WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - As concerns over school safety continue to grow, digital mapping is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing technologies in public schools across the country.

Wichita Falls ISD Chief of Police Anthony Smith said having a digital layout of each school building could be lifesaving for students and staff.

“What the digital mapping does, we are required to, and we do it regardless, is send it out to other agencies so when their officers are responding, whether it’s DPS, game wardens, WFPD, or the sheriff’s office, or any other agency,“ Smith said.

Smith continued by explaining how the mapping system works and how it minimizes potential mistakes during a crisis.

It gives you points on a map; a map isn’t good if you don’t know where A is or B is, north or south. What this does, it puts everything on there. Everyone can read it, and it’s crucial. When seconds count, it’s very important that officers are able to show up on the scene, go through the door that they should go through, and stop whatever threat there is inside,“ Smith said.

Minimizing confusion and navigation errors helps reduce delays in emergency response, a major factor in tragic events like the 2022 Uvalde School shooting.

School districts across Texas have started implementing similar digital mapping systems to enhance safety.

In WFISD, officials recognize that technology is always evolving and as it does, they’re committed to keeping student and staff safety at the forefront of every decision.