Quick Overview
- 1#1: Esri ArcGIS - Comprehensive GIS platform with fire-specific modules for pre-incident planning, real-time incident mapping, and resource deployment.
- 2#2: Hexagon CAD - Advanced computer-aided dispatch system with integrated GIS mapping optimized for fire department response and hydrant management.
- 3#3: Motorola Solutions CommandCentral - Unified operations platform providing real-time mapping, analytics, and situational awareness for fire incident command.
- 4#4: Tyler Technologies - Public safety RMS with robust GIS integration for fire station mapping, apparatus tracking, and dispatch visualization.
- 5#5: CentralSquare - Next-generation CAD and RMS software featuring dynamic mapping for fire response coordination and asset management.
- 6#6: Mark43 - Cloud-native CAD platform with interactive GIS mapping for efficient fire incident management and reporting.
- 7#7: ImageTrend - Elite fire/EMS software suite with embedded GIS tools for incident mapping, NFIRS reporting, and pre-plan creation.
- 8#8: ESO - All-in-one fire RMS platform including mapping capabilities for hydrants, hazards, and operational analytics.
- 9#9: Firehouse Software - Fire RMS with integrated mapping features for station locations, personnel scheduling, and basic incident visualization.
- 10#10: QGIS - Open-source GIS software for customizable fire department mapping of hydrants, structures, and response routes.
Tools were evaluated based on feature functionality (e.g., real-time mapping, resource deployment), technical reliability (data integration, system performance), user-friendliness, and overall value in addressing fire department-specific needs.
Comparison Table
Fire departments rely on mapping software to enhance operational efficiency; this comparison table features tools like Esri ArcGIS, Hexagon CAD, Motorola Solutions CommandCentral, Tyler Technologies, CentralSquare, and more, guiding readers to understand key features, capabilities, and fit for varying needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esri ArcGIS Comprehensive GIS platform with fire-specific modules for pre-incident planning, real-time incident mapping, and resource deployment. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 2 | Hexagon CAD Advanced computer-aided dispatch system with integrated GIS mapping optimized for fire department response and hydrant management. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Motorola Solutions CommandCentral Unified operations platform providing real-time mapping, analytics, and situational awareness for fire incident command. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Tyler Technologies Public safety RMS with robust GIS integration for fire station mapping, apparatus tracking, and dispatch visualization. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | CentralSquare Next-generation CAD and RMS software featuring dynamic mapping for fire response coordination and asset management. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Mark43 Cloud-native CAD platform with interactive GIS mapping for efficient fire incident management and reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | ImageTrend Elite fire/EMS software suite with embedded GIS tools for incident mapping, NFIRS reporting, and pre-plan creation. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | ESO All-in-one fire RMS platform including mapping capabilities for hydrants, hazards, and operational analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Firehouse Software Fire RMS with integrated mapping features for station locations, personnel scheduling, and basic incident visualization. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | QGIS Open-source GIS software for customizable fire department mapping of hydrants, structures, and response routes. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
Comprehensive GIS platform with fire-specific modules for pre-incident planning, real-time incident mapping, and resource deployment.
Advanced computer-aided dispatch system with integrated GIS mapping optimized for fire department response and hydrant management.
Unified operations platform providing real-time mapping, analytics, and situational awareness for fire incident command.
Public safety RMS with robust GIS integration for fire station mapping, apparatus tracking, and dispatch visualization.
Next-generation CAD and RMS software featuring dynamic mapping for fire response coordination and asset management.
Cloud-native CAD platform with interactive GIS mapping for efficient fire incident management and reporting.
Elite fire/EMS software suite with embedded GIS tools for incident mapping, NFIRS reporting, and pre-plan creation.
All-in-one fire RMS platform including mapping capabilities for hydrants, hazards, and operational analytics.
Fire RMS with integrated mapping features for station locations, personnel scheduling, and basic incident visualization.
Open-source GIS software for customizable fire department mapping of hydrants, structures, and response routes.
Esri ArcGIS
enterpriseComprehensive GIS platform with fire-specific modules for pre-incident planning, real-time incident mapping, and resource deployment.
GeoEvent Processor (now ArcGIS Velocity) for real-time streaming analytics of incident feeds, sensors, and IoT data to enable dynamic situational awareness.
Esri ArcGIS is a leading enterprise GIS platform that empowers fire departments with advanced mapping, spatial analysis, and real-time visualization for emergency response and planning. It enables precise incident mapping, hydrant and resource tracking, risk assessment, and optimized routing using rich datasets and integrations with CAD systems. With tools like ArcGIS Pro, Online, and Field Maps, it supports collaborative dashboards and mobile operations for field personnel during crises.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in spatial analytics, 3D modeling, and real-time data processing tailored for public safety
- Extensive ecosystem of pre-configured apps, templates, and Living Atlas layers for fire-specific use cases like hazard mapping
- Seamless scalability from small teams to large enterprise with cloud, on-premises, and mobile integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users without GIS experience, requiring training
- High licensing costs that may strain budgets for smaller departments
- Resource-intensive setup and maintenance for advanced deployments
Best For
Large municipal fire departments or agencies needing enterprise-grade, customizable GIS for comprehensive incident management and predictive analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; ArcGIS Online starts at ~$100/user/year, full ArcGIS Enterprise suites typically $20,000+ annually based on users and features.
Hexagon CAD
enterpriseAdvanced computer-aided dispatch system with integrated GIS mapping optimized for fire department response and hydrant management.
Advanced dynamic GIS mapping with real-time AVL and predictive analytics for optimized fire apparatus routing and hydrant/pre-plan overlays
Hexagon CAD is an enterprise-grade computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system from Hexagon, featuring advanced mapping and geospatial tools tailored for public safety, including fire departments. It excels in real-time incident visualization, GIS integration, dynamic routing, and automatic vehicle location (AVL) to optimize emergency response. The software supports NG911 standards and scales seamlessly for large-scale operations, providing fire departments with precise mapping for pre-planning, incident management, and resource deployment.
Pros
- Superior GIS and real-time mapping integration for accurate incident visualization
- Scalable architecture with AVL and mobile app support for field operations
- Robust NG911 compliance and interoperability with other public safety systems
Cons
- High implementation costs and custom pricing model
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Overkill for small volunteer fire departments with basic needs
Best For
Large municipal or regional fire departments requiring enterprise-level mapping integrated with full CAD dispatch systems.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with annual subscriptions; typically starts at $50,000+ based on users, modules, and deployment scale.
Motorola Solutions CommandCentral
enterpriseUnified operations platform providing real-time mapping, analytics, and situational awareness for fire incident command.
Geospatial fusion of live video, AVL tracking, and incident data on a single interactive map for unmatched real-time command visibility
Motorola Solutions CommandCentral is a cloud-based public safety platform with robust mapping features via CommandCentral Aware, enabling fire departments to visualize incidents, track apparatus and personnel in real-time on interactive GIS maps. It integrates seamlessly with CAD systems, AVL, and sensors for enhanced situational awareness during emergencies. The software supports pre-incident planning, resource allocation, and post-event analytics, making it a powerful tool for coordinated fire response operations.
Pros
- Real-time mapping with AVL, video feeds, and sensor integration for superior situational awareness
- Seamless scalability and integration with Motorola hardware and other public safety systems
- Advanced analytics and reporting for incident review and resource optimization
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing may deter smaller fire departments
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive feature set and customization options
- Less specialized in standalone fire-specific mapping like hydrant/pre-plan databases compared to niche tools
Best For
Large municipal or regional fire departments requiring integrated mapping within a full public safety ecosystem.
Pricing
Subscription-based enterprise pricing starting at $50,000+ annually depending on modules and users; contact sales for custom quotes.
Tyler Technologies
enterprisePublic safety RMS with robust GIS integration for fire station mapping, apparatus tracking, and dispatch visualization.
Seamless GIS-CAD integration for dynamic, real-time response mapping and predictive analytics
Tyler Technologies provides a comprehensive public safety software suite with robust GIS mapping capabilities designed for fire departments, including real-time incident mapping, hydrant tracking, and response area visualization. Integrated with their CAD and RMS systems, it enables efficient dispatch routing, pre-incident planning, and asset management on interactive maps. The Tyler Maps platform supports enterprise-level scalability for municipal governments.
Pros
- Deep GIS integration with CAD and RMS for seamless workflows
- Scalable for large departments with advanced analytics and reporting
- Reliable real-time mapping for incident response and hydrant management
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to enterprise complexity
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less intuitive for smaller departments without dedicated IT support
Best For
Large municipal fire departments needing fully integrated public safety mapping within a broader government software ecosystem.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model with custom quotes; typically $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and department size.
CentralSquare
enterpriseNext-generation CAD and RMS software featuring dynamic mapping for fire response coordination and asset management.
Dynamic response area management with automatic apparatus dispatching overlaid on live GIS maps
CentralSquare offers a robust public safety software suite with advanced mapping capabilities designed specifically for fire departments, integrating GIS data with CAD systems for real-time incident mapping and response optimization. The platform enables visualization of fire hydrants, response zones, apparatus locations, and dynamic routing to improve dispatch efficiency. It supports fire-specific features like pre-plan mapping for high-risk structures and integration with mobile apps for field personnel.
Pros
- Comprehensive GIS integration with CAD for real-time mapping
- Strong support for fire-specific assets like hydrants and hazmat sites
- Scalable for large departments with multi-agency collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- High implementation and customization costs
- Occasional latency in real-time updates during peak incidents
Best For
Large municipal fire departments needing an enterprise-grade mapping solution integrated into a full public safety ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing for government agencies, typically $100,000+ annually based on department size, users, and modules, with SaaS or on-premise options.
Mark43
enterpriseCloud-native CAD platform with interactive GIS mapping for efficient fire incident management and reporting.
Dynamic real-time mapping with automatic hydrant/pre-plan overlays and predictive routing
Mark43 is a cloud-native public safety platform offering integrated CAD, RMS, and advanced mapping tools tailored for fire departments. It provides real-time incident mapping, hydrant locations, pre-plan overlays, and dynamic routing to optimize response times. The software supports NG911 integration and mobile access for field personnel, enabling efficient resource deployment and analytics-driven decision-making.
Pros
- Seamless integration with CAD and RMS for comprehensive fire response mapping
- Cloud-based with real-time updates and mobile accessibility
- Robust analytics and NG911 readiness for scalable operations
Cons
- High enterprise pricing may deter smaller departments
- Initial setup and customization require significant IT resources
- Learning curve for advanced mapping features despite intuitive UI
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments seeking an all-in-one public safety platform with strong mapping integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing upon request, typically $50-100 per user/month depending on scale and modules.
ImageTrend
enterpriseElite fire/EMS software suite with embedded GIS tools for incident mapping, NFIRS reporting, and pre-plan creation.
Real-time integration of GIS mapping with NFIRS incident reporting and automated compliance data export
ImageTrend Elite is a comprehensive records management system (RMS) for fire and EMS departments with robust GIS mapping capabilities, enabling hydrant management, pre-plan creation, incident mapping, and real-time resource tracking. It integrates mapping data with NFIRS reporting, dispatch, and analytics for enhanced situational awareness. The platform supports mobile access for field updates and customizable layers for department-specific needs.
Pros
- Seamless integration of mapping with RMS, NFIRS, and dispatch systems
- Mobile app for real-time field mapping and hydrant updates
- Customizable GIS layers and analytics for pre-planning and response optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to enterprise-level complexity
- Higher pricing suited more for larger departments
- Less specialized in advanced standalone GIS compared to pure mapping tools
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments needing integrated mapping within a full RMS rather than standalone GIS software.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically $5,000–$50,000+ annually based on department size and modules; contact for quote.
ESO
enterpriseAll-in-one fire RMS platform including mapping capabilities for hydrants, hazards, and operational analytics.
Dynamic response analytics dashboard with interactive GIS mapping for optimizing fire station locations and apparatus deployment
ESO (eso.com) is a comprehensive public safety software platform that includes robust mapping tools designed for fire departments, enabling geospatial analysis of incidents, hydrants, and response data. It integrates CAD, RMS, and GIS functionalities to support pre-planning, real-time dispatch mapping, and performance analytics. The solution helps fire agencies visualize station coverage, optimize apparatus deployment, and manage infrastructure like hydrants through mobile apps and interactive maps.
Pros
- Strong integration of mapping with CAD and RMS for unified workflows
- Real-time AVL and incident mapping for improved response visualization
- Comprehensive hydrant inspection and pre-plan mapping tools
Cons
- Enterprise-level complexity with a steeper learning curve for smaller teams
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for basic mapping needs
- Less flexible for standalone GIS customization compared to pure mapping software
Best For
Mid-sized to large fire departments needing integrated public safety software with advanced mapping and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically $5,000+ per month based on agency size and modules, with per-user fees for add-ons.
Firehouse Software
enterpriseFire RMS with integrated mapping features for station locations, personnel scheduling, and basic incident visualization.
Deep integration of mapping data directly into NFIRS incident reporting and hydrant maintenance workflows
Firehouse Software is a comprehensive records management system (RMS) for fire departments that includes mapping capabilities for hydrant tracking, pre-incident planning, and incident visualization. It integrates GIS data with core fire department operations like NFIRS reporting and resource management to support response planning. While not a dedicated standalone mapping tool, its mapping features are embedded within a broader suite for operational efficiency.
Pros
- Strong integration with RMS for hydrant and pre-plan mapping
- Customizable layers for fire-specific data like apparatus locations
- Reliable for smaller to mid-sized departments with existing Firehouse setup
Cons
- Dated user interface impacts mapping navigation
- Limited advanced GIS analytics compared to dedicated tools
- Mapping requires additional modules, increasing complexity
Best For
Fire departments already using Firehouse RMS who need basic integrated mapping without switching systems.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; modular structure starts around $5,000-$10,000 annually for base RMS plus mapping add-ons, depending on department size.
QGIS
otherOpen-source GIS software for customizable fire department mapping of hydrants, structures, and response routes.
Vast open plugin ecosystem for tailoring to fire mapping requirements
QGIS is a free, open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software that enables advanced mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization for various applications. For fire departments, it supports creating incident heatmaps, response time analyses, hydrant inventories, and station coverage maps using vector and raster data. Its plugin ecosystem allows customization for fire-specific needs like risk modeling and routing optimization.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Powerful spatial analysis tools for incident mapping and risk assessment
- Extensive plugin library for customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring GIS expertise
- No out-of-the-box fire department workflows or integrations
- Can be resource-intensive with large datasets
Best For
Fire departments with dedicated GIS staff needing a highly flexible, cost-free mapping platform.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers)
Conclusion
The review of fire department mapping software highlights Esri ArcGIS as the top choice, thanks to its comprehensive GIS platform with fire-specific modules that excel in pre-incident planning, real-time incident mapping, and resource deployment. Hexagon CAD and Motorola Solutions CommandCentral stand out as strong alternatives—Hexagon for advanced dispatch and hydrant management, and Motorola for unified operations and situational awareness. Each tool offers unique value, but Esri ArcGIS leads with its versatility and integrated capabilities.
For those looking to enhance their fire department's mapping and response capabilities, exploring Esri ArcGIS is a smart first step to unlock efficiency and readiness.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison