JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is now equipped with a state-of-the-art online map system, Portal Maps, that is both innovative and efficient. This technology will allow the joint base to complete the mission faster, smarter, and more effectively, allowing more time to train and develop the essential skills vital for the future fight.
Before introducing Portal Maps, units relied on physical copies of maps which posed several challenges.
In contrast, the new system allows for quick and seamless updates, ensuring units are always able to access accurate and up-to-date. This new technology significantly improves outdated paper maps, making mission performance more efficient and effective. As a result, portal Maps has improved how units conduct day-to-day ops.
Robert Gullo, 787th Civil Engineer Squadron Geobase and Execution support chief, Alaina Campioni, 787th CES cartographer, and Master Sgt. Gabriel Lira, 787th CES senior enlisted leader, oversaw the effort. Gullo brings a decade of experience from the private sector, while Campioni and Lira have 30 years of combined military experience.
"Efficiency is one of my favorite things," said Gullo, 787th Civil Engineer Squadron Geobase and Execution support chief. "I spent ten years in the private sector, and one of the things I liked the most was understanding processes and how to improve them."
As JB MDL leads the way in joint base integration, Portal Maps implements this commitment to modernization, innovation, and efficiency. The application enables interoperability by providing a platform to input their unit-specific data as an overlay to allow cross-communication amongst the mission partners here.
"An example of how these maps could streamline overall communication and situational awareness on JB MDL is during snow removal operations," said Lira. "Commanders can use Portal Maps to monitor real-time data updates and obtain exact percentages of progress to develop status reports. This is just one example of how the maps can import efficiency."
Portal Maps enhances the daily operations of units and reduces response time for first responders by granting them access to the most up-to-date base maps instead of relying on potentially outdated physical copies. Moreover, it offers situational awareness to units through overlays that reveal what lies beneath the surface.
"Since its [Portal Maps] inception, I have utilized it daily," said Timothy Leary, 87th CES Electrical Distribution Supervisor. "Using this platform is beneficial for my office because it allows us to view all past and present electricity lines and circuits using the overlays. Having this knowledge can directly impact project success and prevent potential mishaps."
JB MDL continues to push for better equipment to project and connect the Joint Force to remain at the forefront of modernization for tomorrow's fight.