Using iPad mobile devices, emergency preparedness officials and first responders participating in FEMA’s National Level Exercise 2011 (NLE-11) were able to make use of a new, science-based software tool that allows them to view and modify accurate models of building damage and other post-event disaster effects. The Standard Unified Modeling, Mapping and Integration Toolkit (SUMMIT) visualizes an integrated “story” that can be made available for all players in a master control cell. NLE-11 simulated a catastrophic earthquake where first responders in Jonesboro, AR, used iPads with the SUMMIT software so that those in a central command post in a Washington, DC, could see the visualization of it on large screens. Through various models and calculations, this software inputs details on buildings and infrastructure, casualties and other key pieces of information. The 3-D view of damage will help a range of emergency preparedness professionals tap into existing models to ensure consistency, accuracy and robustness when exercise scenarios are developed and played out. The Sandia National Laboratories developed this tool with funding and direction from DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and support from FEMA’s National Exercise and Simulation Center.
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
New Tool Allows First Responders to Visualize Post-event Disaster Environments
Using iPad mobile devices, emergency preparedness officials and first responders participating in FEMA’s National Level Exercise 2011 (NLE-11) were able to make use of a new, science-based software tool that allows them to view and modify accurate models of building damage and other post-event disaster effects. The Standard Unified Modeling, Mapping and Integration Toolkit (SUMMIT) visualizes an integrated “story” that can be made available for all players in a master control cell. NLE-11 simulated a catastrophic earthquake where first responders in Jonesboro, AR, used iPads with the SUMMIT software so that those in a central command post in a Washington, DC, could see the visualization of it on large screens. Through various models and calculations, this software inputs details on buildings and infrastructure, casualties and other key pieces of information. The 3-D view of damage will help a range of emergency preparedness professionals tap into existing models to ensure consistency, accuracy and robustness when exercise scenarios are developed and played out. The Sandia National Laboratories developed this tool with funding and direction from DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and support from FEMA’s National Exercise and Simulation Center.