A session is the container for a response: the map, the messages, the people. You create one in the Common Operating Picture (COP+) when the work starts on the map, or in the Virtual Emergency Operations Centre (VEOC) when you need to mobilize a team. This article is the quick reference for both paths, tuned for the person who has not done this in months.
Before you start
You need session initiator permissions. See Understand roles and permissions.
Pick your path first:
Map work only (setup, monitoring, drawing zones): create a COP+ session.
Team mobilization (callout, forum, ICS forms): initiate a VEOC session. It includes COP+.
Create a session in COP+
From the dashboard, click COP+, then click Create Session.
Type a Session Name. Short and descriptive wins: the event or location your users will recognize.
Select a Map from the drop-down.
Choose a Session Type: Test, Training, Exercise, or Emergency. The type changes nothing functionally; it labels the session for reference and tracking.
Click COP+ to open straight to the map view, or COP+ & Virtual EOC to open a VEOC session with the map attached.
Creating notification zones for Wildfire? Use the COP+ button, even though both are offered. Zones are session agnostic: build them in a throwaway session, delete the session later, and the zones stay on your map.
Initiate a session in VEOC
The VEOC dialog asks for more because it launches your callout. Quick version:
From the dashboard, click VEOC, then initiate a session.
Enter the Session Name, choose a Session Type (Test, Training, Exercise, Emergency, or Confidential), and set the Time Zone where the emergency is happening.
Add a Situation Summary & Safety Briefing so invitees arrive informed.
Attach files if needed (.docx, .doc, .jpg, .pdf, up to 50 MB each).
Click Initiate, then choose who to invite. Everyone selected gets a phone call, text, and email instantly. See Understand callout.
Full field-by-field walkthrough, including the invite options: Create a VEOC session.
After you create it
Invitees join from their links; see Join a session from an invite.
Add latecomers anytime; see Add users to a VEOC session.
Find the session again later with Browse and search sessions.