Critical Structures

The Montana Critical Structures Framework is a statewide project to compile a geographically-enabled database of all the critical structures in the State of Montana. Through a federated approach, the project collects data pertinent to disaster and emergency preparedness from various entities throughout the State, and places them into a Critical Infrastructure & Structures Data Model (CISDM) geodatabase.

CISDM is designed to provide GIS data for any given eventuality and is scaleable so it can support local mapping needs, as well as meet federal requirements (e.g. National Incident Management System (NIMS), Homeland Security Infrastructure Program (HSIP), etc.).

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History of Framework

The Critical Infrastructure & Structures Data Model (CISDM) was designed with a grant from the Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) to meet the needs of the GIS Sub-Committee of Disaster and Emergency Services of Montana (now the GIS Working Team).

The purpose of data model is to provide a standardized data repository for data (spatial and non-spatial) pertinent to structure features that relate to emergency response and planning activities. CISDM is flexible and allows for future expansion, and integration of multiple data sets, including other Montana Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) layers. The data model was finished in 2005 and was transitioned to the theme lead at the Department of Administration in February of 2006.

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Status of Framework

Theme "complete" definition - Critical infrastructure and structures are context-specific. “Critical” is dependant upon what a structure is (i.e. its function - a house or a hospital?) and the nature of the incident. A structure that is considered critical in a wildfire incident may not be considered critical in a pandemic outbreak. Ideally, a complete critical infrastructure and structures framework would be a routinely updated statewide layer of structures with addresses and the functions associated with those structures.

Current status - Emphasis is being placed on loading the CISDM with datasets that will be most beneficial to emergency responders and planners and in outreach to end-users. Currently the CISDM contains a small percentage of those identified as needed. This is for a couple of reasons. Primarily, funding for theme development from Homeland Security grants has decreased significantly. Second, many of the identified critical infrastructure themes are considered to be “sensitive” in nature and therefore there has been resistance to include them in the CISDM, which is open to the public.

Through funding from USGS, data development has focused on collecting the primary structure for every parcel in the state. For counties that maintain their own structures layers, the Base Map Service Center (BMSC) is working with those counties to integrate their data. For counties that do not have structures datasets, the BMSC is creating structure points.

Scheduled enhancements:

• Modifications are being made to the CISDM to incorporate additional attribution (GNIS identifiers, address information) and to simplify data management.
• Funded by a USGS grant, structures for an additional eighteen counties will be developed by the BMSC or integrated from county data sources.
• An ArcGIS Server based application is near completion that will allow users with an internet connection to view data contained in the CISDM along with other Framework and base map layers and create custom maps that may be printed out or saved as PDF documents.
• CISDM data will be made available with a ArcGIS web feature service and KML files.
• The BMSC is currently working on a cross border critical infrastructure sharing project with government agencies in Canada, US Dept of Homeland Security and private industry as part of a 2008 FGDC CAP grant. As part of the grant deliverables, data from the CISDM will be made available as OGC Web Feature Services.
• Continued work toward a statewide master address file.

Theme needs:

• Stable funding is needed for the Critical Structures Framework layer. A request has been made to the legislature for general funds to support the Base Map Service Center. If this funding is not received, however, MLIA grant funds will be necessary to continue to advance this theme. Annual theme costs for responsible integration and enhancement total approximately $80,000. This theme has made use of a USGS grant share for the past two years to reduce MLIA costs but it is not clear whether those will be available in 2009.
• Review missions and duties of those who gather and maintain critical infrastructure databases (BMSC; Dept of Justice – Fusion Center; Disaster and Emergency Services).
• Establish relationships where they don’t currently exist with county government GIS and DES staff. For those counties that have structures data, enter in a MOU to share data.

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Stewardship Contact Information

Theme Steward

Montana Department of Military Affairs
Disaster and Emergency Services Division
Telephone: 406-324-3000
Mail: P.O. Box 4789 Fort Harrison, MT 59636-4789

Critical Structures Framework Theme Lead

Michael Fashoway
Department of Administration, ITSD
Base Map Service Center
910 Helena Ave, 2nd Floor
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-444-2793
Fax: 406-444-1887
E-mail: mfashoway@mt.gov