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Client:   Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM)

The use of mapping systems and products to support emergency management has increased rapidly over the last few years. Invariably, a range of cartographic styles and standards are used to represent features relevant to emergency managers.

Understanding maps becomes increasingly difficult if symbology varies with each application and the response time of an emergency service may increase as a result. The Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) recognised the need to develop a nationally consistent approach to emergency management symbology and engaged Spatial Vision to facilitate a process to develop a nationally consistent Incident Management System symbology catalogue.

The project was sponsored by the ICSM and ANZLIC and was supported by the Emergency Management Spatial Information Network Australia (EMSINA). In undertaking the project, Spatial Vision conducted a national audit to define the major categories of incident management mapping symbols used and required by the EM community. Spatial Vision also ran a national series of workshops to review the incident management symbology and identify the current use of all hazards symbols.

Spatial Vision recommended a catalogue structure for symbols and appropriate governance and custodianship arrangements. In addition, Spatial Vision recommended a draft set of All Hazards symbols and their definitions.
At the 2007 Victorian Spatial Excellence Awards, Spatial Vision, in conjunction with the Inter-Governmental Committee for Spatial Management, won the Spatial Strategy Category.

The Judges said:

“This project addressed a critical strategic issue in Australia’s information management standards for emergency management. It was an outstanding example of close collaboration between the participants - ICSM, ANZLIC, EMSINA, EMA, Department of Defence, Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia, NZ Fire Services, Australian Local Government Association, NSW Symbology Working Group.”

“Spatial Vision applied a consultative approach and has created an enduring framework with potential for implementation throughout Australia. The potential contribution to more effective management of natural hazards will be of great economic and social value.”

For further information about the project, refer to www.icsm.gov.au/icsm/all-hazards

Demonstrated Capabilities

• Understanding of the Emergency Management sector
• Engaging consultation processes
• High quality report writing and presentation
• Working in collaboration with client

Resources

Graeme Martin and Michael Black undertook the consultancy for Spatial Vision.