Funding indoor mapping projects for safer school campuses

October 1, 2025

New legislation on school safety requires K-12 schools to adopt digital indoor maps to improve emergency response, prompting schools to urgently seek funding to meet these requirements.

These digital maps go far beyond mere compliance; they serve as critical tools that can make the difference between chaos and safety during an emergency. By proactively pursuing grant funding, schools can not only fulfill these new mandates but also empower staff and first responders to protect lives when every second counts.

States leading the way

As of 2025, the following states have passed legislation or launched statewide initiatives requiring digital indoor mapping for K-12 schools: Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, Indiana and Georgia.

Why digital indoor maps matter

Legislation in several states including Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina and Minnesota requires school districts to produce digital indoor maps of their facilities. These north-oriented, field-verified maps must display campus layouts, entrances, exits and emergency assets and are designed to be compatible with NG9-1-1 CAD/CHE systems. By providing essential details, these maps enable first responders to navigate buildings quickly and efficiently during emergencies.

Grant opportunities you should know about

Federal grants

• STOP School Violence Program (DOJ): Deadline: October 27, 2025 (Grants.gov) / November 3, 2025 (JustGrants); Supports: Mapping, emergency preparedness, violence prevention
• Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence (DOJ): Deadline: October 21, 2025; Supports: School safety technology including mapping
• OJJDP Youth Violence Prevention Grants: Open now; includes funding for mapping and emergency planning

State-specific grants

• Georgia’s School Safety Grant Program: Established by: HB 268; Application window: Allocated through FY 2026; Funding: $61,000 per school; Requirements: Integrate with NG9-1-1 and public safety platforms, printable, electronically shareable maps, emergency asset labelling.
• Louisiana School Safety Grant Program: Established: SB 126; Application window: Law recently went into effect August 1, 2025; Funding: 2.4M; Requirements: Create and maintain digital maps, verify accuracy through physical walkthroughs, compatibility with public safety software platforms.
• Florida School Mapping Grant: Established by: House Bill 301; Funding: $3,000 – $5,000 per school; Application window: Open now (rolling basis); Requirements: Field-verified maps, CAD/9-1-1 compatibility, multi-agency usability.
• Illinois Crisis Response Mapping Grant: Established by: Section 50 legislation; Funding: Competitive grant; varies by district size; Application window: Open now (rolling basis); Requirements: Crisis response mapping data, emergency asset labeling, compatibility with public safety systems.
• Indiana Secured School Safety Grant: Established by: House Bill 1492; Funding: $5,000 per school; Application window: open now; Requirements: Digital mapping for critical incidents; walkthrough verification; CAD/911 integration.
• Michigan Crisis Response Mapping Grant: Established by: section 97d & SB 173; Funding: up to $1M per grantee; Application window: open now; Requirements: Standardized mapping data, emergency asset labeling, responder access.
• Nebraska School Emergency Response Mapping Fund: Established by: NE LB 631 section 79-3111 & LB 1329; Funding: $525,000 to $4M; Application window: open now; Requirements: standardized mapping data, emergency asset labeling, responder access.
• New Jersey Critical Incident Mapping Grant: Established by: Senate Bill 2426; Funding: $6.5M; Application window: open now; Requirements: mapping data submission to law enforcement, CAD/911 compatibility, annual updates.
• Texas Emergency Response Mapping Grant: Established by: House Bill 3; Funding: $1.1B; Application window: Open now; Requirements: Accurate emergency maps, CAD/911 integration, responder accessibility.
• Virginia Collaborative Response Mapping Grant: Established by: Legislation 22.1-279.8; Funding: $6.5M; Application window: Open now; Requirements: Collaborative response graphics, annual safety audits, emergency asset labeling.
• West Virginia School Safety Mapping Grant: Established by: House Bill 3166; Funding: $4.7M; Application Window: Open now; Requirements: Standardized mapping data, CAD/911 compatibility; responder access. 24 counties will receive funding including Mercer, Nicholas and Wyoming.
• Wisconsin Crisis Response Mapping Grant: Established by: Act 109; Funding: $2M; Application window: open now; Requirements: Blueprint submission to law enforcement, emergency asset labeling, CAD/911 compatibility.

How to qualify

To be eligible, your mapping project must:

• Include field-verified walkthroughs
• Label rooms, doors, exits, AEDs and hazards
• Be compatible with CAD NG9-1-1 and dispatch systems
• Support multi-agency uses such as law enforcement, EMS and fire

Partnering for success

DATAMARK Technologies’ indoor mapping solution, INSIDE not only meets legislative requirements for critical indoor mapping but also offers school districts full visibility into every hallway, classroom and critical location. Integrated with NG9-11 CAD/CHE Systems, it gives first responders real-time access to school maps for faster campus navigation in the event of a critical incident.  By providing a 360-degree indoor view of every corner, closet and stairwell, combined with CCTV integration, panic buttons and access control, schools gain a comprehensive suite of safety tools accessible anytime, anywhere. Additionally, schools can easily update and adjust map details themselves, ensuring the most accurate and accessible data without the hassle of contacting a representative.

Digital indoor maps, also known as critical incident maps, are now a legal requirement. By adopting a strategic approach and securing available funding, schools can do more than simply meet mandates. They can create a safer, more resilient environment where students and staff are protected every day.

How does INSIDE increase school safety?

Discover the indoor mapping solution that exceeds legislative requirements and empowers first responders with unparalleled situational awareness.

Indoor Mapping For Schools And Universities