I just posted a new video tutorial for IGT4SAR discussing the importance of Minimum Essential Datasets. Historically we had limited ourselves to paper topographical maps that were static and typically outdated. However, SAR response requires heightened situational awareness of the environment within the search area. This is not only for managing responders in the field but also in understanding how the subject may respond to certain environmental conditions as this understanding could assist in finding the subject. Minimum Essential Datasets help provide situational awareness. They also allow the maps to be dynamic and interactive. And the availability of raster and vector datasets provides opportunities for analysis that were previously unavailable.
