TABLE OF CONTENTS Judith Woodhall, COMCARE, USA
Copyright 2007, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited.
This chapter discusses how the need for geospatially-enabled data messaging among emergency response agencies can be enabled with the Emergency Provider Access Directory (EPAD). It describes the directory, how it enables message routing, and its fit into a broader E-Safety Network. It also discusses the architectural components of the EPAD, specifically the geographic information system (GIS) module, and how Web services and open source products were used in the design to enhance the EPAD service offering, an offering that has the potential to bring emergency agencies one step closer to realizing interagency interoperability for advanced response to emergency events.
In an era when technology can bring news, current events, and entertainment to the farthest reaches of the world, many emergency response agencies cannot share data with one another, even if they are in the same jurisdiction. Yet, emergencies demand real-time data. Most of today's efforts to improve interoperability have been focused on wireless voice communications. Led by state and local public safety experts and supported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),...
