WTI

Redding District Incident Management Responder Study

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Redding Responder Phase I Final Report
   1. Douglas Galarus
   2. 425079_Redding_Final_Report.pdf
2. Phase 1 Final Report Executive Summary
   1. Douglas Galarus
   2. 425079_Redding_Final_Report_ES.pdf

Project Objective

Develop and implement an at-scene data collection system for Caltrans District 2.

Project Abstract

The project will develop the data elements, performance and functional requirements for the pilot deployment of an at-scene incident data collection system with the capacity to transmit the data to the Redding TOC.

Task Descriptions

1. Hardware and Communications Framework for Data Communications
   1. Hardware and communications service requirements will be analyzed; related research and literature will be reviewed; prototype and pilot equipment will be purchased and evaluated. In order to facilitate early development and feedback, prototype and development equipment will be purchased and used early in the project. Where necessary, alternate equipment will be purchased for the pilot to reflect experience gained using the prototype equipment and to account for real usage needs.
2. At-Scene Incident Information Collection Framework
   1. The goal of this task is to develop a system framework that will allow responders to record and submit incident information. It is recognized that the infrastructure may not exist for submission of all desired information. Initial information will include digital photographs, annotated photographs and maps including those described in Task 3, GPS location, timestamps or text-based form information. Functionality will be included to allow for handwritten annotations of photographs and images. A means for sharing this information among responders will be investigated.
3. Pilot Deployment
   1. The pilot system will be deployed at two pilot locations chosen for their diverse needs. Crews and locations will be chosen to maximize the opportunity for use while minimizing the potential distraction from other responsibilities.
4. Evaluation
   1. An unbiased evaluation will be conducted and reported covering all aspects of the project.
5. Prototype Demonstration
   1. The prototype system will be demonstrated so feedback can be incorporated into development of the pilot system. This will give project participants the opportunity to see a working model and provide valuable feedback to the development team and recognize the capabilities and limitations of such a system.
6. Project Management
7. Incident Support Information Framework
   1. The goal of this task is to develop a system framework that will put support information in the hands of responders. It is recognized that the infrastructure may not exist for access to and the delivery of all desired information. Initial information will include already available information such as maps (street and topographic) and aerial photos specific to the incident location, as determined by GPS. The system will be extended to provide information from WeatherShare and the possibility of alerts and messaging will be explored. The possibility of shared incident information, as collected from the system described in Task 4, will also be explored. Other information sources will be investigated and recommendations will be made for incorporating them.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Emergency Response, Emergency Communication Systems, Incident Management

Partners

California Department of Transportation-Redding District, California Department of Transportation-Division of Research & Innovation, and Redding Incident Management Program Participants