ARCGIS Workforce Fire Hydrant Inspection
Web and Mobile App Creation
Introduction
This project is created in a need to solve the issue of disconnection between workers and dispatcher during fire hydrant inspection. It also solves the issue of reporting and data aggregation simultaneously.
Project Overview: Fire hydrant inspection is a crucial aspect of urban safety and emergency response preparedness. This project seeks to underscore the critical importance of routine fire hydrant inspection and maintenance in our community. By ensuring the optimal functionality of fire hydrants, we contribute to public safety, protect property, and enhance the efficiency of our firefighting efforts.
Objective: The primary objective of this project is to emphasize the necessity of regular fire hydrant inspections for the following reasons:
1. Public Safety: Fire hydrants are a lifeline in times of fire emergencies. They provide firefighters with immediate access to water, enabling them to combat fires effectively and swiftly. Neglecting their maintenance can lead to hydrants that don't work when needed, putting lives and property at risk.
2. Firefighting Efficiency: Well-maintained fire hydrants ensure that firefighters have a reliable water source. This reduces response time, the spread of fires, and the resources required to combat them. Inadequate maintenance can result in longer response times and complications during firefighting operations.
3. Property Protection: Functional fire hydrants are essential for safeguarding property. In the event of a fire, having readily available water sources can prevent the escalation of fires, minimizing damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
4. Insurance Premiums: Many insurance companies consider the proximity and condition of fire hydrants when setting premiums. Proper maintenance can help homeowners and businesses secure lower insurance rates, thus reducing financial burdens.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Municipalities and jurisdictions often have regulations and codes that require regular fire hydrant inspection and maintenance. Failure to comply can lead to legal issues and liabilities.
6. Water Conservation: Regular inspections help identify and repair leaks or other issues, preventing water wastage and contributing to sustainability efforts.
Methodology: This project will involve collaboration with local fire departments, municipal authorities, and utilities responsible for hydrant maintenance. We will conduct inspections, collect data on the condition of hydrants, and create a database for ongoing monitoring and maintenance scheduling.
Creating Project in ArcGIS Workforce
STEP 1. Customizing the Mobile Worker and Dispatcher Section
Placing the title of my project
Click the " ASSIGNMENT TYPES" tab
Type Mobile Worker and then press the ICON TYPE
In the user section " Select the person who will be the mobile worker and who will be the dispatcher "
Step 2: Adding and configuring the map layer in the Dispatcher Map
In the overview section choose the Dispatcher Map
In the dispatcher map and contents: You can see that the workers and assignment section
1st option: This could be done through adding layer from file like CSV
2nd option: This could be done through adding layer from web by uploading the file in google drive and pasting the link
3rd Option: Saving your geodatabase in your computer and Uploading the geodatabase in ArcGis Pro. From catalog pane you will drag it in the contents pane
Map will start to populate
Click share and choose web map: Make sure to fill the name , tags section, then share it with the specific organization.
Click analyze and Make sure to correct all the errors by right clicking it
Click the share
Once successful click the my content and you will see the map we just had created. Click the ADD TO MAP
Once added a negative sign should be seen in the my content section. We have to click the CONFIGURE POP UP
and make sure that the HYDRANT ID or HYDRANT NUMBER is placed in POP UP TITLE
Select the DETAILS TAB in click the more details
Step 3: Configuring the Application Settings
Go to the OVERVIEW and select the settings tab
Enable the BY LAYER
Add layer and select map and the workers
we can see in here the number of people I have added as a worker for the fire hydrant inspection
Step 4: Creating Assignment
I assigned a mobile worker by clicking the hydrant first then placed the priority level, due date, time, and description. I also attached a photo of where can they find the hydrant as their guide.
Once assigned it show the priority level, days remaining to complete the project and the status of the worker. You will also noticed that one of them has no LETTERS BESIDE IT. It means the worker has not been assigned.
In assigning workers choose the Word UNASSIGNED and select the worker you would like assign for the inspection
in the assignee tab. You will see the number of assigned job for each worker
A green color status means the worker is online and working. An orange means the worker is on break.
Once the job is done. The green mark on the map will be seen
On the mobile app for the worker- He/ she can see a start button, the Hydrant ID number, description, priority level, due date, assigned by.
Once the mobile worker pressed the start a green mark will be seen beside the worker. A message is also seen beside the workers icon on the dispatcher app for his/ her reply or notes after the inspection.
Benefits: The benefits of this project are numerous:
- Enhanced Public Safety: Immediate access to functioning hydrants in emergency situations.
- Faster Response Times: Decreasing the spread and intensity of fires.
- Property Preservation: Reduced damage to homes and businesses.
- Cost Savings: Lower insurance premiums for individuals and businesses.
- Regulatory Compliance: Avoiding legal issues and penalties.
- Water Conservation: Preventing leaks and water wastage.
Summary
- What kinds of data are captured and what techniques and tools are used to capture it?
WHO? | WHAT? |
|---|---|
As a dispatcher | Using ArcGIS Workforce web app ,the data I am capturing are the following - Name of the worker - Status of the worker whether he is absent/ on break/working - Location and ID number of Fire Hydrant - Status of the Fire Hydrant being inspected - Days or hours remaining for the fire hydrant completion - Priority level per hydrant being inspected - On the assignee tab , I am able to see the number of fire hydrants being assigned for each inspector, and the name list of my workers or fire hydrant inspectors |
As a mobile worker | Using ArcGIS Workforce mobile, the data I am capturing are the following: - Location and ID number of Fire Hydrant - Description of the hydrant I am trying to inspect - Priority Level of my Fire Hydrant - Due Date of the Fire Hydrant Inspection -Assigned by or dispatcher’s name |
2. How did you stored and managed the collected data – including rough database structures?
- The ArcGIS Workforce seamless integrates with the ArcGIS ecosystem, allowing me to store and manage collected data in various ways. The geodatabase that was stored in Nova Scotia Data System were accessed or downloaded then I stored it on my drive C. From there, I loaded it on my ArcGIS Pro to populate my map.
- Through the ArcGIS Workforce web and mobile app, I can capture real time data and making it instantly available for analysis and reporting.
3. How will you present the data in a way that is effective at conveying the information you have captured?
- I firstly presented my data points accessed/downloaded through ArcGIS Pro using web map sharing that is being integrated in the ArcGIS Workforce Web app.
- Secondly, I customized the Fire Hydrant Inspection through ArcGIS Workforce Web app so it can seamlessly work together with the mobile app while the MOBILE or FIRE HYDRANT INSPECTOR is working. I made sure that the data being accessed by the worker in the field is matched and related to the what the mobile workers needed.
4. How will the project be managed and what would be the example team structure would look like?
Who? | How? |
|---|---|
Project Manager | Responsible for project planning, scheduling, and allocation of field tasks. |
Field Workers | Those collecting data in the field using mobile devices. |
Dispatchers | Supervise and monitors the field workers and each fire hydrants inspection status. |
GIS Analysts | Responsible for data analysis, map creation, and maintaining the geodatabase. |
IT Support | Ensure the system's functionality, troubleshoot technical issues, and manage access and permissions. |
Conclusion:
Regular fire hydrant inspection is not only a matter of safety but also a responsible approach to protecting our community. This project aims to raise awareness about the significance of this often-overlooked aspect of urban infrastructure, contributing to the overall resilience of our city and the well-being of its residents.
It is easy to get confuse as well on who ,where and what to inspect. But through this configured app, the dispatcher can seamlessly see, be notified, and analyzed all FIRE HYDRANTS inspection variables. If the inspection is not done then the dispatcher would know. It works well in proper documentation and communication for both the workers and dispatcher
5. How will the project be managed and what would be the example team structure would look like?
Concerns/What? | How? |
|---|---|
Data Privacy | Comply with data privacy regulations and ensure that personally identifiable information (PII) is handled securely. |
Data Security | Implement robust security measures to protect data during collection, storage, and transfer. |
Consent and Permissions | Clearly define data collection permissions and consent processes for individuals whose data is being collected. |
Ethical Considerations | Develop and adhere to an ethical data collection and usage policy, respecting individuals' rights and minimizing potential biases |
Legal Compliance | Ensure that your project complies with local, national, and international laws and regulations regarding data collection, privacy, and related concerns. |
References:
HRM FIRE PROTECTION AREA RATES
HRM WATER HYDRANT or FIRE HYDRANT OPEN DATA
