GIO EMS is a service supporting the full disaster management cycle. It is funded by the European Commission. GIO EMS Mapping in rush mode is implemented as a single framework contract, which was awarded to one consortium consisting of e-GEOS SpA (IT) with GAF (DE), ITHACA (IT) and SIRS (FR). GIO EMS Mapping in non-rush mode is implemented as a multiple framework contract with re-opening of competition, which was awarded to three companies: ASTRIUM Services/Infoterra Ltd (UK), with Metria (SE) and Keyobs (BE); INDRA Sistemas SA (ES); and e-GEOS SpA (IT)GAF (DE)ITHACA (IT)SIRS (FR).

GIO EMS Mapping Website

Scope of the Service

GIO EMS - Mapping is provided during all phases of the emergency management cycle. It is free of charge for the users. The product portfolio comprises different map products for either rush mode or non-rush mode for different disaster types (e.g. floods, earthquakes, landslides, severe storms, fires, technological disasters, volcanic eruptions, humanitarian crises, and tsunamis).

The information generated by the service can be used as supplied (e.g. as digital or printed map outputs). It may be further combined with other data sources (e.g. as digital feature sets in a geographic information system). In both cases it may support geospatial analysis and decision making processes of emergency managers.

Rush mode consists of the on-demand and fast provision (within hours or days) of geospatial information in support of emergency management activities immediately following an emergency event. The products are standardised. A large set of parameters is available, and the user can chose among them when placing a rush mode service request. There are three categories of products offered: Reference Maps, Delineation Maps (providing an assessment of the event extent) and Grading Maps (providing an assessment of the damage grade and its spatial distribution).

Non-rush mode consists of the on-demand provision of geospatial information in support of Emergnecy Management activities not related to immediate response. This applies in particular to activities dealing with prevention, preparedness, disaster risk reduction and recovery phases. Three broad product categories can be chosen in the non-rush mode service request: Reference Maps, Pre-disaster Situation Maps and Post-disaster Situation Maps.

Who can access the Service?

The service can be activated only by authorised users. 

1. Authorised Users may trigger the service, by sending a Service Request Form (SRF) directly to the Emergency Response Center (ERC/MIC). Authorized Users include National Focal Points (NFPs) in Eu Member States and in countries participating in the European Civil Protection Mechanism as well as EC Sercives (DGs) and the Situation Room of the EEAS.

2. Associated Users must coordinate with and go through the Authorised users in order to trigger the service. Associated Users include local, regional and other public entities; International Governmental Organisations (e.g. UN agencies, World Bank), and National & International non-Governmental Organisations; entities and institutions within the EEAS shere such as EU Delegations, the INTCEN, the EU Satellite Centre.

3. General Public Users are not authorised to trigger the service, but can be informed of an activation request through the web portal. Activations, for which sensitivity restrictions apply, excluded.

How to access the Service?

The step-by-step procedure how to access the GIO EMS - Mapping service is described in the GIO-EMS-Mapping Quick Start Guide. 

Rush mode access: Authorised User submits the rush mode service request online throught the GIO EMS rush mode portal (password protected) or by e-mail. All requests must be followed by a phone call to ERC/MIC. Contact details are available at the GIO EMS - Mapping portal. Associated Users contact the Authorised User to trigger the service.

Non-rush mode access: Authorised User submits a non-rush mode service request by e-mail. All requests must be followed by a phone call to ERC/MIC. Contact details are available at the GIO EMS - Mapping portal. Associated Users contact the Authorised User to trigger the service.

Background

Copernicus - previously GMES - is the European initiative for Global Monitoring for Environment and Security. Copernicus is being implemented by the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA) and aims to provide reliable and accurate environmental- and security-related information to the public and decision-makers.

The GMES Initial Operations Emergency Management Service (GIO EMS) is the first Copernicus service to become operational. It consists of a set of services funded by the European Commission.

These are aimed at providing actors in the management of natural hazards and man-made disasters, in particular Civil Protection Authorities and Humanitarian Aid actors with mapping products based on satellite imagery (EMS - Mapping). Until 1st April 2012, the pre-operational emergency management service of GMES was provided through the EU-funded project SAFER. On 1st April 2012, the mapping component of the GMES Emergency Management Service (GIO EMS - Mapping) entered into Initial Operations. 

Other EMS activities support Early Warning Systems.