The Gold Ridge Fire Protection District
Emergency Response Time GIS Mapping for Sonoma & Marin Counties, California
Client: Gold Ridge Fire Protection District
Partner: TOPO Collective
Location: Sonoma & Marin Counties, CA
Service Areas: GIS Analysis · Emergency Services Planning · Interactive Mapping
Project Overview
In collaboration with the Gold Ridge Fire Protection District and TOPO Collective, McNaught Design developed an advanced GIS-based response time map to support emergency planning and resource deployment across Sonoma and Marin Counties in California. The goal was to equip fire department leadership with a dynamic, data-driven tool to evaluate current coverage areas, identify service gaps, and improve overall emergency response strategies.
Explore The Map
Project Goals
Build an interactive map to visualize emergency response times from existing fire stations
Integrate local street networks and posted speed limits to estimate realistic travel times
Incorporate firefighter insight and on-the-ground knowledge into the GIS model
Provide a tool for analyzing areas and planning for future station locations or operational changes
Enable strategic decision-making based on real-time spatial information
Our Approach
McNaught Design used a combination of GIS mapping tools, transportation modeling, and local expertise to create an accurate and functional response-time visualization.
Key elements included:
Local Road Network Data: Digitized streets with speed limit attributes
Station Locations: Mapped all fire and EMS stations in the Gold Ridge Fire Protection District
Travel Time Modeling: Generated isochrones (travel time buffers) to show 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 minute response zones
Interactive Web Map: Designed a browser-accessible map interface for staff to explore and analyze response areas
Department Expertise: Collaborated directly with firefighters to validate assumptions, adjust speeds on critical road segments, and reflect real-world conditions
Impact & Outcomes
The interactive map provides clear visual insights into how long it takes for first responders to reach any given area within the district. This tool now enables the Gold Ridge Fire Protection District to:
Identify geographic response time gaps
Support data-backed conversations around funding, staffing, and equipment placement
Prioritize areas for mutual aid coordination or community education efforts
Strategically plan future fire station siting or operational changes
The result is a smart GIS tool that blends technology, public safety planning, and local knowledge into a powerful decision-support system.
Tools & Technologies Used
QGIS for GIS modeling and map creation
OpenStreetMap and local transportation datasets
GISCARTA for web interface
Stakeholder feedback from Gold Ridge Fire Department leadership and field staff
Why It Matters
In emergency services, minutes matter. This project demonstrates how tailored GIS mapping and spatial analysis can empower fire departments to be more proactive, strategic, and community-focused. By combining data science with on-the-ground experience, McNaught Design helped Gold Ridge Fire take a major step toward more efficient and equitable emergency coverage.
Contact McNaught Design
Whether you're in emergency services, urban planning, conservation, or public works—McNaught Design can help bring clarity and strategy to your spatial data.
Let’s work together to make your data visual, actionable, and impactful.