DHS has been working hard to bring on line collaborative tools for the response community.  Here's an update on their efforts at the "DHS First Responder Communities of Practice".

"Dear Member,

Have you visited First Responder Communities of Practice lately (www.communities.firstresponder.gov)? We’ve just launched version 2.01 – visit the site to check out some of the latest features, many of which are a direct result of feedback provided by site members.

New features include:

• New Community Subscription Management Page: This feature enables users to manage subscriptions and notification preferences in all communities of which they are a member. Members can manage subscription to each community’s discussions, wiki, documents repository, blogs and the newly released community Wall. You can find the subscriptions under Quick Links on the site homepage or in the navigation under Communities > Manage Subscriptions.

• New Global Blog on the Main Homepage: You can now post blogs to the global blog, which appears on all members’ homepages.

• New Community Wall on Community Homepages: You can now post short messages on the homepage of a community for quick announcements, discussion, or questions.

• New Community Tag Clouds: Each community now offers a community tag cloud – making it easier for you to quickly discover each community’s most popular or latest content.

• Invitations: You can invite your colleagues to the site through the invitation module – this feature now has an increased character limit for personal messages. You also now have the ability to preview invitation email text before sending the invitation request.

• Member Directory: You can now quickly find your connections within the Member Directory - connections are now denoted with an icon for simple discovery.

• Inbox : You can send and receive emails via the site’s email module. The new release now allows you to send an email to 25 individuals at once.

• Discussion Board: The new release offers enhancements within discussion boards in each community, including informative tooltips and additional information added to notification emails.

For any questions or to discuss the existing or latest features, please log into First Responder Communities of Practice and post to the User Forum. Thank you for your continued support of the site. Your participation is crucial in establishing the site as a useful resource for the first responder community!"

First Responder Communities of Practice
https://communities.firstresponder.gov

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