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Storm and Flood Assistance
The 2019/20 bushfires left a lasting impression on many Canberrans, including Aela Davis, who wanted to contribute to the safety of the nation’s capital going forward, and was inspired to volunteer for the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA).
At first, Aela couldn’t decide which service to join, but when she discovered that ESA had a specialist volunteer arm, which aligned closely with her particular area of expertise, it felt like a natural fit.
“I do mapping and geospatial analysis in my work,” explains Aela, “and I wanted to use those skills to give back to my community.
“When I heard about the Mapping and Planning Support Team (MAPS), where my existing skills would fit in really well, it felt like the best way I could contribute.”
MAPS plays a vital role in emergency response, particularly during bushfires, and search and rescue operations.
The team supports ESA’s planning and operational capabilities by processing and visualising live geospatial data.
This data is then used to inform decisions made by incident management teams and firefighting crews, and provides accurate information to the public.
“We get data in from multiple different sources - crews on the ground, helicopters, and other air assets,” explains Aela.
“Once that data comes in, we cross-check it, clean it up, and feed it into pipelines that produce products tailored for different users - from tactical maps for firefighters, to updates on ESA’s Incidents Map for the public.”
One of the things Aela has most enjoyed about volunteering with MAPS is the opportunity to work alongside people who have similar skillsets to her, but come from a variety of backgrounds.
“It’s been really nice getting to meet people who have the same kind of spatial background and spatial analytic approach to problem solving, but come from so many different areas,” says Aela.
“It’s a really good opportunity, both to give back through MAPS, but also to grow professionally, by hearing how others approach different challenges. I’ve been able to bring some of that back to my work life as well.”
Her time with MAPS has also given Aela the opportunity to work with advanced tools and technology, including Firebird 101 - ESA’s specialist intelligence gathering and fire detection helicopter.
“I’ve definitely had a few highlights,” says Aela.
“Getting hands-on experience with technology like Firebird 101 is something I wouldn’t normally get to do in my work outside of MAPS.
“And my first deployment to a fire incident management team - supporting a fire in Yass Valley - was a really cool experience.
“The fire was fairly contained, so there wasn’t a threat to people or property. It let me experience that kind of high-stakes environment, without the stress of people being in danger.”
Reflecting on her 18 months with the team so far, Aela encourages others to consider volunteering - whether for MAPS or another ESA role.
“I’d say go for it,” says Aela, “everyone is really supportive.
“You’ll get all of the training and support you need to fill any gaps in your skills, and you never know how your background might contribute - how it might improve ESA’s processes, and ultimately make a big difference.”
At first, Aela couldn’t decide which service to join, but when she discovered that ESA had a specialist volunteer arm, which aligned closely with her particular area of expertise, it felt like a natural fit.
“I do mapping and geospatial analysis in my work,” explains Aela, “and I wanted to use those skills to give back to my community.
“When I heard about the Mapping and Planning Support Team (MAPS), where my existing skills would fit in really well, it felt like the best way I could contribute.”
MAPS plays a vital role in emergency response, particularly during bushfires, and search and rescue operations.
The team supports ESA’s planning and operational capabilities by processing and visualising live geospatial data.
This data is then used to inform decisions made by incident management teams and firefighting crews, and provides accurate information to the public.
“We get data in from multiple different sources - crews on the ground, helicopters, and other air assets,” explains Aela.
“Once that data comes in, we cross-check it, clean it up, and feed it into pipelines that produce products tailored for different users - from tactical maps for firefighters, to updates on ESA’s Incidents Map for the public.”
One of the things Aela has most enjoyed about volunteering with MAPS is the opportunity to work alongside people who have similar skillsets to her, but come from a variety of backgrounds.
“It’s been really nice getting to meet people who have the same kind of spatial background and spatial analytic approach to problem solving, but come from so many different areas,” says Aela.
“It’s a really good opportunity, both to give back through MAPS, but also to grow professionally, by hearing how others approach different challenges. I’ve been able to bring some of that back to my work life as well.”
Her time with MAPS has also given Aela the opportunity to work with advanced tools and technology, including Firebird 101 - ESA’s specialist intelligence gathering and fire detection helicopter.
“I’ve definitely had a few highlights,” says Aela.
“Getting hands-on experience with technology like Firebird 101 is something I wouldn’t normally get to do in my work outside of MAPS.
“And my first deployment to a fire incident management team - supporting a fire in Yass Valley - was a really cool experience.
“The fire was fairly contained, so there wasn’t a threat to people or property. It let me experience that kind of high-stakes environment, without the stress of people being in danger.”
Reflecting on her 18 months with the team so far, Aela encourages others to consider volunteering - whether for MAPS or another ESA role.
“I’d say go for it,” says Aela, “everyone is really supportive.
“You’ll get all of the training and support you need to fill any gaps in your skills, and you never know how your background might contribute - how it might improve ESA’s processes, and ultimately make a big difference.”
