All phases of emergency management depend on data from a variety of sources. The appropriate data has to be gathered, organized, and displayed logically to determine the size and scope of emergency planning and response. During an actual emergency it is critical to have the right data at the right time displayed logically to respond and take appropriate action. By utilizing a GIS, all departments can share information through databases on computer-generated maps. Without this capability, emergency workers must gain access to a number of department managers, their unique maps, and their unique data. Time is of the essence - most emergencies don't allow time to gather these resources. GIS provides a mechanism to centralize and visually display critical information during an emergency.

Combining GIS data with plume modeling software, areas of concern could be developed and evacuation plans created.

As the Logan County GIS system matures new capabilities will be developed to serve our County's first responders and protect the public that they serve.