Prince Edward Island Ground Search and Rescue Inc/ Recherche et sauvetage au sol de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard inc.

Purpose

This project is about enhancing the use of GIS in search and rescue so as to improve final outcomes, improving interoperability between resources and among jurisdictions as well as streamlining record keeping and reporting. Currently, many GSAR teams are using freeware (e.g. OziExplorer, Avenza) that is not compatible with other jurisdictions and does not take advantage of many modern tools, such as mobile technologies. GSAR teams often do not have the technical knowledge, time, funds or skill to adapt these technologies to their situations. This project will build on the initial work that GSAR teams in Newfoundland have done to roll-out GIS for ground search and rescue. It aims to further the application of GIS through the use of web GIS tools and cellular technologies to improve search and rescue outcomes. This project will use ESRI Canada's ArcGIC platform, the MapSAR plug-in for ArcGIS, the integrated MapSAR functionality in D4H, and available web GIS apps and will be able to integrate with the Motorola radio system used by PEI GSAR.