Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service combines GIS with workload modelling and risk analysis

The package of software and services includes Cadcorp SIS Desktop, Cadcorp Workload Modeller, Cadcorp Risk Modeller, and a series of online training courses.

SFRS selected Cadcorp as they required a supplier that could integrate GIS and Ordnance Survey data with specialist fire service analysis software. Combining mainstream geospatial analysis with workload and risk modelling allows the fire service to significantly extend their in-house capability.

Workload Modeller is being specifically implemented to assist SFRS in meeting their annual degradation plan. This will involve running a series of models to ensure that appliances are situated where needed and crewed at the right times. The resource sets are then adjusted to analyse the impact of a reduction in the number of available appliances.

Risk Modeller will allow SFRS to analyse risk throughout the county. Combining a range of data, including incidents and demographics, the fire service will create risk maps to support a targeted response from the Performance and Assurance teams. The risk maps will be developed further as additional data becomes available.

The capability of the software to connect to a wide range of data sources provides a significant benefit to the fire service. In addition to Ordnance Survey data, SFRS are loading a range of business overlays directly into SIS Desktop from Microsoft SQL Server, allowing spatial queries and thematic maps to automatically update.

David Askey, Risk Planning Analyst at SFRS commented: “Cadcorp offers an integrated system to aggregate and analyse data. SIS Desktop, combined with Workload Modeller and Risk Modeller is a package that is intuitive to use and is an excellent fit with our requirements.”

GIS is used extensively by emergency services for protection and prevention and response.

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