Doolin Coast Guard Launches GIS

News - Local

Tuesday, 07 February 2012 12:42

Written by Pat Flynn

Volunteers attached to one of the busiest Irish Coast Guard units in the country have launched a new high-tech Geographic Information System (GIS) which, it is hope, will significantly increase the team's capability and efficiency.

Members of Doolin Coast Guard team in Co Clare have spent the past 3 years developing the new custom GIS system and will be the only unit in the country with such a facility.

The new system will enable team members to access advanced geospatial information, while on the move, and will improve the team’s overall efficiency.

The information is instantly accessible by mobile devices and laptops/desktops and allows location search facility and informational data including place names of Clare as well as local place names.

The system also contains up to date information on the locations of caves, popular surfing spots and other areas where the team might be requested to respond to an incident.

It will also aid in incident planning as it contains information such as radio reception blackspots, access routes and helicopter landing sites.

Doolin team leader Mr Mattie Shannon said: "Two key features of the new system are its ability to track team members, vehicles and vessels during an incident. Team members can also add new information into the system either through mobile devices or on a team GIS website which will ensure constant development and improvement."

"This has been developed for our unit by one our members. We have purchased 25 tablets for members who can transfer information between each other and the base during an incident. This way we can record aspects and information about different incidents for future use if a similar incident arises in that location," Mr Shannon added.

The hardware comprises of a back-end server, mobile devices such as phones, tablets, dedicated tracking devices and also laptops/desktops. The new devices ensure every team member has access to the GIS system, collaborative documents and online team management software.

The Doolin unit responded to almost 50 incidents in 2011 some of which lasted several weeks. The team carried 8 searches for bodies of people who apparently entered the sea at the Cliffs of Moher. 6 of the bodies were recovered while two are still missing.

The team is regularly requested to respond to a range of cliff, coast and cave rescue incidents while the unit also has responsibility for monitoring maritime pollution.