ArcPad applet uses the official green form data fields and automatically updates map when synchronized. drainages, etc.—anywhere someone could possibly hide to escape the inferno. Occasionally, the form was incomplete or inaccurate, and the property would have to be searched again. The final task required that a green tag be placed in plain view, indicating the property had been thoroughly searched, or a red tag if possible remains were discovered. Disaster victim identification teams would confirm if the remains were human or animal. Team members used GPS and NAVTEQ street map data extensively for navigating to assignments. They used Ricoh GPS-enabled digital cameras to record findings and document photos. Each night a person from the Rescue Coordination Center would drive the 150-kilometer roundtrip to the incident command post in Kinglake to retrieve all the forms and swap the secure digital storage cards in each camera. Information was manually typed into the database from the forms; updated tactical maps showed which areas had been adequately searched. It took a couple of days for Maptel to develop a completely new ArcPad 8 applet that was password protected and reflected the additional search criteria ordered by the coroner. Officers trained in its use conducted field tests in parallel with the ongoing “analog search.” The officers commented favorably on how much time the ArcPad applet saved them; by just tapping on the screen, they could select items from the drop-down menus. These were some of the same team leaders who had previously used paper forms and had limited or no prior GIS experience. They were extremely pleased to see the green- or yellow-colored indicators that had identical information as the paper forms. The built-in GPS would place them in the correct parcel, and the applet would not allow them to advance to the next screen unless all the required information had been entered, thereby ensuring complete and accurate information was recorded. The officers quickly adapted to this new technology, and even the ones who were reluctant to learn a new way to collect the data admitted it was much faster getting updated tactical maps once ArcPad was deployed. There were no more 48-hour delays or duplication to determine where to look next. The reports were accurate with no omissions, and there was no need to go back to the same property to look again. The collected information was easily integrated into the existing VicPol Web mapping site via a Web Map Server feed as soon as the mobile devices synchronized with ArcGIS Server in the Rescue Coordination Center through the Telstra 3G cellular network. Any authorized search manager could instantly tell by a quick glance which areas were cleared and where to concentrate resources for the next shift. By the time Operation Royals came to an end, the teams used ArcPad exclusively to document the search progress. Sergeant Greg Barras, situation unit leader, states, “By the time we developed the handheld mobile solution, QA’d the process, and trained our operators, we achieved the following: there were 5,781 total properties searched; 3,352 separate location searches conducted on buildings, sheds, vehicles, and water tanks; 9,600 photos taken using georeferenced cameras; and 1,539 records collected using ArcPad 8 and transmitted via the 3G cellular network to the server at the Rescue Coordination Center without any issues. I would argue that to acquire equipment, develop a system and process, get approval, train operatives, and successfully collect real-time data in less than three weeks is a mighty effort. Especially since we have not been able to achieve this over the last eight years for a raft of different reasons.” More Information For more information, contact acting sergeant Greg Barras, Victoria Police (e-mail: gregory. barras@police.vic.gov.au). It’s not just a picture. It’s a reservoir of data. Lat: 36° 00’ 56’ N ’ Long: 144° 44’ 17’ W ’ Elev: 1221 chemicals and asbestos. The mandate required the team to inspect each driveway, extending to 50 meters on either side, from the road to the house and 50 meters surrounding the residence and outbuildings. Removal of all fallen materials, including corrugated tin roofing, often necessitated the use of mechanical excavators to enable a comprehensive visual search of the ground for human remains. Before the teams began using ArcPad, the team leader would certify that the property had been properly cleared by filling out a paper form that was color coded: green for residences and yellow for outbuildings, vehicles, tanks, mine shafts, 01. 10.09 Resolution: .50m Our expert services capture and deliver the most image data. From the Hoover Dam to any global location you desire, GeoEye’s comprehensive image products and services empower you with accurate, timely and accessible location intelligence. Our trusted imagery experts enhance rich satellite data using services like feature extraction and image classification, and use our reserve of archived images for detecting changes. Everything you need to give you the most image intelligence possible. Image services you can trust. But more importantly, act on. All from GeoEye. Image intelligence. Delivered intelligently. www.geoeye.com / s v c