Geographic Information Systems Committee
GIS project support, training, and resources for emergency management agencies across Alabama, plus a statewide storm shelter map for the public.
To support emergency managers across Alabama by providing comprehensive GIS expertise, resources, training, and assistance that enhance disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
What We Do
- Project SupportGIS help for EMAs without GIS staff
- TemplatesReady-to-use maps for shelters, Donation Reception Centers, and damage assessment
- State GIS PortalArcGIS Online access for eligible local EMAs
- Disaster SupportGIS personnel deployed when requested and available
- TrainingRegular GIS training to build local capability
- Sharing and collaborationUpdates through AAEM newsletters, connecting EMAs, GIS professionals, and state partners
GIS Project Submission
Does your Emergency Management Agency need GIS assistance, or have a project that could benefit emergency management in Alabama? The committee accepts project submissions from local Emergency Management Agencies and other appropriate emergency management partners.
Projects may include mapping, data development, applications, dashboards, templates, analysis, or other GIS-related needs. Committee leadership reviews each project before accepting it and assigning it to committee members.
On the form, choose the GIS project option.
State GIS Portal Access
County Emergency Management Agencies in Alabama may be granted access to the State GIS Portal to create, view, and use GIS resources that support local emergency management operations.
Portal access can provide agencies with additional GIS capabilities and opportunities to use and develop mapping resources for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Local EMAs can start the process by emailing jonesed@jccal.org.
Statewide Storm Shelter Map
Use the statewide Storm Shelter Map to locate participating community storm shelters throughout Alabama. Search by location to view available shelter information.
Always verify shelter information with your local Emergency Management Agency. Shelter availability, opening procedures, operating hours, parking, pet policies, accessibility, and other requirements are determined by the local jurisdiction. Storm shelter information is provided by participating local agencies and partners. Information may change, and inclusion on this map does not guarantee that a shelter will be open during a specific emergency.
Share the map
County Emergency Management Agencies are encouraged to embed the Storm Shelter Map on their websites or share the link on social media.
Submit or update shelter data
Submit new shelter locations or update existing information using the form. A data template is available to make submitting easier.
On the form, choose the storm shelter option. Local agencies remain responsible for shelter-specific information such as opening procedures, hours, parking, pet policies, accessibility, and other requirements.
Committee Members
Local and County
- Ed JonesChairJefferson County EMA
- Kyle CobbMobile County EMA
- Aisha HarrisJefferson County IT GIS
- April PearceJefferson County IT GIS
- Baylee PopeCalhoun County EMA
- Peter RandolphHuntsville-Madison County EMA
State
- Nathan CuttingAlabama Emergency Management Agency
- Jacob MillerAlabama Emergency Management Agency
Advisors
Partners from outside AAEM membership who contribute their expertise to the committee.
- Gary GogginsNational Weather Service Birmingham
- Nathan OwenNOAA National Weather Service
- Trey JohnsonThe University of Alabama
- Jeannette ByrdTuscaloosa County
- Tyler NuttallEsri