This article is intended for new users to EM-COP and gives a general overview only. It will step you through your first time use of EM-COP and introduce you to the basic operation. For more information on how to use EM-COP, please refer to the detailed articles in these Help pages.
When you log in to EM-COP, you will see the SITUATION tab containing a map of Victoria. You will also see other tabs at the top of the map called LOG, DESKTOP, LIBRARY and HELP.
The SITUATION tab is the map based collaboration component of EM-COP. You are initially in your private Workspace. You can draw features in your Workspace but no other user can see it. To collaborate, EM-COP users create and share map based incidents and rooms via this tab. You can also change the base map and view data layers - not unlike Google maps but with many more data layers.
You will usually see many icons on the map, representing current fire, flood, storm, rescue and other operational incidents. Click an icon to see the details. (hint: when you click, hold for a moment before releasing).
To move the map, click and hold anywhere on the map, move the mouse then release. To zoom, use the 
and 
icons at the top left of the map. You can also use the mouse wheel. To zoom in quickly, hold the Shift key on the keyboard, click and hold the left mouse button on the map then move the mouse to draw a small box. Release the mouse button to zoom down into the box. Use the mouse wheel to zoom back up.
To find a location on the map use the 
icon at the top left of the map. You can search by street address and various map reference methods.
There are many different base map and data layers available to EM-COP users.
Click the Maps button at the top right of the page to change the base map including aerial imagery, Google maps and Melway maps.
Click the Data button to open the Data menu. The first set of layers are ticked. These are the operational incident layers. The remaining layers are organised in submenus. Click the ▷ symbol next to the submenu name to show the layers. Click the ▢ to the left of the layer title to turn on the layer. The layer should then appear on the map. Click a layer feature (eg, an icon, line or area) on the map to see the details. You can also try some of the other data layers like Boundaries and Infrastructure. Also try the weather layers from the Weather button at the top right of the map. Click the Turn off all layers button at the bottom of the menu to clear the map.
More information about viewing and updating collaboration information in EM-COP Incidents and Rooms can be found in EM-COP Help articles.
The LOG tab contains a message log for EM-COP users to post and share general non spatial information. Each entry appears as a line in the log with the most recent entry at the top of the list. You can also add links to external pages and attach documents or images to a log entry.
The DESKTOP tab has a number of pages of icons that give users access to a huge variety of information. The Operations page has icons to access key operational systems and data. The Weather page has key weather products and access to online weather resources. The Sections page has resources related to functional roles in Control Centres. The Training page has training resources and videos, including on-line training for EM-COP. You should spend some time reviewing the pages on the EM-COP Desktop to become more familiar with the contents.
The LIBRARY is a reference library for policies, processes and procedures. There is a Table of Contents to the left with the currently selected page shown in the main pane. The contents can be searched by pressing the Search button at the top of the Table of Contents. There are also buttons at the top right of the main pane to quickly access key information.
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The HELP tab is the fully searchable Help system for EM-COP. The Help page will open in a separate browser window so that you can refer to the Help page while using other tabs in EM-COP.
Help is divided into major sections, each containing numerous articles. EM-COP for Situational Awareness and Collaboration contains information suitable for all users. EM-COP for Public Information contains information intended specifically for trained Information and Warnings Officers who issue warnings and advice to the public.
To search for help, enter a word or phrase in the search bar in the middle of the picture.
If you can't find the help you need, Submit a request via the button at the top right of the page.
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