Quick Overview
- 1#1: FirePrograms PrePlan - Specialized software for creating interactive 3D fire pre-incident plans with 360-degree photos, floor plans, hydrant locations, and mobile access.
- 2#2: ImageTrend PrePlan - Cloud-based pre-plan tool integrated with incident management for detailed building assessments, hazards mapping, and real-time sharing.
- 3#3: Firehouse Software Pre-Incident Planner - Robust pre-planning module within RMS that captures site details, diagrams, and response strategies for fire department operations.
- 4#4: Southern Software PrePlan - Integrated pre-incident planning features in fire RMS for storing floor plans, occupancy data, and tactical info accessible via mobile.
- 5#5: Tyler Technologies New World PrePlan - Enterprise RMS solution with pre-plan capabilities for mapping facilities, hazards, and access points linked to CAD and dispatch.
- 6#6: CentralSquare Fire RMS PrePlan - Public safety platform offering pre-incident planning with geospatial data, building schematics, and integration for emergency response.
- 7#7: Mark43 PrePlan - Modern cloud RMS with pre-planning tools for dynamic site profiles, annotations, and seamless mobile deployment.
- 8#8: Hexagon CAD PrePlan Tools - Advanced CAD software for fire departments to build detailed pre-plans with geospatial mapping and response modeling.
- 9#9: Esri ArcGIS for Public Safety - GIS platform enabling fire pre-plans through interactive maps, 3D modeling, and facility data layers for situational awareness.
- 10#10: Vector Fire Design Software - Engineering software adapted for pre-planning with hydraulic calculations, sprinkler layouts, and fire protection system modeling.
These tools were selected based on key factors including feature set (such as 3D modeling, geospatial integration, and mobile accessibility), usability, integration with existing systems, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of fire departments.
Comparison Table
Effective pre-incident planning is vital for fire departments, and selecting the right software is key to streamlining this process. This comparison table explores tools including FirePrograms PrePlan, ImageTrend PrePlan, Firehouse Software Pre-Incident Planner, and more, helping readers assess features, strengths, and suitability for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FirePrograms PrePlan Specialized software for creating interactive 3D fire pre-incident plans with 360-degree photos, floor plans, hydrant locations, and mobile access. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | ImageTrend PrePlan Cloud-based pre-plan tool integrated with incident management for detailed building assessments, hazards mapping, and real-time sharing. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Firehouse Software Pre-Incident Planner Robust pre-planning module within RMS that captures site details, diagrams, and response strategies for fire department operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Southern Software PrePlan Integrated pre-incident planning features in fire RMS for storing floor plans, occupancy data, and tactical info accessible via mobile. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Tyler Technologies New World PrePlan Enterprise RMS solution with pre-plan capabilities for mapping facilities, hazards, and access points linked to CAD and dispatch. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | CentralSquare Fire RMS PrePlan Public safety platform offering pre-incident planning with geospatial data, building schematics, and integration for emergency response. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 7 | Mark43 PrePlan Modern cloud RMS with pre-planning tools for dynamic site profiles, annotations, and seamless mobile deployment. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Hexagon CAD PrePlan Tools Advanced CAD software for fire departments to build detailed pre-plans with geospatial mapping and response modeling. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Esri ArcGIS for Public Safety GIS platform enabling fire pre-plans through interactive maps, 3D modeling, and facility data layers for situational awareness. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Vector Fire Design Software Engineering software adapted for pre-planning with hydraulic calculations, sprinkler layouts, and fire protection system modeling. | specialized | 6.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 4.8/10 | 5.5/10 |
Specialized software for creating interactive 3D fire pre-incident plans with 360-degree photos, floor plans, hydrant locations, and mobile access.
Cloud-based pre-plan tool integrated with incident management for detailed building assessments, hazards mapping, and real-time sharing.
Robust pre-planning module within RMS that captures site details, diagrams, and response strategies for fire department operations.
Integrated pre-incident planning features in fire RMS for storing floor plans, occupancy data, and tactical info accessible via mobile.
Enterprise RMS solution with pre-plan capabilities for mapping facilities, hazards, and access points linked to CAD and dispatch.
Public safety platform offering pre-incident planning with geospatial data, building schematics, and integration for emergency response.
Modern cloud RMS with pre-planning tools for dynamic site profiles, annotations, and seamless mobile deployment.
Advanced CAD software for fire departments to build detailed pre-plans with geospatial mapping and response modeling.
GIS platform enabling fire pre-plans through interactive maps, 3D modeling, and facility data layers for situational awareness.
Engineering software adapted for pre-planning with hydraulic calculations, sprinkler layouts, and fire protection system modeling.
FirePrograms PrePlan
specializedSpecialized software for creating interactive 3D fire pre-incident plans with 360-degree photos, floor plans, hydrant locations, and mobile access.
Immersive 3D virtual walkthroughs combined with 360-degree panoramas for realistic pre-plan visualization.
FirePrograms PrePlan is a comprehensive cloud-based software solution designed specifically for fire departments to create detailed digital pre-incident plans for buildings and target hazards. It enables users to import floor plans, annotate critical elements like hydrants, access points, hazards, and utilities, and generate mobile-accessible plans with 360-degree photos, videos, and 3D models. The platform integrates with GIS, CAD, and mapping services to streamline pre-planning and enhance incident response effectiveness.
Pros
- Extensive customization with drag-and-drop tools, 3D modeling, and multimedia integration
- Robust mobile app for on-scene access and offline functionality
- Seamless GIS/CAD integration and scalable for departments of any size
- Dedicated support and regular updates based on user feedback
Cons
- Initial learning curve for advanced 3D features
- Custom pricing can be high for very small volunteer departments
- Occasional delays in cloud syncing during peak usage
Best For
Professional fire departments requiring top-tier, feature-rich pre-planning tools for complex structures and high-volume incident management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on department size and users; typically starts at $500/month for small teams, with enterprise plans available upon request.
ImageTrend PrePlan
specializedCloud-based pre-plan tool integrated with incident management for detailed building assessments, hazards mapping, and real-time sharing.
Geo-aware 3D interactive plans with automatic hydrant and apparatus placement tied to real-world GPS coordinates
ImageTrend PrePlan is a robust cloud-based pre-incident planning solution tailored for fire departments, allowing users to build detailed digital maps of target hazards with floor plans, hydrant locations, aerial imagery, and hazmat data. It supports geo-referenced plans, 3D visualizations, and mobile access for on-scene reference during emergencies. The software integrates seamlessly with ImageTrend's elite platform for NFIRS reporting, CAD, and incident management.
Pros
- Advanced GIS and 3D mapping capabilities for precise pre-plans
- Strong mobile app integration for field access and real-time updates
- Seamless integration with ImageTrend's ecosystem for comprehensive data sharing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small volunteer departments
- Limited customization options outside of core templates
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments needing integrated pre-planning with enterprise-level reporting and analytics.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on department size and modules; typically starts at $5,000-$15,000 annually for mid-sized agencies—contact for quote.
Firehouse Software Pre-Incident Planner
enterpriseRobust pre-planning module within RMS that captures site details, diagrams, and response strategies for fire department operations.
Hyperlinked interactive floor plans with embedded photos, videos, and notes for instant on-scene navigation
Firehouse Software Pre-Incident Planner is a comprehensive tool tailored for fire departments to develop detailed pre-incident plans for commercial buildings, high-rise structures, and target hazards. It enables users to create interactive digital maps with annotations for hazards, access points, water supplies, fire suppression systems, and evacuation routes. The software supports photo/video integration and mobile access, allowing firefighters to reference plans quickly during incidents, with strong ties to Firehouse Software's broader records management system.
Pros
- Deep integration with Firehouse RMS for streamlined data sharing
- Interactive mapping with hotspots, photos, and 360-degree views
- Reliable mobile app for on-scene access and real-time updates
Cons
- User interface appears somewhat dated and less modern
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be high for small departments
- Limited native integrations with non-Firehouse systems
Best For
Mid-sized fire departments already invested in the Firehouse Software ecosystem looking for robust, integrated pre-planning.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on department size and modules; typically $5,000–$20,000 annually, quote required.
Southern Software PrePlan
enterpriseIntegrated pre-incident planning features in fire RMS for storing floor plans, occupancy data, and tactical info accessible via mobile.
Seamless bi-directional integration with Southern Software CAD/RMS for real-time data synchronization
Southern Software PrePlan is a robust pre-incident planning software tailored for fire departments, enabling the creation of detailed digital pre-plans with interactive floor plans, 3D visualizations, hydrant mapping, and hazard annotations. It supports mobile access for on-scene responders and integrates with Southern Software's CAD and RMS systems for streamlined data sharing. The tool emphasizes NFPA compliance and geo-referencing to enhance tactical response planning for high-risk structures.
Pros
- Deep integration with Southern Software CAD/RMS for unified workflows
- Advanced 3D modeling and interactive floor plans
- Strong mobile app support for field access
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing favors larger departments over small ones
- Limited native integrations with non-Southern Software tools
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments integrated into the Southern Software ecosystem needing comprehensive pre-planning with 3D capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; contact vendor for quotes, typically subscription-based with per-department licensing.
Tyler Technologies New World PrePlan
enterpriseEnterprise RMS solution with pre-plan capabilities for mapping facilities, hazards, and access points linked to CAD and dispatch.
Deep integration with Tyler's New World suite for real-time data sharing across dispatch, records management, and pre-planning systems
Tyler Technologies' New World PrePlan is a robust pre-incident planning software tailored for fire departments, allowing users to build detailed digital pre-plans for structures with floor plans, hydrant locations, utility shutoffs, and hazard annotations. It supports GIS integration for accurate mapping and provides mobile access for responders during incidents. As part of Tyler's New World public safety suite, it ensures data synchronization with CAD, RMS, and other modules for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Strong integration with Tyler's ERP suite including CAD and RMS
- Comprehensive tools for detailed floor plans, annotations, and GIS mapping
- Reliable mobile access for on-scene pre-plan retrieval
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to enterprise-level complexity
- High pricing limits accessibility for smaller departments
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Large municipal fire departments integrated into Tyler Technologies' public safety ecosystem needing scalable, enterprise-grade pre-planning.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; annual costs typically range from $20,000+ for mid-sized departments, often bundled with other Tyler modules.
CentralSquare Fire RMS PrePlan
enterprisePublic safety platform offering pre-incident planning with geospatial data, building schematics, and integration for emergency response.
Automatic pre-plan activation and overlay during CAD dispatch for real-time incident response
CentralSquare Fire RMS PrePlan is a module within the CentralSquare public safety suite tailored for fire departments to create and manage detailed pre-incident plans for structures and target hazards. It supports digital mapping of floor plans, hydrant locations, access points, utilities, and hazards, with photo and video integration for enhanced situational awareness. The software integrates deeply with the broader Fire RMS and CAD systems, enabling automatic pre-plan retrieval during dispatch for faster, informed responses.
Pros
- Seamless integration with CentralSquare RMS, CAD, and mobile apps for unified workflows
- Comprehensive pre-plan tools including 360° photos, sketches, and hazard annotations
- Scalable for enterprise-level departments with robust data sharing and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and full-suite dependency
- Pricing is opaque and geared toward large departments, less ideal for small agencies
- Limited standalone functionality without broader CentralSquare ecosystem
Best For
Large fire departments integrated into the CentralSquare public safety platform needing robust, enterprise-grade pre-planning.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically subscription-based starting at $50-100/user/month depending on modules and department size.
Mark43 PrePlan
enterpriseModern cloud RMS with pre-planning tools for dynamic site profiles, annotations, and seamless mobile deployment.
Automatic pre-plan activation via CAD integration during incident dispatch
Mark43 PrePlan is a cloud-based pre-incident planning tool tailored for fire departments, enabling the creation of interactive digital maps, floor plans, and hazard assessments for target occupancies. It integrates deeply with Mark43's CAD and RMS systems, automatically pulling pre-plan data during dispatch for enhanced response preparedness. The software supports mobile access, annotations, and real-time updates to improve firefighter safety and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Mark43 CAD/RMS for automatic data retrieval
- Mobile app provides on-scene access to interactive pre-plans
- Robust annotation tools for hazards, hydrants, and access points
Cons
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small departments
- Full functionality requires other Mark43 modules
- Learning curve for advanced mapping features
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments integrated into the Mark43 public safety ecosystem seeking scalable pre-planning.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing based on department size; typically $50-100/user/month with bundled modules.
Hexagon CAD PrePlan Tools
enterpriseAdvanced CAD software for fire departments to build detailed pre-plans with geospatial mapping and response modeling.
Seamless BIM/CAD data import for photorealistic 3D pre-plan visualizations directly from architectural models
Hexagon CAD PrePlan Tools is a robust CAD-based software solution from Hexagon tailored for fire departments to develop detailed pre-incident plans for target hazards. It enables the creation of 2D and 3D building models, annotation of critical features like hydrants, access points, and hazards, and integration with geospatial data for site context. The tool supports collaboration and mobile access, enhancing response preparedness through accurate digital pre-plans linked to dispatch systems.
Pros
- Superior CAD and BIM integration for precise 2D/3D modeling
- Strong geospatial mapping for comprehensive site pre-plans
- Scalable for enterprise-level fire departments with multi-agency support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to advanced CAD interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited out-of-box mobile functionality without add-ons
Best For
Large municipal or regional fire departments already using Hexagon's CAD ecosystem that require high-fidelity, geospatial-integrated pre-plans.
Pricing
Enterprise custom pricing, typically quote-based starting at $10,000+ annually depending on users and modules.
Esri ArcGIS for Public Safety
enterpriseGIS platform enabling fire pre-plans through interactive maps, 3D modeling, and facility data layers for situational awareness.
3D indoor mapping and facility modeling for immersive pre-plan visualizations
Esri ArcGIS for Public Safety is a robust GIS platform designed for emergency management, offering tools for fire department pre-planning through interactive mapping, 3D facility modeling, and hazard risk assessment. It allows departments to digitize building layouts, identify critical infrastructure like hydrants and access points, and create dynamic pre-plan maps for rapid response preparation. The software integrates with real-time data feeds and analytics to support both preparedness and incident operations.
Pros
- Advanced GIS mapping and 3D visualization for detailed pre-plans
- Seamless integration with other Esri tools and external data sources
- Scalable for enterprise-level departments with strong analytics capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex GIS interface
- High cost may not justify for small departments focused solely on pre-planning
- Less specialized fire-specific templates compared to dedicated pre-plan software
Best For
Large fire departments with GIS expertise and existing Esri infrastructure seeking comprehensive spatial analysis for pre-incident planning.
Pricing
Subscription-based named user licenses start at ~$100/user/year for ArcGIS Online, but public safety enterprise deployments are custom-quoted, often $10,000+ annually depending on scale.
Vector Fire Design Software
specializedEngineering software adapted for pre-planning with hydraulic calculations, sprinkler layouts, and fire protection system modeling.
Precision hydraulic calculation engine that simulates water flow in fire suppression systems for realistic pre-plan risk assessment
Vector Fire Design Software from Vector Ltd is a professional engineering toolset focused on fire protection system design, including hydraulic calculations, smoke ventilation modeling, and fire dynamics simulations. It enables users to create detailed 2D/3D models of buildings and fire systems, which can be repurposed for basic pre-incident planning by exporting plans with hazard annotations. However, it lacks native features tailored for fire department operational use, such as mobile access, incident overlays, or rapid pre-plan sharing among responders.
Pros
- Advanced hydraulic and smoke modeling for accurate hazard prediction
- Standards-compliant outputs useful for regulatory pre-plan submissions
- High-fidelity 2D/3D plan generation that can serve as pre-plan bases
Cons
- Steep learning curve unsuitable for non-engineers in fire departments
- No mobile or field-accessible interface for on-scene pre-plan review
- Lacks firefighting-specific tools like access points, water supply mapping, or team assignments
Best For
Fire protection engineering firms creating design documents that fire departments may adapt for pre-planning.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing starting at around £5,000 annually per user; custom quotes required for modules.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 fire department pre-plan tools reveals that while each offers distinct advantages, FirePrograms PrePlan emerges as the standout choice, excelling in interactive 3D mapping with 360-degree photos and mobile accessibility. Close behind are ImageTrend PrePlan, noted for its cloud-based integration and real-time incident management links, and Firehouse Software Pre-Incident Planner, which provides a robust pre-planning module within an RMS for detailed site capture. Whether seeking specialized features or a comprehensive solution, these tools cater to diverse needs, but FirePrograms PrePlan leads as the most effective for streamlining pre-incident planning processes.
Take the next step in improving your department’s preparedness—discover FirePrograms PrePlan today and unlock the benefits of advanced, user-friendly pre-incident planning.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison