Evaluation of Satisfaction and Practical Effectiveness of GIS-Based Firefighting Training Systems among Firefighters

The existing mobile data terminal (MDT)-based dispatch systems are limited in their ability to reflect detailed spatial information, such as floor plans, multiple access points, and the locations of hazardous materials. As a complementary solution, geographic information system (GIS)-based firefighting training systems have attracted interest. This study evaluated the field applicability and effectiveness of a GIS-based training platform by conducting a scenario-based fire response drill at the OO Industrial Complex Fire Station in Incheon, South Korea. A post-training survey was administered to 30 participating firefighters. The analysis revealed high levels of satisfaction in terms of dispatch response, including MDT-based dispatch mapping (80%), situational information provided by the control center (76%), and access to information on fire targets (70%). For training effectiveness, 83% of respondents found the GIS data useful, and 83% rated the system as more effective than the existing method. Moreover, 73% agreed that the integration of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and GIS data significantly contributed to directional suppression and resource allocation decisions. Age-based analysis showed generally high satisfaction across all age groups, with particularly strong acceptance among firefighters in their 30s or younger, whereas a more conservative attitude was observed among those aged 40 and above. These findings empirically demonstrate that GIS-based firefighting training systems effectively overcome the limitations of conventional tabletop training and significantly enhance both dispatch efficiency and strategic response capabilities.