Through the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS), the leadership of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA have directed the phased introduction of numerous operational standards designed to promote and facilitate interoperability in the Emergency Services Sector (ESS). With release of FEMA Directive 092-5, “Use of the United States National Grid (USNG)”, in October 2015, the ESS now has a standard for the foremost element of any response – the ability to effectively communicate “where.” This workshop will provide comprehensive USNG training. It will start with an overview and background of the USNG, including practical examples for search and rescue, resource deployment, and more. This will be followed by training on how to use the USNG, with “training the trainer” content to equip attendees with skills, resources, and ideas to carry what they learn home to their organizations and jurisdictions. Finally, details of how to use ArcGIS to construct USNG maps and integrate it into GIS applications will be covered. A variety of tools and techniques will be discussed.
