THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE NEEDS OF THE MEŽICA MUNICIPAL CIVIL PROTECTION STAFF

Abstract

The Mežica Municipal Civil Protection Staff have established a geographic information system based on the open-source software QGIS. The system helps to carry out spatial analyses, look for connections and related patterns, create new data and collect relevant information. It includes spatial data, both descriptive (attribute data) and metadata. We have also created information layers that include vector data (points, lines, ranges) with their attribute data. The system provides answers to questions such as Where? How much? and Where to? The introduction of the geographic information system has helped us improve the effectiveness of our operations, obtain a comprehensive overview of the infrastructure situation in the field, and increase the level of equipment in operational units and services in terms of material and technical assets. Moreover, the system supports the Mežica Municipal Civil Protection Staff in making better decisions when intervening during natural and other disasters. With every change, the attribute data in the database must be updated, as the results of geospatial analyses depend on the quality of the data.