NIST physicist Walter Jones demonstrated how the agency used Cadgraphics software to re-enact a fire test at NIST headquarters. He also described the problem firefighters and emergency responders face when they first report to the scene of an emergency — primarily, a lack of information. They then demonstrated one solution to the problem: Cadgraphics software.

The attacks of September 11, 2001, changed the way fire fighters, police officers, and other first responders do their job. Ever since that day, they've had to look at new ways of coordinating their efforts — and new ways of getting information on site, on demand, and in a hurry.

Cadgraphics gives first responders the information they need to make decisions and coordinate their efforts. Cadgraphics automatically displays maps, floor plans, alarm data, photos, videos, emergency instructions, and more. It's a valuable tool for homeland security planners, and an ideal defensive weapon in the war on terror.

What can you do with Cadgraphics?

Give rescuers the information they need in a hurry. First responders can use Cadgraphics to assess emergency situations quickly, and coordinate their rescue and law-enforcement efforts accordingly.

Show events in real time. Cadgraphics reports alarms in real time, color-coded by severity.

Offer information to responders still en route to the scene. First responders can access Cadgraphics from a dispatch station, or from a wireless laptop while they're still en route to an emergency.

Integrate fire and security systems. Cadgraphics reads all of the data from every alarm panel on site, and combines that data into a single, streamlined interface.

Display information for any number of buildings. Cadgraphics can display information from alarms and devices in any number of facilities — even an entire city. Information can be sorted by zone, group, building, floor, or area. That way, responders can see the big picture first, and then focus on any trouble spots.

Display alarms on maps, floor plans, and even photos. Cadgraphics shows site maps, floor plans, photos, and video, so that rescue workers can see where they need to go.

Automatically pinpoint alarms and emergencies. Devices and alarms "blink" on maps and floor plans.

Prioritize alarms. In a wide-ranging crisis, Cadgraphics lets you know which alarms need immediate attention, by color-coding them and listing the most urgent alarms first.

See more than just alarms. With Cadgraphics, you can map and display the location of emergency exit signs, strobe lights, rescue equipment, or anything you'd like. Cadgraphics displays all of the information from every "smart" alarm and device in a facility, whether it's a fire alarm, security alarm, or a building control alarm. 

Zoom in and out. Users can zoom in and zoom out of maps and floor plans with just a touch, so they can get a closer look at any area that needs attention.

Connect to closed-circuit video. Simply enter the TCP/IP address of any camera, and Cadgraphics will automatically display the closed-circuit video feed.

Understand at a glance. The Cadgraphics interface is so intuitive that most people can read and understand the Cadgraphics screen without specialized training. The floor plans are clean and easy to read, and the graphic icons are obvious. Smoke detectors look like smoke detectors. Pull stations look like pull stations. And their red, yellow, and green color-coding make it easy to tell what state each device is in: normal, trouble, or alarm.

Watch for patterns of alarm activity that could indicate terrorists, vandals, or intruders. Because both fire and security alarms appear on maps and floor plans in real time, responders may be able to determine if they're being triggered deliberately.

Customize emergency instructions for your site. Cadgraphics provides customized "Take Action" messages, with important information about each site. The messages can be customized to include contact information, for example, as well as notes about vulnerable populations on site, and containment and handling facts for hazardous materials. Customizing your site’s emergency instructions is as easy as entering text into a word-processing document. If an employee on the third floor, for example, has a broken ankle, you can make a temporary note of his disability — and Cadgraphics will automatically notify police, fire, and rescue workers that he may need special help getting out of the building during an emergency.

Keep your system current. You'll know that your Cadgraphics system is always current, because Cadgraphics automatically learns when new devices like motion detectors and heat sensors are installed. Updating graphics and floor plans is as simple as dragging and dropping images on a computer screen.

Standardize and update your emergency procedures. Cadgraphics is easy to set u. As each system is customized, emergency procedures are also standardized and updated.  Any changes made in the future will automatically be implemented system-wide, too.

Print post-event reports. Cadgraphics provides complete, printable reports and records for use in planning, post-event analysis, and training. Cadgraphics automatically compiles second-by-second reports of alarms and events exactly as they occurred. Those reports can be printed and distributed with just the push of a button.

Keep your existing panels and alarms. Cadgraphics works with any "smart" alarm, device, or panel, from any combination of manufacturers.