Case Study | Search Appliance (GSA)

Google Maps and Earth help transform Israeli firefighting service

About the Israeli National Fire Fighting and Rescue Authority • Established February 2013 • The result of a merger of 24 independent authorities • As of 2011, there were a total of 1,900 firefighters, engineers and administrative workers in the fire and rescue services

Objectives • Provide firefighters with vital information in real time • Improve response times and effectiveness in the field • Centralize information provision Background Approach • Use as the main GIS facility In December 2010, a huge fire in Northern Israel’s Carmel Mountains to give information about location, terrain, killed 44 people including three firemen. In the aftermath, the Israeli crew position and other key data Government realized it needed to change the existing fire service and • Deploy to guide crews to emergencies quickly, effectively and safely invest. The Israeli National Fire Fighting and Rescue Authority was formed in 2013, merging together 24 local independent fire services. Results The government also created an IT team to improve technical service, • Service is coordinated and comprehensive capabilities and IT professionalism. • Mapping information is available faster than ever before For over a year, Google Maps and Earth for Business have been part • Fires and emergencies dealt with as rapidly of the new infrastructure, playing a vital role within a comprehensive, as possible responsive fire service that acts swiftly and decisively. • Google helps lay foundations for the future

“[Google] was faster than any other tool and speed is of the essence for us. It offered a 3D experience, vital for our Operations Unit to really get a feel for an impacted area. And lastly, it was very user friendly.” — Guy Hasson, Chief Information Officer

Why Google Maps and Earth? According to Guy Hasson, Chief Information Officer, there were three main reasons for picking Google. “It was faster than any other tool and speed is of the essence for us. It offered a 3D experience, vital for our Operations Unit to really get a feel for an impacted area. And lastly, it was very user friendly.”

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From development and licensing through to user training, the IT team “The fire service in Israel has was closely supported by GoGIS Ltd., the local Google GEO for Business changed beyond recognition. Premier Partner. Software development and integration was undertaken It has been transformed into by the firm Taldor Ltd. a coordinated, comprehensive Today, the Operations Unit uses Google Earth and the Fire Prevention service harnessing the very Unit works with Google Maps and GoGIS Ltd. continuing to provide latest technology to help fire comprehensive guidance and support to the Authority’s IT Department. crews be effective.” Google Earth and real-time information — Guy Hasson, Chief Information Officer Google Earth is the main geographic information system (GIS) used by the Authority. It allows call centres to look at a map and see, in real time, specific and critical details about a fire and the immediate surrounding area. Call centre operatives identify which fire trucks are nearest to the fire and give them essential data so they can deploy the most suitable team.

Google Maps and rapid response Using Google Maps, call centre operatives guide fire trucks along the fastest, best route. All trucks have GPS, allowing operatives to track their location and progress. The Fire Prevention Unit can also inform fire teams about the terrain and guide them to the nearest water hydrants. As Guy explains, “This is data they need to know immediately they arrive on scene so providing it in advance is a huge benefit.” A big impact Google Maps and Earth have had a noticeable impact on the ability to deal with fires and emergencies. Real-time information saves precious minutes, allows the most appropriate team to take on the job and improves their capabilities in the field. Investment in technology is an essential part of future strategy. The plan is to make Google Maps and Earth available to firefighters using touch screens and giving them direct access to real-time information. A scheme to log critical information about areas and buildings across Israel is also currently underway, gathering data like building height, exit points and proximity to water hydrants. Google Maps for Business allows you to bring data to life by showing As Guy says, “Computers may not enable a fireman to control a fire it on a map. Contextual insights can but the information we provide is essential in helping them deal with an be shared with people inside and outside emergency situation.” of your organization, across a variety of devices such as tablets and smartphones. By embedding maps in your website and applications, you can also create a visually rich experience that engages your users, encouraging a higher level of interaction. Whenever you have data that has a geographic reference such as an address or lat/long coordinates, it’s an opportunity to provide a more engaging experience through a map.

For more information visit: google.com/enterprise/mapsearth/ products/mapsengine.html © 2014 Google Inc. All rights reserved. Google and the Google logo are trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.