Home > Featured > 15 Must-Ask Questions to Choose the Best Critical Incident Mapping Solution for Schools
FacebookLinkedInXPinterestEmail
Dark Mode

15 Must-Ask Questions to Choose the Best Critical Incident Mapping Solution for Schools

How to choose the best critical incident mapping solution

When it comes to protecting students and staff, selecting the right school safety map is a decision that cannot be taken lightly. Schools must ensure that their critical incident mapping solution is more than just a visual representation of their buildings—it must be a real-time, interactive tool that enhances emergency response, daily operations, and long-term safety planning.

Before committing to a school safety mapping vendor, schools should ask these three essential questions:

  1. Does the School Safety Map Seamlessly Integrate with First Responders?

During a crisis, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, and emergency personnel need instant access to accurate, up-to-date maps of the school. A strong mapping solution should provide a common operating picture, ensuring first responders can quickly locate key entry points, classrooms, and emergency exits before arriving on scene.

  1. Can the Map Be Updated and Customized to Maintain Accuracy?

Schools are constantly evolving—new buildings, security upgrades, and reconfigured layouts mean a static map quickly becomes outdated. Your mapping solution should allow for easy updates and customization, ensuring safety teams always have the most current data available for emergency planning, logistics, and everyday operations.

  1. Can the Investment Be Used Beyond Emergency Management?

A digital school safety map should provide value beyond crisis response. Schools should look for solutions that support facilities management, event planning, campus navigation, and security training—ensuring a long-term return on investment.

Before You Choose a Vendor, Ask the Right Questions

Not all school safety mapping solutions are created equal. Ensure your school is making the right choice by downloading our free guide:

📥 “15 Questions Every School Must Ask Before Choosing a School Safety Mapping Vendor.”

👉 Download the Guide Now!

👉 Learn more about how GIS data enhances critical incident mapping

March 20, 2025

GIS Resources

Southwest Minnesota: Digital Geographic Information System Mapping & 9-1-1 Emergency Response

Overview In 2023, the Southwest Minnesota Emergency Communications Board (SWECB) partnered with GeoComm to launch an indoor mapping pilot project. This digital geographic information system mapping initiative transformed critical infrastructure buildings into GIS-powered indoor maps, providing first responders with precise, real-time location intelligence and the school mapping data needed to ensure effective emergency response. The...

FCC NG9-1-1 Order: Progress, Challenges & What’s Next for Public Safety GIS 

Where Are We Now in the NG9-1-1 Transition?  On March 25, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing final approval by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the FCC’s July 2024 Report and Order advancing the transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). While this is a definite step...

GIS-powered Critical Incident Mapping Helps Minnesota First Responders Reach a Medical Emergency Victim in Seconds

JACKSON COUNTY, Minn., March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A life-threatening medical emergency at a Jackson County high school on October 3rd, 2024 put First Responders to the test when a student suffered a medical complication in the cafeteria. Thanks to the swift response of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and GeoComm’s GIS-powered critical incident mapping technology, emergency personnel pinpointed the exact location within...