Are you ready for an indoor mapping solution? Here’s what to know before you start

Indoor mapping programs for K-12 public schools, facilities and federal buildings are gaining momentum across the country, prompting many stakeholders to ask: Are indoor maps really the answer to improving safety indoors? The short answer is yes, but only if your maps meet the right criteria.

At DATAMARK Technologies, we believe indoor mapping should enhance, not replace, your existing security measures. The right solution connects your current security technologies and delivers real-time, location-based intelligence directly to first responders. When seconds matter, having a complete, accurate and responsive picture of your facility can make all the difference.

To help you make informed decisions when evaluating vendors, we’ve created a checklist (download here!) that outlines what to look for in a sustainable, future-ready indoor mapping solution. Don’t settle for temporary fixes, invest in a solution that will enhance the safety of your facility for years to come.

10 questions you should ask your vendor before choosing an indoor mapping solution

1. Do we own our indoor mapping data? Why lease your own maps? Your organization should retain full ownership and control, with the ability to update and share maps as needed. This ensures accuracy, flexibility, and long-term value – something static PDFs simply can’t offer.
2. Are the maps over 99.9% accurate and complete? Precision is critical. Inaccurate maps can delay emergency response and increase risk. Your maps should reflect real-world conditions with near-perfect accuracy.
3. Are the maps GIS-based? Geographic information systems (GIS)-based maps are reusable, standards-compliant, and can be adapted for use cases spanning from emergency response to facility planning, which will ultimately maximize your investment and support multiple stakeholders across your organization.
4. Do the maps integrate with our existing security systems? Seamless integration with your current technology (like badges, alarm systems, panic buttons, CCTV cameras, etc.) ensures adoption and empowers first responders with the situational awareness and location intelligence required to reduce risk and save time during incident response.
5. Is the solution compatible with the tools first responders already use? If your maps can’t be accessed by 9-1-1 dispatch or emergency teams, they won’t effectively support incident response when seconds matter most. Choose a solution that integrates natively with public safety systems.
6. Can other agencies in our community use the maps? Share the benefits of indoor mapping technology with your entire community! Schools, hospitals, malls, places of worship and other public spaces can benefit from shared indoor mapping infrastructure, enhancing safety across your entire community.
7. Is our data secure? The privacy of your sensitive information is paramount. Ensure your vendor has robust security protocols in place to protect sensitive information.
8. Can we update the maps ourselves? Because buildings constantly change, your team should be able to make real-time updates without relying on a third party, ensuring first responders always have the most current information.
9. Are the maps aligned with public safety standards? Adhering to established GIS and next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) standards ensures interoperability and reliability across agencies and technologies.
10. Will the solution grow with us? Because indoor mapping technology is relatively new, it is constantly evolving. You’ll want to choose a vendor committed to continuous improvement, with regular updates and enhancements that adapt to your facility’s changing needs.

If a vendor can’t confidently answer ‘yes’ to all 10 questions, it may be worth having a conversation to explore potential gaps or areas for improvement. Download a copy of our checklist here for easy access to these questions.

At DATAMARK Technologies, we offer indoor mapping solutions that check every box. Our team is ready to help you build a safer, smarter future – one map at a time.