When an emergency strikes, there’s no time to waste. That’s why GIS professionals at Towson University’s Center for GIS developed a Web-based tool that gives public safety professionals the critical information they need, when they need it.

With the Emergency Management Mapping Application (EMMA), first responders and emergency managers receive real-time data to help them coordinate the fastest, most practical course of action. EMMA organizes mapping information together with current weather, traffic, hospital availability and other relevant details.

It pulls together the type of pertinent, timely information that emergency managers need in order to coordinate responses, and make the best decisions.

And it’s another way Towson University is making a difference in the lives of more than just its students.

Update: EMMA is undergoing a major upgrade – set for launch in spring 2011 - to meet the expanding needs of the emergency response community.