"Mapping Files" is used to create mapping files to plot locations using Microsoft Streets & Trips or Microsoft MapPoint software. Unlike other reports produced in the GIS Analyzer, Mapping Files does not require locations to be geocoded before running a map report.
After selecting records in Incidents, Apparatus, Responders, Patients or Members, press the "Report" button to enter the Report area. In the upper right click on the "GIS Analyzer" button.
Press the "Plot Individual Record Locations" button.
Select the field contents of the mapping files and then select how you wish to segregate map files. For example, you can segregate map exports by Incident Type (fire, EMS or other), by hour, by response time minute, etc. After fields and files are selected mapping files will be automatically exported into a "Map" folder. The path to the Map folder is stored in NFIRS 5 Alive and does not need to be selected when mapping files are created.
After exporting start your mapping program. Microsoft Streets & Trips is inexpensive and provides good "push-pin" locations for incidents. If you wish to do more in-depth analysis using Census data consider Microsoft MapPoint software. "Mapping Files" is not restricted to Microsoft mapping products. It is flexible enough to work with many GIS software packages.
Once you open your mapping software package, simply import data through the "Import Data Wizard...".
The final step is to assign specific "push-pin" colors and styles to each map file import. For example, you can import the fire data file and use a red push-pin color, blue for EMS and black for other as illustrated above.
Most mapping programs are hierarchical allowing you to zoom in and out. Remember you can copy the map and paste it into reports as required.
All mapping files are exported into the Map folder. If you don't know where it is, simple check for the location under the "Mapping" tab in the Operations window.
To open each of the files start your mapping software application. Under the Data file menu select the Data Import Wizard.
Import each file. A separate set of map points will be created for each import. Finally, select a unique color or "push-pin" style for each set of points.
When using "Mapping Files" remember not all locations will plot. Our experience is between 70% - 85% of the addresses in each map file will be recognized by the mapping software you select, however, your results may vary.
In general street addresses with street numbers and accurately spelled street names and zip codes will load with the highest degree of accuracy. "Descriptions" such as "Approx. 3 Miles North of Exit 20 on I70" will seldom load accurately. Street intersection descriptions may also be problematic.