In the event of a marine oil spill, it is necessary to quickly and clearly assess the situation and estimate the extent of the area potentially impacted by oil. This software combines the following features integrated in a Geographical Information System: geo-referenced digital aerial survey; access to trajectory forecast model results; and, charts with marine and terrestrial data. These features allow for better planning of emergency response in terms of deployment of personnel and equipment, because it helps to clearly document the observed spill while subsequently providing the length of the coastline at risk and the forecasted time for which the oil spill will reach the coast. Aerial surveys are one of the main tools used towards these ends. Aerial observations support the planning of oil cleanup and recovery work, and can also provide accurate data for oil spill fate and trajectory models. Aerial surveyors traditionally use paper maps to record their observations. This method presents some limitations. These include: (1) the difficulty of evaluating the exact location of observed features on the map; (2) the difficulty of recording all the necessary information on a fixed-scale map; and (3) the issue of transferring the recorded observations to spill managers, which takes time, requires explanations from the observer and can be subject to miss-interpretation. It is for these reasons why the Canadian Coast Guard, in partnership with Cogeni Technologie Inc., developed the SpillView software system. SpillView, which runs under the Windows XP operating system, is designed to operate on a pressure sensitive tablet PC equipped with GPS and electronic maps. The system displays the real time location and trajectory of the air-craft. The observer can record different types of observations (e.g., oil location, environmental resources, and shorelines contamination) on georeferenced layers that can be individually exported to formats compatible with other Geographical Information Systems. The observer can also use the system to electronically transfer the observed oil location to a spill modeling center, and display the modeling results within minutes. Spillview proved to be a good tool to support training and exercises, as it can be used to portray different spill scenarios on electronic maps. The software could also be utilized for other aerial survey needs, such as national security or forest fires. SpillView is presently being enhanced to provide operational support by enabling real time access to equipment inventory databases and fieldwork description forms. Following a positive response from CCG and their partner, Cogéni decided to develop a commercial version of the system able to meet the high expectations of the international market. A serious initiative was undertaken to develop software and to set up the necessary infrastructure required to support customers during the product’s integration and throughout its lifespan.