Maps

Question 1

Base Maps

Answer 1

Foundational layer of a GIS application that provides geographic context for other data layers. The “canvas” upon which you overlay operational data. In WatchDuty’s context, the base map would be what users see before any emergency incidents or response units are displayed.

Question 2

Content Types

Answer 2

Streets & Roads: Transportation networks
Land Use/Cover: Parks, urban areas, forests
Buildings: Structures and addresses
Place Names: Cities, neighborhoods, landmarks
Terrain: Elevation and topography
Administrative Boundaries: Cities, counties, states

Question 3

Technical Characteristics

Answer 3

Tiled: Split into small square images (typically 256x256 pixels)
Multi-scale: Different detail levels based on zoom
Cached: Pre-rendered for performance
Styled: Various themes (street, satellite, terrain, dark mode)

Question 4

OpenStreetMap (OSM)

Answer 4

Free, community-maintained data

Question 5

Google Maps

Answer 5

Commercial, highly detailed

Question 6

Mapbox

Answer 6

Commercial, highly customizable

Question 7

ESRI

Answer 7

Commercial, focused on GIS professionals

Question 8

Custom Base Maps

Answer 8

Self-hosted solutions

Question 9

Emergency Response Considerations

Answer 9

Need for high-detail urban areas
Clear labeling of access routes
Accurate building footprints
Up-to-date road networks
Visible landmarks for navigation