Frisco, Texas, has successfully expanded its indoor mapping system from emergency response to daily operations, showcasing a model that could transform facility management across the nation.
What Happened
Frisco initially deployed its indoor mapping system, known as SAFER, in 2008 to enhance emergency response capabilities in schools by providing detailed floor plans and live camera feeds. This system, running on Esri’s ArcGIS platform, now covers over 200 facilities, including hospitals, the Dallas Cowboys headquarters, shopping centers, and event venues. By integrating more than 30 disparate data systems into a singular geospatial view, Frisco’s IT team has enabled emergency dispatchers and control staff to access critical information like room layouts, hazardous material locations, roof access points, and building contact lists efficiently.
Beyond emergency response, Frisco has extended the platform to support building maintenance and asset tracking. Facilities staff utilize the system to map the locations of automated external defibrillators, ensuring easy access during refresh cycles. The GIS technology is also applied to stormwater management, sewer networks, tree inventories, and public work orders linked to specific assets. Although the facilities department is transitioning its management system, the platform already tracks essential infrastructure like electrical panels, water shut-offs, and alarm systems. Susan Benedicto, Assistant Director of Information Technology for Geospatial Solutions, emphasized the importance of collaboration with building officials, fire departments, and school district project managers to prevent data silos and maintain consistent updates.
What This Means for Your Business
For AECM professionals, Frisco’s approach offers a blueprint for leveraging existing emergency planning infrastructure to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency across various departments. The integration of GIS technology into daily operations can streamline maintenance workflows, enhance asset tracking, and improve response times. This could translate into significant cost savings and a better return on investment for municipalities and facility managers. Moreover, the success of Frisco’s system underscores the potential for similar applications in private sector facility management, potentially opening new avenues for contractors and technology providers specializing in GIS and digital mapping solutions.
What US Operators Should Watch
Operators should monitor developments in digital mapping and GIS technology integration closely, as these tools gain traction beyond emergency response. Keeping an eye on federal funding opportunities for smart city initiatives and infrastructure upgrades could provide financial support for implementing similar systems. Additionally, tracking advancements in software platforms like Esri’s ArcGIS and their applications in facility management will be crucial for staying competitive. As more municipalities and private sectors adopt these technologies, the demand for skilled professionals and compliant solutions will likely increase.
Source: https://propmodo.com/indoor-digital-mapping-expands-from-emergency-response-to-daily-operations/
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