This site supports the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping needs of Emergency Responders in Knox County, Maine, and is underwritten by Homeland Security Planner Grant #2007-GE-T7-0055, CFDA #97.067. The project was launched in 2008.

Among the project's goals are the updating of existing GIS maps included in the Knox County Hazard Mitigation Plan, development of all-hazards emergency planning for school districts in Knox County, and mapping support for incidents requiring activation of the Knox County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

In its Administration section, this site facilitates input of GIS data from local Emergency Management Directors, law enforcement operatives, school officials, first responders, and other County stakeholders. Using form-based interactive pages, PDF print-outs, and Word forms, this site is a tool for gathering local knowledge and converting that knowledge into visual layers of information which can be drawn onto precise, street-level maps of each municipal entity in Knox County.

Such layers include, for example and among others, locations and descriptions of hydrants and other water sources for fire-fighting, suitable landing zones for medical evacuation helicopters, sites where hazardous materials are stored, flood zones, and natural habitats for endangered species.

These layers are coded in KML, an open-source file format used to display geographic data, and may be imported into display engines such as Google Earth, Google Maps, Google Maps for mobile, NASA WorldWind, ESRI ArcGIS Explorer, Adobe PhotoShop, AutoCAD, and Yahoo! Pipes.