The use of a GIS to organize thematic data into bound and electronic atlas formats is a demand in motion amongst emergency responder personnel. An electronic map atlas is advantageous as it publishes information in a timely and intuitive manner. With this technology, gone are the days of leaving your station to gather material from other offices at various locations. Responders can have in their possession a map atlas that contains all the information that would be required in the event of an emergency.

The map atlas can be made to be static or dynamic. On-line maps can be printed at a moments notice in order to provide a field manual containing the necessary information. In the event that updates were made to the GIS database the maps can simply be reprinted for continued use and the old maps recycled. This ensures that field personnel are using the most recent and up-to-date tactical map during emergency situations.

The map atlas is a multidimensional tool and can be utilized by various personnel and customized to provide all of the necessary information. How managers and GIS technicians create the map atlas would be according to specific objectives of their use. Below is a table containing the base template of an emergency response map atlas that could be implemented by regional health collaborators. The functionality of the dispatcher interface could be set to print maps at various scales and with various pieces of information. The information that is contained within could be changed according to the needs of the department.