By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great local journalism.
National award goes to local GIS program
Placeholder Image
Forsyth County News
Efficiency has brought national recognition to Forsyth County’s geographic information systems department.

The GIS Mobile Emergency Response System was one of eight named a “Most Efficient Use of Technology” winner in the first Emergency Management Digital Distinction Awards.

The honors were presented by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government and Emergency Management magazine.

According to a news release from the county, the system uses templates for map and report making, provides extensive base data and integrates models that allow for “what if” analysis in the field.

Forsyth County Fire Chief Danny Bowman said the system allows firefighters to “have crucial data available during large-scale incidents that allow them to work more efficiently and safely.”

“Beyond the safety factor, GIS data is used to coordinate resources and prepare operations in a manner that is cost effective,” said Bowman, who also heads the local Emergency Management Agency.

The system was designed to enhance the county’s preparedness, response and recovery during emergencies.

It serves as a support function for the county’s emergency operations center and can be used in the field to provide support to first responders.

This is the second award the system has received.

It was one of two international award winners in the single-process systems category in the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association
2009 Exemplary Systems in Government Awards.