Data Models > Homeland Security
Homeland Security Data Model
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Date Submitted: October 15, 2004
Last Modified: August 21, 2007
GIS for Homeland Security (HLS) and Homeland Defense (HLD) is a topic of great national importance and involves many agencies and organizations. To date, most HLS/HLD data models have focused on a set of “layers” and map products, either using the Homeland Security Information Program (HSIP) Minimal Essential Datasets (MEDS), or for the defense community, the Spatial Data Standard for Facilities Infrastructure and the Environment (SDSFIE).
Additional efforts are underway to blend MEDS and SDSFIE concepts into a common implementation data model. These efforts have been important to move us towards a national standard for HLS/HLD. ESRI is building on these efforts by teaming with many local, state and federal government agencies to produce a data model that can be used to facilitate the easy exchange of common data that are essential for emergency response and crisis management. Future enhancements will include additional State data model content, and support for activities underway at the direction of the Department of Homeland Security.
This model has evolved into the
GIS for the Nation data model with leadership from USGS.
User Forums
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Downloads - Case Studies
These Case Studies are a good starting point to learn about best practices for this discipline. These project examples include sample geodatabases, map documents, and documentation.
- Boston Preparedness Pilot Project Applied Geographics Final Report .pdf - URL format (submitted 10/15/2004)
- Homeland Security Webcast HLS Data Model Webcast .wmv live video recording - zip format, 20305 kb (submitted 01/27/2005)
- Homeland Securtity Working Group Symbology Reference Symbology standard resulting from an FGDC-led working group - URL format (submitted 09/15/2005)
Downloads - Design Templates
The Design Templates are the result of the community-based design process. The general concepts and terms for this discipline are described here. Tools and examples to create a template data model are also included for advanced users.
- Homeland Security xml template .xml file - zip format, 472 kb (submitted 01/31/2005)
- Homeland Security Templates images, and documents .vsd .doc .mdb, uml.dtd .gif and .txt - zip format, 3675 kb (submitted 02/16/2005)
- Oct 2006 Update mdb, vsd, xml, txt, and uml.dtd files - zip format, 6621 kb (submitted 11/30/2006)
- May 2007 Update .vsd, .dtd, .xml, .html, .xls, and .txt - zip format, 7537 kb (submitted 08/21/2007)
User Community
Visit the Public Safety User Community and connect with active communities dedicated to sharing information, ideas, and experiences. For a listing of some common terms and semantics related to the Homeland Security data model visit the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)website at FEMA.