1. Introduction
Recent urbanization and industrialization are increasing the number of fire incidents in high-rise buildings, large-scale complex facilities, and industrial complexes. These facilities tend to have complicated structures and expansive areas, along with numerous occupants present simultaneously. Thus, fires can result in severe casualties, and the response time by firefighters may be delayed. In particular, a lack of information about the areas requiring firefighting has repeatedly reduced efficiency in deploying firefighting vehicles, arranging necessary equipment, and securing access roads[1].
Currently, a dispatch system based on mobile data terminals (MDTs) is used at most firefighting sites. However, this system has limitations in adequately reflecting detailed information such as building floor layouts, multiple entrances and exits, and the locations of hazardous material storage. Thus, in frequent cases, firefighting vehicles are concentrated at specific locations or fail to secure proper access during actual fires. These problems pose major obstacles to early fire suppression by hindering the timely deployment of specialized firefighting vehicles and equipment. As a solution to this problem, the Gongdan Fire Station in Incheon recently adopted training and dispatch systems based on geographic information system (GIS) technology. A GIS platform provides a technical foundation for establishing efficient response strategies and enabling prompt decision-making by fire commanders and firefighters. It accomplishes this by comprehensively delivering visual information on the location, layout, key risk factors, close firefighting water facilities, and security cameras of fire sites, as well as the real-time status of equipment and personnel deployment[2].
This study aimed to address the limitations of conventional firefighting training and evaluate its field applicability by using the advantages of GIS technology. Hence, scenario-based firefighting training was conducted using a GIS-based training system at the Gongdan Fire Station in Incheon. After the training, a survey was administered to the participating firefighters. The survey was designed to empirically assess the effectiveness and applicability of the GIS-based training, focusing on pre- and post-training satisfaction, system effectiveness, training adequacy, and perceived responsiveness
2. Theoretical Background
2.1. Current Status and Problems in Domestic Fire Training
Current dispatch and response systems at fire scenes operate based on legal and institutional frameworks. However, limitations exist in securing practical response capabilities in complex urban and industrial environments. Although various training programs including fire suppression, rescue, and first aid are regularly conducted in accordance with Article 29 (Education and Training on Firefighting) of the “Work Regulations of Firefighting Officials”, frequent reports exist of failure to apply the trained response procedures during actual fire incidents[3]. The main problems include a lack of spatial information and reduced field applicability resulting from static training environments. Current training programs are conducted using two-dimensional floor plans, document-based tabletop exercises, and on-site training. In these formats, information about the location, structure, and facilities of major firefighting targets within a given jurisdiction is largely based on documents and simple diagrams. Critically, essential features of actual fire sites—such as complex pathways, multiple entrances and exits, and hazardous material storage in high-rise or large-scale buildings—are not adequately reflected in the training process. In particular, even on-site training is often limited to inspecting pre-planned vehicle arrangements and access routes, failing to account for the dynamic and non-linear changes that occur during actual fire scenes. Furthermore, the information delivery system used during dispatch reveals the limitations of current training practices. Information must be shared in real time between the fire commander and field firefighters at fire scenes; however, current training merely reenacts a pre-determined information delivery system. This practice has resulted in recurring inefficiencies, including delays in information sharing between the first and subsequent responders, as well as overlapping deployments of vehicles and equipment[4]. The discrepancy between training and real-life incidents is a major factor that negatively impacts the ability to secure the golden time for early fire suppression.
These limitations indicate that current training practices remain focused on mastering standardized procedures, without incorporating dynamic spatial information analysis or adapting to real-time situational changes. Thus, a training system built on advanced technology must be introduced to create an environment that closely simulates real-life scenarios and enables strategic decision-making based on spatial-temporal information[5].
2.2. Concept and Necessity of GIS-Based Firefighting Training
Traditional firefighting training focuses on mastering standardized procedures and is typically conducted using two-dimensional floor plans or simple diagrams, thereby limiting its ability to adequately reflect the complex spatial and environmental characteristics of actual fire scenes. Particularly, key parameters such as access routes for firefighters, evacuation paths, and the deployment of equipment and vehicles are not sufficiently accounted for in training scenarios involving high-rise or large-scale buildings. This has led to limited early response capabilities and weakened strategic decision-making during real dispatch scenarios[6].
A firefighting training system incorporating GIS technology is attracting interest for overcoming this limitation. This GIS-based training system offers advantages over conventional methods by addressing their static and planar limitations. It enables the creation of customized training scenarios that reflect real geographical, architectural, and social characteristics through the integration of various types of spatial data. For example, a simulation environment that closely resembles real-life scenarios can be created using spatial information such as road networks, building structures, population density, major hazard facilities, and fire history of a city. Consequently, firefighters can enhance their dynamic spatial awareness and operational execution capabilities[7].
Moreover, the GIS platform can integrate Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology to include real-time sensor data and site information in training scenarios. This enables training to reflect timely variables such as fire spread conditions, changes in resource deployment, and blocked evacuation routes. Such integration helps improve situational judgment and resource management strategies for real fire scenes. Therefore, the GIS-based firefighting training system can be regarded as a core technological alternative that enables strategic response training in an environment that closely resembles actual fire scenarios, going beyond the mere mastery of theoretical procedures.
3. Research Method
3.1. Overview of the Research Site and Facility
This study focused on the Gongdan Fire Station, located in Incheon, Korea. The target facility for the firefighting training was Seonhak Gymnasium, located at 529 Gyeongwon-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. This facility is classified as a cultural and assembly facility with an area of 13,323.07 m². It is considered a major firefighting target owing to its potential for mass casualties in the event of a large-scale disaster or accident. The training scenario assumed a fire of unknown origin breaking out on the first floor of the building, leading to full fire spread throughout the structure and the expectation of multiple casualties. A total of 10 firefighting vehicles and 61 firefighters were mobilized. The training was conducted based on a practical scenario that included the operation of resource control devices, supplementation of firefighting water sources, and vehicle redeployment in response to fire spread. The details of the training are presented in Table 1.
3.2. GIS Platform Development and Utilization
The GIS-based dispatch support platform utilized in this study was developed in the situation room of the Gongdan Fire Station in Incheon. It was designed to integrate the fire command and control system with real-time three-dimensional (3D) spatial information. This platform supports prompt judgment and strategic decision-making by providing real-time data to the fire commander and on-site response teams throughout the entire process—from the initial fire report to arrival at the scene.
The main functions of the platform are summarized in Table 2. These include vehicle location tracking, information on major firefighting targets, hazardous material data, linkage with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), integration with security camera footage, information on firefighting facilities, route guidance, and geofencing. In particular, the route guidance function—provided through T-Map and Kakao Navigation applications—enables firefighting vehicles to reach the scene promptly during emergency scenarios. Additionally, the location-sharing feature among dispatchers helps reduce confusion caused by vehicle congestion.
Figure 1 illustrates how the GIS platform supports the entire process from the initial fire report to on-site response. When a caller reports an incident by dialing 119, the GIS platform immediately shares the caller’s location and the location of the responding vehicle with both the situation room and on-site personnel. Subsequently, the situation room and field responders can monitor the vehicle’s route, surrounding scene information, and the status of resource deployment in real time through the platform. This facilitates a more accurate and efficient response and resource operation.
During the actual training, the various functions of the GIS platform operated organically at each stage. In the reporting stage, the caller’s coordinates were automatically displayed, and both the distance to the scene and the optimal route were immediately calculated. In the dispatch ordering stage, the status and location of available vehicles were updated in real time, and the optimized route information was transmitted to both the situation room and the MDT screen of the dispatch vehicle. While en route to the scene, vehicle location tracking is continuously updated, enabling the estimated arrival times of both the first and subsequent responders to be identified. Information on the structure of the firefighting target and the status of hazardous material storage is displayed on the GIS screen to support the development of a preliminary response strategy. Arrival at the scene is automatically recorded by the geofencing function, and the building’s external conditions can be monitored through integrated security CCTV cameras. When entering a building and determining the proper response, information on firefighting facilities and water sources is displayed on the on-site map to support task assignment and resource deployment. Hazardous materials and corresponding MSDS information is immediately accessed when required, ensuring a safe and appropriate response based on the characteristics of the chemical substances involved.
Therefore, the GIS platform was operated according toa defined procedure throughout the training, ensuring that each function was practically applied within the training scenario. This procedural flow is illustrated in both Figure 1 and Table 2, accompanied by detailed descriptions, highlighting that the platform functions as core infrastructure during on-site response rather than merely serving as an assistive tool.
3.3. Survey Design and Analysis Method
In this study, a survey was administered to 30 firefighters from the Gongdan Fire Station who participated in the training to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of the GIS-based firefighting training system. The survey was designed to analyze the impact of the GIS system on on-site response, training effectiveness, and command support through a multi-layered perspective. Respondents' years of service were also collected to enable future analysis based on career level. The survey questions were categorized into four analytical areas: Dispatch Response Analysis, Training Response Analysis, Situational Response Analysis, and Training Effectiveness Analysis. A total of 19 questions were presented, each rated on a five-point Likert scale (1: Strongly Disagree to 5: Strongly Agree). The questions were designed with a focus on the practical usefulness of the GIS platform, clarity of information delivery, efficiency of dispatch and response, and overall training effectiveness. The details of the survey questions are provided in Table 3.
As the analysis method, pie charts were used to visually identify response trends by question and category, based on the overall distribution of responses on the Likert scale. Furthermore, a boxplot was used to analyze the distribution of satisfaction scores by age group based on response points. In addition, a heatmap was generated to intuitively visualize the relative frequency differences of response items for each question across age groups. The multi-layered analysis aimed to quantitatively assess user satisfaction and the effectiveness of the GIS-based training system while also providing foundational data to support improvements in the education and training program and guide future system advancements.
4. Research Results
4.1. Dispatch Response Analysis
Figure 2 illustrates firefighters’ satisfaction with the GIS-based dispatch response system. A total of 86% of respondents gave a positive assessment of the dispatch order-based response mechanism, suggesting that the GIS-based system has improved the efficiency of vehicle deployment and route designation compared to conventional methods. Additionally, 63% of respondents were already familiar with the GIS-based system, indicating that the preliminary education provided before the training was effective. Regarding the provision of information on firefighting targets during dispatch, over 70% of respondents provided a positive evaluation. Questions related to the MDT-based dispatch map and satisfaction with on-site information provided by the situation room received satisfaction rates of 80% and 75%, respectively. These results suggest that the GIS platform enhanced the promptness and accuracy of dispatch operations by working in a complementary manner with the MDT system.
4.2. Training Response Analysis
Figure 3 presents the analysis results regarding the perceived usefulness and suitability of the GIS-based firefighting training. Sixty percent of respondents reported having prior experience using GIS during firefighting training, whereas 83% indicated that GIS information was helpful during actual fire response. Additionally, 70% of respondents found the GIS platform effective for firefighting training. This suggests that the real-time spatial information and visualized target data provided by the GIS platform contribute to creating a more realistic and immersive training environment compared to conventional tabletop exercises. These findings indicate that participants could engage in practical operations that closely resembled real on-site activities, going beyond simple theoretical instruction.
4.3. Situational Response Analysis
Figure 4 illustrates the effects of the GIS platform on on-site situational response. Over 70% of respondents expressed satisfaction with vehicle location information sharing. Notably, 87% and 90% of respondents gave highly positive responses to questions regarding the deployment of dispatch vehicles near fire access entrances and the adequacy of fire extinguishing locations around buildings, respectively. These results suggest that the GIS platform can be effectively utilized for selecting optimal vehicle positions and planning resource deployment. In contrast, only 37% of respondents gave a positive assessment regarding real-time location sharing between first and subsequent responders, indicating that limitations remain in information exchange between these two groups. Moreover, 73% of respondents responded positively to the question about the provision of directional suppression information, confirming the effectiveness of GIS-based situational data in supporting the development of fire suppression strategies.
4.4. Training Effectiveness Analysis
Figure 5 presents the evaluation results regarding the effectiveness of the GIS-based training. A total of 83% of respondents stated that the GIS-based training was more effective compared to the previous dispatch system, and over 70% indicated that preliminary information was helpful for fire suppression. Additionally, 73% gave a positive assessment of the GIS platform’s directional suppression support function when integrated with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). These results suggest that the GNSS-GIS-based approach to resource deployment and fire suppression offers practical improvements over conventional systems. Overall, the findings imply that the GIS platform enhances firefighters’ situational judgment and response capabilities by providing training environments that closely simulate real-world incidents—going beyond the role of a simple training assistive too.
4.5. Age-based Analysis
Figure 6 visualizes satisfaction with the GIS-based firefighting training system across different age groups. The box plot analysis revealed that overall satisfaction tended to be higher among younger age groups. In particular, the “very satisfied” response was most frequent among respondents in their early 30s to early 40s. This result suggests that younger firefighters are generally more receptive to the system and demonstrate a higher level of acceptance.
A similar trend was observed in the heatmap analysis. The "satisfied" response was most frequent among respondents in their 30s, with 106 instances. The "very satisfied" response was also notably high among respondents in their 30s and 40s, with 51 and 31 responses, respectively. In contrast, while overall satisfaction was relatively high among those in their 40s, the proportion of "very satisfied" responses was lower, suggesting that additional consideration may be required to enhance training immersiveness or system intuitiveness for this age group. Among respondents in their 50s, most selected "satisfied," indicating a generally positive response. Although the number of respondents in their 20s was relatively low, they also showed a generally high satisfaction level. An additional quantitative analysis revealed that the difference in satisfaction distribution across age groups was statistically significant (p = 0.00017). The overall satisfaction scores also showed statistical significance (p = 0.00279). In the post-hoc comparison, respondents in their 50s reported significantly higher satisfaction levels than those in their 20s (p_holm = 0.0057) and 40s (p_holm = 0.043).
These results indicate that the GIS-based firefighting training system is generally well accepted across all age groups, with respondents in their 30s demonstrating the highest levels of immersiveness and acceptance. However, to maintain consistent satisfaction among older age groups, strategic measures, such as user-customized interface improvements and the provision of repetitive learning content, should be considered.
5. Conclusions
This study empirically analyzed the impact of the GIS-based firefighting training system on firefighters' dispatch efficiency and on-site response capabilities. Through scenario-based fire response training and a follow-up survey, the GIS platform was shown to address the limitations of traditional dispatch systems. Specifically, it contributed to more effective dispatch route planning, enhanced provision of site-specific information, and improved resource deployment. In particular, the MDT-based dispatch map and the provision of site information from the scenario room received satisfaction ratings of 80% and 76%, respectively. Additionally, over 70% of respondents positively evaluated the function of accessing firefighting target information via the GIS platform during dispatch. These results suggest that the GIS platform supports strategic decision-making even before arriving at the fire scene, thereby enabling more prompt and accurate early response measures. Furthermore, overall satisfaction was relatively high regarding location information sharing of dispatched vehicles and the integration of information between the scenario room and the field. However, the positive response rate for real-time information sharing between first and subsequent responder groups was only 37%. This indicates that the information linkage system in the field remains insufficient and highlights the necessity to strengthen the digital information-sharing infrastructure, particularly through the implementation of real-time sharing technologies. In particular, the low level of satisfaction regarding real-time information sharing between the first and subsequent responder groups was attributed to several factors, including reliance on radio communication, high on-site noise levels, and the lack of real-time data channels and in-platform notifications. Based on these findings, the following improvement measures are proposed: (i) Development of a dedicated real-time data channel for field use (e.g., text, pictogram, preset commands), (ii) customized dashboard for each role, (iii) priority notification and acknowledgement (ACK) function for key events, (iv) message bridging between radio↔platform, and (v) multimodal notification system including vibration alerts and visual alarms. Notable results were also observed in the age group analysis. While overall satisfaction levels were high across all age groups, respondents in their 30s showed the highest proportion of "very satisfied" and "satisfied" responses, demonstrating strong acceptance and adaptability in utilizing the system. In contrast, although respondents in their 40s expressed generally positive satisfaction, the proportion of "very satisfied" responses was relatively lower. This highlights the necessity to strengthen task-centered educational content for middle-aged and older groups.
Overall, the GIS-based firefighting training system was empirically demonstrated to be an effective alternative to traditional 2D tabletop training. It enhances field-oriented strategic decision-making and training effectiveness by providing an environment that closely simulates real-world dispatch and fire suppression scenarios. Moreover, the GIS platform enhanced the situational judgment capability and strategic response skills of firefighters by offering a training environment similar to actual incidents, instead of being a simple training assisting tool. However, because this study used a self-reporting survey that can result in subjective bias, a follow-up study is planned to introduce a triangulation test incorporating GIS logs, commander evaluations, and CCTV-radio log analysis.
In future studies, a more precise and immersive simulation environment should be developed by integrating IoT sensors, drones, and AI-based fire prediction technologies into the GIS training system. Additionally, because this study focused primarily on evaluating user acceptance and adaptability, it was limited in collecting behavior-based indicators such as arrival and entry times. Future research should aim to objectively verify improvements in initial response capabilities by incorporating and analyzing these performance metrics.
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