Analysis of integrating Computer-Aided Dispatch information with the Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System

In April 2013, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Centre for Security Science (CSS) initiated a project with the City of Kelowna to determine the feasibility of integrating local situational awareness from a Computer Aided Dispatch system into the national Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System (MASAS). MASAS enables a system-of-systems collection of interoperable systems [1] [2] that can exchange real-time, location-based incident information relevant to emergency managers and responders, using common technologies that are based on national geospatial and public safety communication standards. MASAS enables pan-Canadian and Canadian/US interoperability [3] [4] and is recognized as a leading operational pilot project enabling national public safety community interoperability. The project objective was to contribute to the body of knowledge and enhance National Situational Awareness in Canada. The project also documented operational requirements, best practices and technical approaches of integrating Computer Aided Dispatch systems with the MASAS. The technical integration focused on Kelowna’s FDM Computer Aided Dispatch system as a case study, but the approach and guidelines are applicable to the wider emergency management community.