Integration of Mobile Technologies into Fire and Aviation Management Esther Godson Subject Matter Expert Mobile Technologies Integration for Fire and Aviation Management Project (USFS)
Presentation Roadmap 1. Overview of mobile technologies 2. Mobile Technology Integration for Fire and Aviation Management Project 3. Current devices and applications in the fire/aviation environment 4. Integration issues 5. Pending projects and future direction
Security (data and device) Multiple Fire Mgmt. Stakeholders Multiple devices Applications (Internal/External) Multiple Federal agencies Device and application support Duplicative information and systems Application issues (upkeep) Data quality control
Benefits of Mobile Technologies Fire and Aviation Management Connectedness Increased safety More informed decisions based on current conditions Increased information transfer Real time data transfer Weather updates Geospatial information Photos
Mobile Technologies Integration for Fire and Aviation Management MTIFAM Project Officially chartered in August 2011 Meet demands for real time information and supporting technologies USFS and DOI team effort, working in parallel Project members Fire and Aviation Managers Missoula Technology and Development Center Rocky Mtn. Research Station - Wildland Fire Research, Development & Application Group USFS Chief Information Office FAM-IT (Information Technology)
MTIFAM Project Goals Project Phases: Smart phone/mobile device functionality, supportability in wildland fire operations Recommendations to USFS CIO for future investment decisions/plans Assess value of applications, define best practices and implementation methods Identify training opportunities and interagency support
Phase 1 FAM ipad Pilot Mid-August to mid-january Test group Fire Research Development & Application Operational Aviation Fire Management Preliminary results Mobile benefits (email, schedules) Quick start-up Lack of common programs (e.g. Flash Player) Cumbersome word processing
Common Devices MTIFAM/CIO officially tested ipad Agency issued: Blackberry iphone, ipad pending release Survey of operational firefighters Personal devices: iphone (slightly more than Androids) Android model smartphones Blackberry ipad Trimble Toughbooks Most use smartphones
Common Applications Geospatial/Mapping Applications Word Processing/Documentation Productivity Real time data Collaboration tools Specific Fire and Aviation Functional Applications Camera, video, GPS
Further research and attention Devices Different operating systems and models Ruggedness/functionality (typical fire environment) Security Increased support structure and needed corporate knowledge Acquisition and data billing Applications Security Duplication of agency specific applications Data quality Costs and procurement process
Continued Applications Agency/Non-agency cross over Development and upkeep Internal External Data flow (transfer on incidents) Data storage Data integration Emphasis on integration into the corporate system Data quality and standardization Safety implications of inaccurate data
Future Direction Mobile application governance Coordinate with fellow agencies Support structure to provide assistance for mobile technologies Multiple operating systems and applications
Continued Capture innovation Dynamic technology environment Encourage cross department and agency coordination Data interoperability
In development Focus on mobile technologies SEND (Satellite Emergency Notification Device) testing (e.g. GPS Spot Messenger, Delorme InReach, etc.) Iridium Extreme Satellite Phone Mobile Technology Collaboration Platform Open to fire agencies to share lessons learned Web forums on emerging technologies Community rated application repository
Summary USFS MTIFAM recommendations for a Federal Mobile Strategy MTIFAM (USFS/DOI FAM) s approach Developing disciplined testing methodology for devices and applications and implementation plans Integrating technologies safely and in a scalable, easily updated structure Outreaching to all fire stakeholders (agency/non-agency, academia) Increasing information transfer (field and private innovation) Creating Interagency Formal Test and Evaluation Group for emerging technologies
Questions/Comments? Special thanks to the Fire Learning Network Mary Huffman and Liz Rank with The Nature Conservancy Contact information: Esther Godson (egodson@fs.fed.us) Laura Hill (llhill@fs.fed.us) Andy Trent (atrent@fs.fed.us)