ESO Data Dictionary

ESO Data Dictionary Project
Phase 2
Final Report: Section D
Deliverable 3 – Data Dictionary

Fire and Rescue NSW ESO Data Dictionary Project Phase 2 – Final Report
Emergency Services Organisations Deliverable 3 - Data Dictionary
Section Control
Section Purpose
This document represents the third deliverable of Phase 2 of the ESO Data Dictionary
Project being the ESO Data Dictionary.
Section Identification
Section title Deliverable 3 – Data Dictionary
ESO Data Dictionary Project Phase 2
Section filename ESO Data Dictionary Phase 2 - D Data Dictionary V4
Section Production
Client Contact Melanie Stutchbury,
Project Manager, Fire and Rescue NSW
Telephone: 02 9265 2674
Consultant Contact Robert Arnold, Director

Doll Martin Associates
Telephone 02 9211 6200
Document Author Steve Allworth & Robert Arnold, Doll Martin Associates
DMA Reference: 2010/085
Confidentiality
The contents of this document are commercial-in-confidence and based on methods and
materials that are proprietary to Doll Martin Associates. The Client is requested to ensure
that the methodologies and approaches are not made available to actual or potential
clients or competitors of Doll Martin Associates.
Copyright
Copyright  2011 Emergency Services Organisations
Version History
Version Effective Date Reason
0-1 July-Aug 2011 Initial version

1 August 24 2011 Deliverable 3 Initial (First Draft) Report
2 24 October 2011 Deliverable 3 Second Draft
3 30 November 2011 After endorsement by the Steering Committee
4 30 November 2011 Final Report
October 2011 Confidential Doll

ESO Data Dictionary Phase 2 - Section D Martin
D Data Dictionary V4 Page 2 Associates
Table of Contents
1. Overview 5
1.1 The Project 5
1.2 This Document 5
2. Introduction to the Data Dictionary 6

2.1 Fields and Contents 6
2.2 Activity Reporting 7
2.3 Framework for the Data Dictionary 8
2.4 Components of the Framework 10
2.5 Reporting Ramifications 12
2.6 Comments on Specific Fields & Defining Characteristics 13
3. Data Dictionary 14
3.1 Annotations 14
3.2 Dictionary Content 14
4. Code Tables 35
4.1 Classifications and Codes 35
4.2 Activity Type 36
4.3 Event Type 42
4.4 Other Restructured Classifications 44
4.5 Roles in Relationships 45
4.6 Granularity of Coding Levels 45
5. Document Sources 46

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1. OVERVIEW
1.1 The Project
The National Disaster Mitigation Program has initiated a Project to develop a Data Model,
Data Classification Scheme and Data Dictionary to support collection of common,
consistent and relevant data for Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery
activities.
Phase 1 of this Project developed three draft, high level data models (core class models)
and associated environmental scan and gap analysis.
Phase 2 of the Project has reviewed the Phase 1 draft data models and merged the business
content of these models into a single overall model. This model has then been extended to
include a detailed classification model and data dictionary for activity related data.
Phase 2 is introducing revised terminology to remove ambiguity that remained after Phase
1. The deliverables resulting from Phase 2 include the following:
 The Core Class Model: representing the high-level classes of data.
 The Initial Classification Model
 The Data Dictionary, which is the subject of this document.
1.2 This Document

This document defines an overall Data Dictionary, which identifies a set of data items
necessary for an ESO to report on its Activities in a manner that is consistent across all
jurisdictions. This data dictionary will be available for reference purposes, and, where
desired, for adoption in full or in part for use by ESOs.
This document should be read in conjunction with Section B – The Core Class Model and
Section C – The Classification Model.
This document contains the following sections:-
 Chapter 1 (this Chapter) introduces the document.
 Chapter 2 identifies the outcomes of the Project, and describes their position in the
development lifecycle of a potential activity reporting system.
 Chapter 3 introduces the structure of the Data Dictionary.
 Chapter 4 displays the content of the Data Dictionary.
 Chapter 5 identifies key code tables associated with the Data Dictionary.
The project methodology is described in detail in Section E – Methodology.

2. INTRODUCTION TO THE DATA DICTIONARY

Deliverable 3 of Phase 2 of the ESO Data Dictionary Project is defined as “an agreed data
dictionary to provide a standardised format for the collection of data on, and reporting of,
PPRR activities and ensure efficient and effective reporting, analysis and interpretation”.
2.1 Fields and Contents

A data dictionary consists of the identification and description of a set of data fields,
appropriate to the data subjects being addressed.
Data fields are present throughout an information system. They appear as areas on a
screen or a paper form where data can be input, as areas in a database where items of data
are stored, or areas on a printed report where a particular item of information is printed
or displayed. A particular item of data, for example, a person’s name, will appear many
times as fields in an information system. It could be input to a particular field in a form or
screen, stored in a database field and printed in a field in a report. The name could be a
customer name, an employee name or many other types of name.
It is therefore useful to document, when specifying the requirements of an information
system that will make use of a person’s name, (a) the fact that it is necessary to store a
person’s name and (b) the format (number of characters etc) of how we will store the
person’s name.
In some cases it is also possible to indicate a set of values that the field can contain. For
example, if another field in our information system was ‘gender’ then we could specify that
the field can contain either ‘male or ‘female’. Further, we could indicate that we will use a
code, say ‘M’ and ‘F’ for the possible values.
A data dictionary, then, consists of a list of data items. For each data item we specify its
name, its definition, information about its format, and in some cases an indication of the
values that it can take.1 This ‘data about data’ is referred to as metadata.
Data dictionaries can be used to specify the contents of a database, the contents of reports
or other useful grouping of data items. In the case of the ESO data dictionary, the data
fields in the dictionary are those that, together, are sufficient to provide the basis for all
ESO’s to report on their activities in a consistent manner.
The implication of this is that all ESO’s agree as to the selection, definition, coding and
business rules (if any) of the data fields in the data dictionary.
Detailed collaboration and review of a data dictionary by all ESO’s has not been possible
within the scope of the project. Therefore, to achieve a meaningful result within the
timescale of the project, a dictionary framework has been developed. This framework will
define the structure of the dictionary and define metadata for the basic fields required for
activity reporting. The framework forms the basis of further work needed in order to
achieve cross-ESO agreement as to the metadata associated with fields within the
dictionary and, possibly, to extend the dictionary with additional fields.
The ESO data dictionary framework will focus quite specifically on defining fields
necessary to report details of the ESO Activity itself, as against fine details of the events
being attended, materials being used etc.
1As a project progresses through an enterprise view, a business system view and eventually an
application view, a data dictionary contains more and more information about the data item.

2.2 Activity Reporting

An ESO Data Dictionary defines specific data items that could form the basis of activity
reports. If these data items are consistent in their meaning and structure (definition,
coding and business rules) across all ESO’s, then the reports derived from them will be
consistent.
Data Dictionary Data Fields Reports
Specifies Combination,
Calculation &
Summarisation
Figure 2. Use of the Dictionary in Reporting

When reporting on its activities, an ESO will need to know, for each activity:-
 Which activity is being described
 What type of activity it was
 A brief description of the activity
 Other activities directly related to the activity at hand
 When and where the activity occurred
 Who was involved in the activity
 What were the event(s) that the activity was responding to or related to
 What equipment was involved in carrying out the activity. (Material).
 What buildings, other structures and areas of natural environment were involved in
the activity. (Material).
If this basic set of data is available, then a wide variety of reports can be generated.
The ESO Core Class model (Deliverable 1 of the ESO Data Dictionary Project Phase 2)
identified 6 core classes. The content of the Data Dictionary can be summarised in terms
of these 6 core classes, by the diagram below. Notice the Activity Core Class, with its
descriptors, classifications and relationships, becomes the focus of the dictionary.
Figure 3. Activity as the

focus of the Dictionary

The Data Dictionary focuses on defining the data items that we would need to maintain
about each specific Activity. If we maintain information about each specific activity, then
we can create a wide range of reports by assembling and summarising data concerning
selected groups of activities.
As discussed in the methodology chapter of the Classification Model deliverable, the
nature of an item of data is that it is either:-
 A classifier (it classifies a core class),
 A relationship (it defines the relationship between core classes), or,
 A descriptor (it describes a core class).
The Classification Model provided an insight as to classifiers and relationship data for
ESO’s. Types of descriptive data can be summarised by the classification structure below:-
Figure 4. A simple classification of Descriptors

As will be seen below, these fundamental aspects of data are reflected in the Data
Dictionary Framework.
2.3 Framework for the Data Dictionary

When developing a detailed Data Dictionary for activity reporting it is valuable to create a
framework or structure within which the dictionary can be built. The ESO Data
Dictionary Framework specifies this structure and documents a basic set of data items
(fields) required in the Dictionary.
The Framework divides the Data Dictionary into Sections where each section corresponds
to the data items (fields) included in the dictionary for a particular Core Class in the ESO
Core Class Model.
Within these ‘Core Class Sections’, fields are grouped into ‘Field Groups’ where each field
group contains a set of Fields which serve a specific purpose in describing the Core Class.
For each Field, a set of characteristics, e.g. datatype, minimum length etc is documented.
The Framework refers to these as ‘Defining Characteristics’.

Figure 5. Structure of the Data Dictionary Framework
The following section describes each of the components of the Framework:

 Core Class Sections
 Field Groups
 Defining Characteristics

2.4 Components of the Framework

Core Class Sections
The ESO Core Classes are:-
 Activity An ACTIVITY is anything that the Emergency Services Organisation
does, either in delivering services or supporting its own business.
 Business Driver A BUSINESS DRIVER is an aspect of an Emergency Services
Organisation’s nature or environment that defines the manner and circumstances
under which it will carry out its business.
 Event An EVENT is a happening or occurrence that is of interest to the
Emergency Services Organisation. An INCIDENT is considered to be sub-type of
EVENT.
 Location A LOCATION is any point, line, or area of interest to the Emergency
Services Organisation.
 Material A MATERIAL is any item or substance of interest to the Emergency
Services Organisation.
 Party A PARTY is any individual, organisation, animal, or group of animals, that
is of interest to the EMERGENCY SERVICE Organisation.
Field Groups
Fields are grouped into ‘Field Groups’ where each field group contains a set of Fields
which serve a specific purpose in describing the Core Class.
Identifiers
These are fields that serve to identify a specific instance of a core class. The important
aspect of these fields is that they uniquely identify an instance of the Core Class. For
example, an Event Identifier field must contain a value that is unique to a particular
Event. Often these fields will contain a system imposed identifier or a name.
Classifications
These are fields which indicate that the instance of the Core Class belongs to a particular
subtype of core class, e.g. a particular type of Activity. Note that the classification schemes,
and the consequent subtype values are documented in the Classification Model.
In the simple case, the Core Class is classified by a classification scheme which results in a
set of subtype values. Here, the classification scheme from the Classification Model
becomes the name of a field in the data dictionary and the subtype values become the
values that can be placed in the field (referred to as the value domain or logical codeset).
These values are typically implemented in an information system as a set of short codes,
each code item corresponding to a classification value.
In the more complex case, the subtype values, themselves, have classification schemes.
These schemes form a further breakdown of the overall concept into narrower
classification values. This is particularly apparent in the ‘Type’ schemes within the
Classification Model. In the Data Dictionary, the highest level classification scheme is
referred to as the ‘level 1’ scheme, the next level down are referred to as a ‘level 2’ schemes,
and finally, the lowest level schemes are referred to as the ‘level 3’ schemes.

The ESO Classification Model does not necessarily subset concepts into three levels of
classification. To implement a three level coding system in the Data Dictionary
Framework, classification schemes and values in the Classification Model have been
restructured to create a three level structure, and code tables are created which define
codes to be used to represent each classification value.
Value Code
XX
XX
XX
XX
Figure 6. Restructuring Classifications
Relationship Identifiers (found in core class ‘Activity’ and ‘Event’ only).

These are fields that identify a particular instance of a Core Class that is related to the
instance of Activity (or Event). Relationship Identifiers comprise a repeating group of
fields. The repeating group consists of an identifier of the instance of the related core class
together with a field that indicates the role the instance of the related Core Class takes
with respect to the specific activity. Quantities and times may also be included in the
group of repeating fields.
Temporal Attributes
These are fields which provide information as to the point or period in time the instance of
the core class took place or existed.
Quantity Attributes
These are fields which provide information as to a quantity of some resource (other than
time) that was relevant to when the core class was involved with the Activity.

Description Attributes
These are fields which provide free-form textual or graphical descriptions or definitions of
the instance of the core class.
Timestamp
These are fields which indicate the date, time of recording and party who created the
record. (These would typically be automatically generated by the system).
Defining Characteristics
A set of defining characteristics is documented for each field in the data dictionary.
Technical personnel refer to these characteristics as ‘metadata’ (data about data).
 Field Name: A unique name for the field.
 Definition: A textual description of the business meaning of the field.
 Purpose: A textual description of the contribution the field makes to activity
reporting.
 Data Type: The format of the field, e.g., text, number, date
 Minimum Characters: Minimum number of characters (if relevant)
 Maximum Characters: Maximum number of characters (if relevant)
 Business Rule: A rule which relates values in this field to values in another field (if
relevant)
 Code List: An indication that a list of logical codes used in the field is available
 Examples: Examples of use (optional)
2.5 Reporting Ramifications

Placing ‘Activity’ at the focus of the Dictionary means that activities can be
reported/summarised by:-
 Type of Activity
 Time/Date or Period of Activity
 Parties involved in Activity
 Location of Activity
 Event involved in activity
 Material involved in Activity
 Business Driver of Activity
… and a combination of any or all of the above.
Note that:
 Not all possible fields for a particular core class are included in the Data Dictionary
Framework as presented in Section 4 of this report. The set of fields is a suggested
minimum set necessary to achieve uniform reporting of Activities across
jurisdictions.
 The scope of reporting is restricted to the activities themselves - “what we did
when and where”. It does not include the evaluation of the results of Activities or
causes of events or effectiveness of procedures and so on.

2.6 Comments on Specific Fields & Defining Characteristics

For purposes of the data dictionary framework, a number of assumptions have been made.
Identifiers
To achieve consistent reporting across ESO’s, including the ability to report across ESO’s
(i.e. a national view), it is necessary for instances of Core Concepts (particularly Activity,
Location and Event) to be uniquely identifiable across all ESO’s. For example, it will be
necessary to identify all individual Activities no matter which ESO carried out the activity.
A number of strategies could be employed to achieve this. A numbering system could be
devised which allocated every activity a unique number across the nation. More
practically, the activity identifier could consist of a concatenation of a code for each ESO
and a code (or number) given to individual activities by the relevant ESO.
Obtaining an agreed solution to Australia-wide identification of Activities, Events,
Locations, (and possibly, Locations, Parties and Business Drivers) is a substantial task and
could be the focus of a later project.
The technical format of description attributes will require further evaluation and
agreement across ESO’s. In its simplest form, a description field could be defined as being
a character string of, typically, 128, 256, 512 or 1024 characters. However, today’s
technology and usage suggests that descriptors could include graphics and audio
information (maps, photographs, movies etc) which implies the need for additional
metadata including file formats etc. Different standards will already exist within each
ESO in their current systems. Obtaining an agreed solution to these issues is a substantial
task and could be the focus of a later project.
Classifications
Classification values have been identified within the Classification Model and used to
populate Code Tables (in Section 5).
Code tables comprise lists of business names with their associated short codes. Short
codes would be specified in a business systems view.
Purpose
This field is not completed in all cases in the data dictionary framework.
Examples
This field is not completed in all cases in the data dictionary framework.

3. DATA DICTIONARY
3.1 Annotations
The following annotations are used in the data dictionary presented below.
U/D = Undefined at this time

N/A = Not applicable at this time
B/C = Binary Code (a code with only 2 values)

CODE = Classification Code (comprises 2 alphanumeric characters)
DATE = Date format
TIME = Time Format
OP = Optional
MA = Mandatory
ALPHA = Alphanumeric
BIOB = Binary Object
NUM = Numeric
Notes in italics relate to fields requiring further analysis in subsequent projects.

Some details have been identified as requiring specification during a Business System
View, as described in Section 2.2.
3.2 Dictionary Content

See following pages.

ACTIVITY An ACTIVITY is anything that the Emergency Services Organisation does, either in delivering services or supporting its own
business.
Min Max Business Code

Field Group Field Name Definition Purpose Data Type Example
Char Char Rule List
Activity ID Unique identifier for an The detailed specification for an Activity ID will draw on formats used in
activity. existing operational systems (e.g. CAD for emergency activities, and other
Identifiers
activity IDs from non-emergency systems).

Should a national identifier be required in the future, collaboration will be
required across jurisdictions. This may result in a national identifier or a
concatenation of a jurisdiction field with local activity identifiers.
Activity Name Unique title for an Activity. This is an optional field, which could be replaced by activity descriptor (see
below).
Activity Type Specifies the class To group Activities of a similar CODE 2 2 YES See
Level 1 (classification or type) of the nature for reporting and Section
Activity at the broadest level of analysis purposes. 5.2
classification according to the
Classifications
business function of the

Activity.
Activity Type Specifies the class To group Activities of a similar CODE 2 2 Defined YES
Level 2 (classification or type) of the nature for reporting and Parent
Activity at the middle level of analysis purposes.
classification according to the
business function of the
Activity.


Char Char Rule List
Activity Type Specifies the class To group Activities of a similar CODE 2 2 Defined YES
Level 3 (classification or type) of the nature for reporting and Parent
Activity at the narrowest level Analysis purposes.
of classification according to
the business function of the
Activity.
Activity Focus A classification scheme that To group Activities of a similar CODE 2 2 YES
flags an Activity according to its focus for reporting and analysis
purpose in the PPRR paradigm. purposes.
Activity Mutual A classification scheme that To group Activities of a similar CODE 2 2 YES
Aid differentiates between mutual aid classification for
Activities based on whether aid reporting and analysis
Classifications (continued)
from a third party was received. purposes.

Activity Nature A binary classification scheme To group Activities of a similar B/C 1 1 YES
that differentiates between planned/unplanned nature for
Activities according to whether reporting and analysis
they are planned or unplanned. purposes.
Activity A classification scheme that To group Activities involving CODE 2 2 YES
Participation differentiates between similar participants for
participants in an Activity, reporting and analysis
based on participants that are purposes.
involved.
Activity Phase A classification scheme that To group Activities that have CODE 2 2 YES
differentiates between reached a similar business
Activities based on the business stage for reporting and analysis
stage that the activity has purposes.
reached.
Activity Priority A classification Scheme that To group Activities by their CODE 2 2 YES
differentiates Activities relative priority for reporting
according to their relative and analysis purposes.
priority.


Char Char Rule List
((Party ID See Party ID in Party section.

Party Role The role that the Party or Party Identifies a classification of role CODE 1 1 YES
Class takes in the Activity. played by a party involved in
the Activity.
Duration of The amount of time the party Supports reporting on resource TIME 0 10
involvement in or party class spent on the usage.
Activity)) Activity while carrying out their
role.
((Event ID See Event ID in Event section.

Relationship Identifiers
Event Role)) The role that the Event takes in Identifies a classification of role CODE 1 1 YES
the Activity. played by an event involved in
(Repeating)
the Activity.
Temporal, Quantity and Descriptive Attributes to be defined in a Business System View for all relationships
((Location ID See Location ID in Location section

Location Role)) The role that the Location or Identifies a classification of role CODE 1 1 YES
Location Class takes in the played by an event involved in
Activity e.g. start location, final the Activity.
location.
((Material ID See Material ID in Material section.

Material Role)) The role that the Material takes Report on the role of Materials CODE 1 1 YES
in the Activity in a particular Activity


Char Char Rule List
((Activity ID See Activity ID above
Activity Role)) The role that another Activity Report on the relationship
takes with respect to the between Activities.
(Repeating)
current activity relationships might be:

 Parent or supportive activity
 Preceding or subsequent
activity
 etc
Activity Start The date the Activity started To identify and/or group DATE 10 10 Mandato
Date Activities that commenced on a ry field
particular date for reporting
and analysis purposes.
Activity Start The time the Activity started To identify and/or group TIME 0 8 Linked
Time Activities that commenced at a to
Temporal Attributes
particular time within a day for Activity

reporting and analysis Start
purposes. Date
Activity Finish The date the Activity finished To identify and/or group DATE 10 10
Date Activities that commenced on a
particular date for reporting
and analysis purposes.
Activity Finish The time the Activity finished To identify and/or group 0 8 Linked
Time Activities that commenced at a to
particular time within a day for TIME Activity
reporting and analysis Finish
purposes. Date


Char Char Rule List
This is a placeholder. Quantitative information relating to the Activity would normally be held in the relationship between
Attributes
Quantity
Activity and the resources consumed (e.g. Material, Party).
Activity Textual Textual description of the ALPHA 0 1024

Description Activity.
Activity non- A representation of the Activity This could take the form of media files in standard file formats (e.g. .PNG, .MPEG, .AVI)
Textual in graphical or pictorial form
Description
Activity non- The format of the Activity non- This could take the form of media files in standard file formats (e.g. .PNG, .MPEG, .AVI)
Textual textural description
Description
format
Creator ID Unique identifier of party Used for audit and quality Format dependent upon local installation.
responsible for the creation of control purposes.
the record
Timestamp
Timestamp Date The date the record was Used for audit and quality DATE 10 10
created. control purposes.
Timestamp The time the record was Used for audit and quality TIME 0 8
Time created. control purposes.

EVENT An EVENT is a happening or occurrence that is of interest to the Emergency Services Organisation.
Data Min Max Business Code

Field Group Field Name Definition Purpose Examples
Type Char Char Rule List
Event ID Unique identifier for an Event. Events are currently identified by each individual jurisdiction. Due to the multi-
jurisdictional significance of many Events, when moving to a national reporting
Identifiers
environment, there will be a need to uniquely identify events affecting multiple

jurisdictions.
Event Name Unique Title for an event This is an optional field, which could be replaced by event descriptor (see below).
Event Type L1 A classification of Events that To group Events CODE 2 2 YES See
distinguishes incidents from of a similar Section
other types of events at the nature for 5.3
broadest level that is of interest reporting and
to the ESO. analysis
purposes.
Event Type L2 A classification of Events that To group Events CODE 2 2 Defined YES
Classifications
distinguishes incidents from of a similar Parent

other types of events at the nature for
middle level that is of interest reporting and
to the ESO. analysis
purposes.
Event Type L3 A classification of Events that To group Events CODE 2 2 Defined YES
distinguishes incidents from of a similar Parent
other types of events at the nature for
lower level that is of interest to reporting and
the ESO. analysis
purposes.


Event Nature A binary classification scheme To group Events B/C 1 1 YES
that distinguishes Events of a similar
according to whether they are nature for
planned or unplanned. reporting and
analysis
Classifications
purposes.
Event Temporal A classification scheme that To group Events CODE 2 2 YES

Nature distinguishes Events according of a similar
to their chronology. nature for
reporting and
analysis
purposes.
((Event ID See Event ID in this section
Event Role)) The role that another Event Report on the CODE 1 1 YES
takes in relation to the current role of an Event
Event. in the occurrence
A particular example would be of another Event,

Trigger Event to Incident such as
(Repeating)
(Event) causation.
((Location ID See Location ID in Location section
Location Role)) The role that the Location Report on the CODE 1 1 YES
takes in the Event. role of Location
in a particular
Event.


Event Start Date The date the Event started. To identify DATE 10 10 Mandatory
and/or group field
Events that
commenced on a
particular date
for reporting and
analysis
purposes.
Event Start Time The time the Event started. To identify TIME 8 8 Linked to
and/or group Event
Events that Start Date
commenced at a
particular time
within a day for
Temporal Attributes
reporting and
analysis
purposes.
Event Finish Date The date the Event finished. To identify DATE 10 10
and/or group
Events that
commenced on a
particular date
for reporting and
analysis
purposes.
Event Finish Time The time the Event finished. To identify and 8 8 Linked to
group Events that TIME Event
commenced at a Finish
particular time of Date
day for reporting
and analysis
purposes.


Event Description Textual description of the ALPHA 0 1024

Description
Attributes
Event.
Creator ID Unique identifier of party Used for audit Format dependent upon local installation.
responsible for the creation of and quality
the record. control
purposes.
Timestamp Date The date the record was Used for audit DATE
Timestamp
created. and quality

control
purposes.
Timestamp Time The time the record was Used for audit TIME
control
purposes.

LOCATION A LOCATION is any point, line, or area of interest to the Emergency Services Organisation.
Field Name Definition Purpose Data Min Max Business Code Examples
Field Group
Location ID Unique identifier for a Location. To uniquely A Location ID is conventionally defined by one or more
identify a standards (e.g. Lat/long). For effective reporting, it will be
Identifiers
Location across important to standardise on the location identification method

all ESO’s used across all jurisdictions.
Location Name Unique title for a Location. This is an optional field, which could be replaced by location descriptor (see
below).
Location Type Specifies the class (classification To group CODE 2 2 YES

or type) of the Location Locations of a
according to the business similar nature
function of the location. for reporting
and analysis
purposes.
Location A classification scheme that To group B/C 1 1 YES

Classifications
Characteristic differentiates between Locations Locations of a

according to the setting of the similar nature
Location. for reporting
and analysis
purposes.
Location Jurisdiction A classification of Location To group B/C 1 1 YES

according to whether it is Locations of a
inside/outside the jurisdiction similar nature
of the reporting ESO. for reporting
and analysis
purposes.

Field Group
Location quantitative information could include: height, area, gradient, distance, etc.
Attributes
Quantity
Location Description Textual description of the ALPHA 0 1024

Description
Attributes
Location.
Creator ID Unique identifier of party Used for audit Format dependent upon local installation.
the record control
purposes.
Timestamp Date The date the record was created. Used for audit DATE 10 10
Timestamp
and quality
control
purposes.
Timestamp Time The time the record was created. Used for audit TIME
and quality
control
purposes.

MATERIAL A MATERIAL is any item or substance of interest to the Emergency Services Organisation.
Field Group
Material ID Unique identifier for a To uniquely Unique identification of Materials will be particularly important
Material. identify a for Appliances and other mobile equipment. A formalised
Identifiers
Material national standard for the unique identification of all materials

across all ESO’s may not be required.
Material Name Unique title for a Material. This is an optional field, which could be replaced by material descriptor (see
below).
Material Type L1 A classification of Material at To group CODE 2 2 YES

the highest level that is of Materials of a
interest to the ESO. similar nature
for reporting
(Material will probably be
and analysis
explicitly broken into
purposes.
‘Equipment’, Structure’,
Classifications
Material’ ‘Natural environment

etc when the Dictionary
Framework is extended.)
Material Type L2 A classification of Material at To group CODE 2 2 Defined YES

the middle level that is of Materials of a Parent
for reporting
and analysis
purposes.

Field Group
Material Type L3 A classification of Material at To group CODE 2 2 Defined YES
the lower level that is of Materials of a Parent
for reporting
and analysis
purposes.
Material Utilisation A classification scheme that To distinguish CODE 2 2 YES

Status differentiates between between
Materials based on whether the Materials
Material is in active use. involved in
Activity
according to
their utilisation
Classifications
status.
Material ESO Use A classification scheme that To distinguish CODE 2 2 YES

Type differentiates between the between
purposes for which the ESO Materials
uses Material; includes Natural involved in
environment, Structures. Activity
according to
how the ESO
made use of it.
Material Insurance A classification scheme that To report on B/C 1 1

Status differentiates between the insurance
Materials according to whether status of
the Material is insured. Materials
involved in an
Activity.

Field Group
Material Ownership A binary classification scheme To distinguish B/C 1 1 YES
Type that differentiates between between
Materials, based on whether or Materials
not the ESO is the owner. involved in the
Activity which
are owned by
the ESO.
Classifications
Material State A classification scheme that Report on the CODE 2 2 YES

differentiates between state of the
Materials according to the Materials
physical state of the Material. involved in the
Activity.
Material Storage A classification scheme that Report on the CODE 2 2 YES

Method differentiates Material manner of
according to the manner in storage of
which it is stored. Materials
involved in the
Activity.
Material Start Date The date at which the Material To report on DATE 10 10
became involved in the Activity. the duration of
use of the
Temporal Attributes
Material in the
activity.
Material Start Time The time at which the Material To report on DATE 8 8
became involved in the Activity. the duration of
use of the
material in the
Activity.

Field Group
Material Finish Date The date at which the Material To report on DATE 10 10
ceased to be involved in the the duration of
Activity. use of the
Temporal Attributes
material in the
Activity.
Material Finish Time The time at which the Material To report on DATE 8 8
ceased to be involved in the the duration of
Activity. use of the
material in the
Activity.
Quantity of Material The quantity of Material used Defines the NUM 0 Infinite
involved in the Activity amount of
Material
involved in the
Quantity Attributes
Activity.
Unit of Measure of The unit of measure used to Defines the CODE Linked to YES
Quantity qualify the quantity of Material. unit of measure Quantity
to be used of
when Material
reporting.
Material Description Textual description of the ALPHA 0 1024

Description
Attributes
Material.

Field Group
Creator ID Unique identifier of party Used for audit Format dependent upon local installation
the record. control
purposes.
Timestamp Date The date the record was Used for audit DATE
Timestamp

control
purposes.
Timestamp Time The time the record was Used for audit TIME
control
purposes.

PARTY A PARTY is any individual, organisation, animal, group of animals, that is of interest to the EMERGENCY SERVICE
Organisation.
Field Name Definition Purpose Data Type Min Max Business Code List Examples
Field Group
Char Char Rule
Party ID Unique identifier for a Party. To uniquely For individuals especially, a unique national identification
identify a scheme is highly desirable, in order to facilitate skill sharing and
Party across resourcing over extended periods.
Identifiers
all ESO’s
This may require synchronisation with existing human resource
systems.
Party Name Unique title for a Party. This is an optional field, which could be replaced by party descriptor (see
below).
Party Type A classification of Party at the CODE 2 2 YES

Classifications
broadest level that is of interest to

the ESO.
Party Description Textual description of the Party. ALPHA 0 1024

Description
Attributes

Field Name Definition Purpose Data Type Min Max Business Code List Examples
Field Group
Char Char Rule
Creator ID Unique identifier of party Used for Format dependent upon local installation
responsible for the creation of the audit and
record quality
control
purposes.
Timestamp Date The date the record was created. Used for DATE 10 10
Timestamp
audit and
quality
control
purposes.
Timestamp Time The time the record was created. Used for TIME 8 8
audit and
quality
control
purposes.

BUSINESS A BUSINESS DRIVER is an aspect of an Emergency Services Organisation’s nature or environment that defines the manner
DRIVER and circumstances under which it will carry out its business.
Field Group
Business Driver ID Unique identifier for a Business To uniquely This is most likely to be required at a jurisdictional level only.
Driver. identify a
Identifiers
Business Driver
across all ESO’s
Business Driver Unique title for a Business Driver This is an optional field, which could be replaced by Business Driver descriptor
Name (see below).
Business Driver Type A classification scheme that To identify the CODE 2 2 YES
Classifications
differentiates between Business type of

Drivers according to the aspect of Business
the business being addressed. Driver
affecting the
Activity.
Business Driver Textual description of the ALPHA 0 1024

Description
Attributes
Description Business Driver.
Creator ID Unique identifier of party Used for audit Format dependent upon local installation
Timestam

p
the record. control

purposes.

Field Group
Timestamp Date The date the record was created. Used for audit DATE
and quality
control
purposes.
Timestamp Time The time the record was created. Used for audit TIME
and quality
control
purposes.

4. CODE TABLES
Classification fields in the Dictionary Framework correspond to classification schemes, or
groups of classification schemes in the Classification Model.
The classification values of classification schemes in the Classification Model provide the
domain of values that can be represented in the Classification fields in the Dictionary
framework.
Illustrative code tables have been developed below for key portions of the classifications
for Activity and Event. A complete specification of code tables would occur following
complete specification of the classifications in a Business Systems View.
4.1 Classifications and Codes

These classification values can be represented by a code. The code could consist of the
name of the value from the Classification model, or another, (often shortened), set of
characters designed for convenience of implementation within an information system.
Simple classifications
A simple example of a classification is the field “Activity Focus”. This field corresponds to
the Classification Scheme ACTIVITY FOCUS which has Classification values:
Preparedness, Prevention, Recovery, Response in the Classification Model.
Therefore a code table for Activity Focus could look like:-
Activity Focus code table2

Classification Value Code
Prevention ~~
Preparedness ~~
Response ~~
Recovery ~~
Similar tables can be constructed for the other single level classification fields described
for Activity in the Dictionary Framework, specifically:
- Activity Mutual Aid
- Activity Nature
- Activity Participation
- Activity Phase
- Activity Priority
2Specification of actual code values for each classification value (the ‘code’ column in the
table) is a subject of subsequent project(s). Specification of code values is strongly
dependent on the existence of codes currently being employed in operational systems and
the degree to which classification information is to be shared amongst jurisdictions.

More complex codes - ‘Type’ classifications

The major “type” classification schemes for each Core Concept (e.g. ACTIVITY TYPE or
EVENT TYPE) involve multiple levels of classification schemes and values within the
Classification Model. These business focussed classifications must be restructured to
reflect the need for efficient coding of these classifications in an operational environment.
Best practice suggests that up to three levels of classification is optimum for the
classification of complex concepts by operational staff. Consequently, this area of the
Classification Model is restructured to enable a three level classification (and thus coding)
scheme to be employed.
4.2 Activity Type

Activity Type restructuring within Classification Model
The result of the restructuring of Activity Classifications is shown in the following
diagrams.
The tool utilised on the project

lists classifications in alphabetical
sequence. Any tool acquired for
extended use would need to list
classifications in a more
meaningful sequence.
Figure 7. Activity Type Level 1 (Restructured Classification Model)

Figure 8. Activity Type Level 2 (Restructured Classification Model)

Figure 9. Activity Type Level 3 (Restructured Classification Model) Showing Emergency

Activity

Figure 10. Activity Type Level 3 (Restructured Classification Model) Showing other Level
1 Activities

Activity Type Code Tables

a) Code Table for the Field - Activity Type Level 1.
The Field ‘Activity Type Level 1’ contains the codes corresponding to the classification
values for ACTIVITY TYPE in the restructured Classification Model.
Emergency activity ~~
Business Support activity ~~
Training activity ~~
Community safety activity ~~

Contact and communications activity ~~
b) Code Table for the Field – Activity Type Level 2. (Partial, for illustration)
The Field ‘Activity Type Level 2’ contains the codes that correspond to the classification
values for EMERGENCY ACTIVITY TYPE, BUSINESS SUPPORT ACTIVITY TYPE,
TRAINING ACTIVITY TYPE, COMMUNITY SAFETY ACTIVITY TYPE and CONTACT
AND COMMUNICATIONS ACTIVITY TYPE.
Classification Value Parent Value Code
Fire activity Emergency Activity ~~

HAZMAT activity Emergency Activity ~~
Community assistance activity Emergency Activity ~~

Emergency assistance activity Emergency Activity ~~
Asset management Business Support ~~
Activity
Financial management Business Support ~~

Activity
Human resource management Business Support ~~

Activity
Public relations activity Business Support ~~

Activity
Planning activity Business Support ~~

Activity
Etc.......... ~~

c) Code table for the Field – Activity Type Level 3. (Partial, for illustration).
Alarm/Sprinkler Related Alarm Fire activity ~~

Equipment installation and replacement Fire activity ~~
(community)
Extinguish activity Fire activity ~~

Hazard reduction activity Fire Activity ~~
Remove bulk of material Fire activity ~~
Smoke removal Fire activity ~~

Ventilate Fire activity ~~
Property entry activity Fire activity ~~
Establish fire trails, breaks, back burning Fire activity ~~
Assist Animal Community ~~
assistance activity
Crowd control Community ~~

assistance activity
Provide medical assistance Community ~~

assistance activity
Provide transport Community ~~

assistance activity
Traffic control Community ~~

assistance activity
Search Emergency ~~
assistance activity
Rescue Emergency ~~
assistance activity
Etc...... ~~

4.3 Event Type

Event Type restructuring within Classification Model
A restructured classification hierarchy for Event is shown below.
Figure 11. Restructured Event Classifications
Event Type Code Tables

a) Code Table for the Field - Event Type Level 1.
The Field ‘Event Type Level 1’ contains the codes corresponding to the classification
values for EVENT TYPE in the restructured Classification Model.
Incident ~~
Trigger Event ~~

b) Code Table for the Field – Event Type Level 2.

The Field ‘Event Type Level 2’ contains the codes that correspond to the classification
values for INCIDENT TYPE and TRIGGER EVENT TYPE.
Structure Incident Incident ~~
Crime Incident Incident ~~

Electrical Failure Incident Incident ~~
Explosion Incident Incident ~~
Fire Incident Incident ~~
Flood Related Incident Incident ~~

HAZMAT incident Incident ~~
Medical Emergency Incident ~~
Person trapped incident Incident ~~
Transport Incident Incident ~~
Calendar event Trigger Event ~~
Contact Trigger Event ~~
Environmental event Trigger Event ~~
OH&S event Trigger Event ~~
Public event Trigger Event ~~
c) Code Table for the Field – Event Type Level 3. (Partial, for illustration)
The Field ‘Event Type Level 3’ contains the codes that correspond to the classification
values for STRUCTURE INCIDENT TYPE, CRIME INCIDENT TYPE, EXPLOSION TYPE,
FIRE INCIDENT TYPE, HAZMAT INCIDENT TYPE, TRANSPORT INCIDENT TYPE,
CONTACT TYPE, and ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT TYPE.
Damaged roof Structure incident ~~

Door damage Structure incident ~~
Structure collapse Structure incident ~~
Window damage Structure incident ~~
Tree down Structure incident ~~
Tree threatening Structure incident ~~

Bomb scare Crime incident ~~

Terrorism incident Crime incident ~~
Etc……..
d) Code Table for the Field - Event Nature.

The Field ‘Event Nature’ contains the codes corresponding to the classification values
for EVENT NATURE in the restructured Classification Model.
Planned Event ~~
Unplanned Event ~~
e) Code Table for the Field - Event Temporal Nature.

The Field ‘Event Temporal Nature’ contains the codes corresponding to the
classification values for EVENT TEMPORAL NATURE in the restructured
Classification Model.
Current Event ~~
Future Event ~~
Past Event
4.4 Other Restructured Classifications

For broader reporting purposes (beyond Activity reporting), it may be necessary to
restructure classification hierarchies from other of the six core concepts. In particular, the
Dictionary Framework suggests that Material will require three levels of classification.

4.5 Roles in Relationships

The Data Dictionary indicates that instances of Activities are related to instances of other
Core Concepts by a repeating group of fields, typically ((Core Class Identifier, Core Class
Role)) e.g. ((Location Identifier, Identifier Role)), where the Role is specified to have a
code list.
The values of this code list are obtained from the Classification Model as Classification
Values of Core Concept to Core Concept Relationship Schemes. For example, the role of a
Location in an Activity can be “Activity carried out in Location”, “Activity maintains
Location” or “Activity occurs at Location”. These are the classification values of the
classification scheme “ACTIVITY INSTANCE-LOCATION INSTANCE RELATIONSHIP
TYPE”.
4.6 Granularity of Coding Levels

Defining three levels of coding based on the restructured classification hierarchies results
in a level of granularity, at level 3, which is appropriate for national reporting.
For purposes of jurisdictional reporting, where a finer level of granularity is required,
each level of activity classification can be raised one level. Here, the content of the Field
‘Activity Type Level 1’ is replaced with the content of Activity Type Level 2, and the content
of ‘Activity Type Level 2’ is replaced with the content of ‘Activity Type Level 3’ then
‘Activity Type Level 3’ is allocated the values from the fourth level of values in the
restructured classification hierarchy.

5. DOCUMENT SOURCES
The following documents were sources for the Initial Classification Model & Data
Dictionary:
Title Filename Date

(where applicable)
AIRS Codes AIRS Codes.xls 27 Oct 2009
AIRS Manual AIRS Manual.zip
BRIMS Schema BRIMS Schema.vsd

BRIMS User Guide BRIMS_BFMCUserGuice_3.16.zip
Draft Data Model Phase 1 Draft Data Model R.doc
NDMP Gap Analysis NDMP Data dictionary Project. January 2010

Reference Guide of Phase 1.
Attachment 2. Comparative Gap
Analysis
SMS Tasking SMA_TASKING.xls


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ESO Data Dictionary Project

Final Report: Section D

Deliverable 3 – Data Dictionary

Consultant Contact Robert Arnold, Director

0-1 July-Aug 2011 Initial version

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2. Introduction to the Data Dictionary 6

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Blank Page for two-sided printing

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1.2 This Document

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2. INTRODUCTION TO THE DATA DICTIONARY

2.1 Fields and Contents

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2.2 Activity Reporting

Data Dictionary Data Fields Reports

Figure 2. Use of the Dictionary in Reporting

Figure 3. Activity as the

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Figure 4. A simple classification of Descriptors

2.3 Framework for the Data Dictionary

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Figure 5. Structure of the Data Dictionary Framework

The following section describes each of the components of the Framework:

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2.4 Components of the Framework

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Figure 6. Restructuring Classifications

Relationship Identifiers (found in core class ‘Activity’ and ‘Event’ only).

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2.5 Reporting Ramifications

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2.6 Comments on Specific Fields & Defining Characteristics

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U/D = Undefined at this time

B/C = Binary Code (a code with only 2 values)

Notes in italics relate to fields requiring further analysis in subsequent projects.

3.2 Dictionary Content

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Min Max Business Code

activity IDs from non-emergency systems).

business function of the

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Min Max Business Code

from a third party was received. purposes.

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Min Max Business Code

((Party ID See Party ID in Party section.

((Event ID See Event ID in Event section.

((Location ID See Location ID in Location section

((Material ID See Material ID in Material section.

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Min Max Business Code

current activity relationships might be:

particular time within a day for Activity

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Min Max Business Code

Activity and the resources consumed (e.g. Material, Party).