The AFC FAR Portal was developed with the primary goal of streamlining the collection of fire and activity reports from the numerous AFC employees across the state. Previously, copies of Access databases were circulated amongst offices which were regularly returned to the AFC headquarters for synchronization back to the master dataset. GIS data was collected separately in professional GIS software which required high levels of training of many employees. The administrative requirements, coordination, duplication of efforts, and potential for errors made this process an ideal project for streamlining.

The FAR Portal combined both the Fire and Activities Reporting databases into a single system along with all mapping. All forms are designed to be simple and straightforward with criteria that hide unnecessary information and fields, provide calculations where possible, and enforce data integrity. A mapping system was integrated into FAR to allow an easy and cost affective means for any user to create maps by drawing geographic features or uploading data from shapefiles, gpx, or even kml files. This decreased the AFC’s reliance on large professional GIS software and the resulting training requirements for a large portion of their staff. The system also provides users the ability to upload and attach any type of files to fire and activity reports. All data attached to a report, including mapping and attachments, can be exported quickly and easily to the user’s computer, or zipped and sent as an email directly from the Portal. All administrative tasks are built into the portal to allow for ease of changing items such as unit costs, drop down lists, map symbology, and security. Security is fine grained and easily allows administrators to limit users read/write permissions to individual counties, districts, or certain types of reporting.