The Atlas OPS solution includes a unique software system developed in the UK by Atkins and Partners that can integrate and display information from a wide range of sources and inputs and present an overview of the scenario in real time as it unfolds. The system has a wide range of applications and is currently used as an incident management tool in the following areas:
- Crisis management
- Contingency and emergency planning
- CBRN response and planning
- Event or incident management
- Base/compound security and management
- Real time command and control of resources
- High powered briefing
- Training/Simulated training exercises
The system uses the latest computer technology to display geographic information, overlay and manage a coordinated response and call upon 'on-line' contingency and emergency plans. This provides a visual communication system and shared awareness at all levels of the command structure. The integrated high powered briefing capabilities combined with an secure audit log listing all actions, decisions and order of events provide a unique tool that can be used prior, during and after an incident.
This extensive pedigree has seen many hours of direct user feedback to the developers, resulting in a first rate GUI in terms of functionality, efficiency, intuitiveness, and ease of use. The Atlas solution provides emergency management professionals with a collaborative planning tool to enable the effective management of an incident. The highly developed GIS interface and real time command and control functionality of the system allow a scenario, planned or otherwise, to be mapped out as events unfold ensuring optimum use and deployment of resources. Through the use of Ultra Electronics secure networking capability (developed to manage NARIMS, the UK Nuclear Accident Response Incident Management System) this common operational picture can be shared amongst the emergency management community.
Within Atlas OPS, operators can develop 2D and 3D GIS referenced emergency and contingency plans that can include including key locations, evacuation routes, and roles and responsibilities of the various agencies so that during an incident all key stakeholders have access to the relevant procedures, and can execute the appropriate response in a coordinated manner. The system can also include key documentation and additional user defined information such as roll calls and check lists. Using a customer defined symbol library in conjunction with the advanced mapping functionality of the Atlas system, operators are able to build up a picture of an event as it unfolds and share this information with third party agencies to facilitate an effective response to any given incident.
Data Inputs:
- Accurate computer generated floor/building plans in DXF/DWG
- Photographs
- Digital video
- Text, contingency plans, action cards, HTML documents
- Audio files
- Live video feed from surveillance (smart camera) technology
- Geo-spatial data
- Historical data
Atlas is a dynamic, interactive mapping tool that allows the user to build up a picture of an incident as it unfolds; resource movement is recorded and time stamped in a secure tamper-proof log enabling a comprehensive post-analysis that can be used to develop skills and core competencies or assist in forensic investigations. This functionality is already widely employed by the existing Atlas client base as the GIS interface replaces the traditional 'table-top' exercise model that suffers from number of drawbacks in terms of flexibility and realism. The Atlas system will allow emergency management personnel to simulate an event or incident in their own locality using up-to-date mapping and aerial data that can be shared with a multi-agency audience and analyzed at a later date at a fraction of the cost.
Atlas employs sophisticated plume modeling analysis based upon a US Military Standard (Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board, DDESB). Incident data is entered using a standard template that also includes a comprehensive Emergency Response Guidebook providing specific information on individual chemical agents and safe evacuation distances. Atlas OPS can incorporate meteorological data (entered manually or supplied on-line from a weather service such as Environment Canada) into a model and display the effect of wind speed and direction, ground conditions, and other effects upon plume propagation. The system is configured for three principal scenarios to address an explosive, toxic industrial spill or chemical warfare incident. Atlas also incorporates CBRN training manuals and medical response guidelines such as a 'pupil test wizard' for front line personnel to rapidly assess the nature of the agent and administer the appropriate response.
The Integrated Management System has been in operation for over 18 years and has been successfully employed to plan and manage a number of major events and installations throughout the world:
- Commonwealth Games - Manchester 2002
- British Open Golf
- London Marathon
- Farnborough Air Show
- Royal International Air Tattoo - worlds largest military air show
- Live 8 London
- 2005 Royal Wedding
- Notting Hill Carnival
- Millennium Dome Opening
- Wembley Stadium - all domestic and international soccer matches
- Heathrow Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Manchester Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Faslane Nuclear Submarine Base
- Hong Kong Police
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