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Protecting the Community - GPS Mapping Technology Awareness Day
Ripley Valley RFB is one of several rural fire brigades who have been developing new mapping systems for nearly a decade out of necessity and the OziExplorer program became central to that process around 2004. In 2007, the GIS Mapping Team at QFRS under Mark Wallace invited a number of brigades to meet with the view to develop a standard process and selection of tools such as hand held GPS units. It quickly became evident that a number of Brigades such as Ripley Valley and Crows Nest RFB's were developing on very similar lines in isolation. The team combined their energies and the result was the Brigade Mapping Toolset released at the Volunteer Summit in 2010. To download the Brigade Mapping Toolset, please visit the Volunteer Portal
The Toolset delivered the theory to get Rural Brigades started but feedback from interested volunteers suggested a practical follow up day would be of value. Ripley Valley RFB hosted a GPS and computerised mapping technology awareness day on the 4th July 2010 in collaboration between the GIS Mapping Team at Kedron under Mark Wallace and the Air Operations Team under Wayne Bates. The main aim was to help other volunteer firefighters understand mapping and GPS technologies available to assist with fire mitigation and incident management. This technology awareness day was an opportunity to highlight some of the more practical potential applications for the technologies as well as looking at future directions.
To view the story of the original Ripley Valley RFB Technology Day; please Click Here.
Feedback from the day was very good and so with QFRS support under the coordination of RFS Regional Manager Peter Varley, the same team are currently planning additional similar training days around the state. For future days, keep an eye on the Volunteer Portal.
To download a copy of the Garmin 78sMap GPS Unit Presentation, please Click Here.
To download a copy of the Ozi-Explorer Presentation, please Click Here.
To download a copy of the Case Study Presentation, please Click Here.
To download a copy of the Introduction Presentation, please Click Here
Highlights from the Narangba RFB Technology Day - 6th March 2011
The members of Narangba RFB hosted the technology day exceptionally well. A great station, testament to the considerable efforts of the members and great catering thanks to the chefs. No one went home hungry.
The first stream covered the OziExplorer program and the use of the new Garmin 78s GPS units. Jim Runham, George Ganzenmuller and Gary Chapman from Ripley Valley RFB, known as the Ripley Valley Gang, were there to share what has been learnt along the way but it was a great open day with many other great ideas for the future bubbling to the surface with all of the volunteers present.
Jim covered the topics in a very entertaining as well as informative way with interesting historical perspectives from times when technology consisted of writing maps in the dust on the bonnet of a light attack appliance. Had us all smiling.
The second stream with Mark Wallace, Peter Timmers and Christine Osbourne looked at The Brigade Mapping Toolset, other mapping developments and the Volunteer Portal.
The third stream covered by Wayne Bates and his team including Wesley Bruce and Andrew Marnie looked at the importance of technology with Air Operations.
Highlights from the Mareeba Technology Day - 10th April 2011
Peter Varley and Jim Runham check out the Mareeba RSL, host of the Far North Queensland Tech Day.
The team was joined by Mike Garrahy from Crows Nest RFB who partnered with Jim in presenting the OziExplorer session.
Gary Chapman and George Ganzenmuller from Ripley Valley RFB ran through the use of the new Garmin 78sMap GPS units.
Also included in the presentation was a case study of a fire which explained the role of the technology as well as the Pathfinder process.
The third session covering the Volunteer Portal and the GIS mapping Team was covered by Helain Clerk, BTSO from the Townsville Area Office and Peter Timmers from the GIS Team at Kedron.
The Air Operations Team including Wayne, Andrew and Wes conducted the fourth stream.
Highlights from the Townsville Technology Day - 17th April 2011
Once again the team travelled to another regional centre around the state and approximately 40 volunteers from areas around Townsville out to Charters Towers attended the day covering four technology streams. It was back to school for the Townsville leg of the GPS Mapping Technology days. The Northern Beaches State School was the venue and offered a great learning environment.
Jim Runham from Ripley Valley RFB and Mike Garrehy from Crows Nest RFB ran through the Ozi-Explorer mapping program.
Mark Wallace, Manager of the GIS Team ran through the role of the GIS Team, the TOM system etc. Helain Clerk, BTSO from Townsville also covered the Volunteer Portal.
George Ganzenmuller from Ripley Valley RFB ran through the use of the new Garmin 78sMap GPS units.
Wayne Bates and his team including Wesley Bruce and Andrew Marnie from Air Operations ran through their latest and greatest including the use of A-TOM.
Highlights from the Mackay Technology Day - 8th May 2011
The team flew to Mackay as their next destination in May.
The function was held at the Emergency Services Complex with approximately 40 volunteers from surrounding Rural Brigades attending. Once again the day was split into four sessions covering GPS technology, Mapping with OziExplorer, Air Operations and an overview of the GIS Team and Volunteer Portal.
The session on the Garmin 78s Map GPS Units.
The OziExplorer session.
Jim and Gary with a problem student.
Homeward Bound - May to July 2011
The team is now on the last stages of the journey around the state visiting Rocky in late May, Bundy in July and most recently Coloundra.
No more flying needed; the team arrives arrives at Bagara near Bundaberg.
Running through training in a park overlooking the river is another first for the team.
Toowoomba 14 August 2011
Peter Varley RMRO addresses the Toowoomba Group.
Chucka and George did the GPS Again.
Once again an in field practical exercise was undertaken. Next task is to teach Chucka how to spell.
The Air Ops team had very comfortable surroundings for their session.
For the GIS and Volunteer Portal Session, Christine was joined by the new GIS Team Manager Susan Birdles.
The comic duo of Jim and Mick rounded the day with the Oziexplorer session.
Gatton 20th November 2011
On the 20th November; the workshop travelled to Gatton. Mike Gaherty from Crows Nest RFB couldn't make the trip so Matt Mulroney from Ripley Valley filled the spot and worked with Chucka to cover the GPS units.
Jim and George covered off Oziexplorer. Christine and Peter once again covered the Volunteer Portal and the GIS Team and the Air Operations team worked the carpark with their session.
Beenleigh 28th November 2011 - Last Stop
The team hopes to continue the workshops and reach a wider audience. The Team would like to pass on their sincere gratitude to RMRO Peter Varley for his leadership, support and friendship that made the Technology Workshops possible.
George GanzenmullerFirst Officer
Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade
December 2011
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