The main purpose of this area of mapping is to bring GIS technology to emergency responders conducting emergency response activities.

GIS is primarily used for quick reference to determine infrastructure as well as the surface the land and to determine the most optimal evacuation routes as well as confirmation and/or identification of sensitive environments within the area(s) of a response action. In some circumstances, it is used to relay detailed information back to the office and/or Emergency Operations Center to aid with communications to management or other involved parties/agencies.

Potential environmental threats are forest fires and pest infestations such as the beetle problem that is affecting most of B.C. Areas that are located on the fringes of urban and wilderness areas are at risk. These are known as interface areas.

GEM also creates siteplans of buildings and facilities conforming to WBC and fire safety standards for event planning and emergency evacuation purposes.