A software solution for Disaster Coordination Centres, providing electronic management of information received and dispersed during a disaster operation, has been developed by Phill Glindemann and Chris Madsen, formerly from Whitsunday Shire Council.
The multi-user program automatically produces reports collating data and statistics as well as maps with icons showing where resources are actively deployed. Modules available through the program include reports on road closures, welfare centres, resource tracking, costing of resources and requests for assistance.
Used by Council staff and emergency personnel during a disaster management operation, the powerful
multi-user database tracks, enhances and distributes tasks.
Telephone operators take calls for assistance and complete ‘Initial Notification’ forms. These details are logged into the database and trained officers then allocate tasks to appropriate agencies such as police, fire, SES, ambulance, Council, Red Cross and so forth.
Once a job is completed, a task sheet is signed and returned to the original logger.
The program has a number of benefits including:
- reducing errors by grouping
tasks by addresses and
linking them to Council
rates data - providing necessary data for
those who need it quickly - automatic production of
reports, statistics and
maps.
“After leaving Council, we have now formed a company, QIT Plus Pty Ltd, and further developed the solution which is now named ‘Guardian’,” said Chris Madsen. “Guardian incorporates its own Mapping Viewer and Land Address modules for conversion of data to Australian Standards. The program is operational with our host site in Queensland at Whitsunday Shire Council and it has also been purchased by Darwin City Council.
“We will be undergoing trials in Queensland at Cardwell and the Atherton Tablelands in the near future.”
To ensure continuity of support and development for Guardian throughout Australia, QIT Plus has formed a partnership with a Melbourne software company, AusSoft Solutions Pty Ltd.
“AusSoft Solutions has 32 staff and this provides a more flexible and indepth approach to maintaining the software throughout Australia, with all the benefits of a software company established for 35 years,” Chris Madsen said. “We will also be presenting our software and holding a half day workshop at the 14th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Conference in Darwin on 29 September to 3 October 2008.”
For further information on Guardian contact Chris Madsen on (07) 4947 1520 or visit www.qitplus.com.au
