How to use the service

GIO EMS - Mapping Authorised Users may activate the service by completing the relevant Service Request Form (SRF). Associated Users have to contact their respective Focal Points who are authorised to trigger the service.

There are two types of Service Request Forms: (I.) for rush mode; (II.) for non-rush mode.

The completed form must be sent either by e-mail to the Emergency Response Centre (ERC/MIC) (echo-mic@ec.europa.eu) or submitted via the service portal (http://portal.ems-gmes.eu). Every request must be followed by a phone call to ERC/MIC (+32-2-292-2222).

Once the service request is properly submitted, it undergoes a review by the ERC/MIC against predefined evaluation criteria, namely:

• Technical Feasibility check: The request should fall within the GIO EMS - Mapping scope (e.g. a request to map an entire continent will be rejected; see definition of the services offered in the Product Portfolio).
• Political Sensitivity check: e.g. the request should not relate to an existing conflict/crisis with EU military operations or a known politically, foreign policy sensitive area.
• GIO EMS - Mapping capacity check: The capacity of the service to cope with multiple simultaneous activations should not be exceeded.
• Event Magnitude check: Only large scale emergency situations and humanitarian crises related to natural disasters or man-made emergencies requiring a very urgent response are within the scope of GIO EMS - Mapping.

If a User's request is rejected, the ERC/MIC notifies the Authorised user about the reasons for which a request is being denied.

More information on the activation process can be found on the schematic shown here or by downloading the Quick Start Guide.