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AEM Elements 360 is the central application thousands of professionals use to predict, monitor, and respond to weather, wildfire, flooding, and environmental conditions. As operational demands grow, users need clear visuals, fast access to critical tools, and a workspace that adapts to different environments.
To support this work, AEM is rolling out an updated Elements 360 user interface that improves clarity, navigation, and efficiency. These updates make daily tasks easier and set the stage for larger workflow enhancements and new intelligence capabilities arriving in 2026 and beyond.
This blog introduces the improvements, explains why we made them, and highlights how they support the long-term evolution of AEM Elements 360.
Moving forward, we’ll explore…
Why an updated Elements 360 interface
This update focuses on three core goals:
- Make the platform easier to use every day. Users wanted clearer visual hierarchy, simpler navigation, and fewer clicks.
- Improve accessibility for more users. The UI now aligns with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) AA conformance, creating a more inclusive experience for all.
- Build the foundation for future growth. A new design system allows AEM to deliver customer-requested improvements and advanced capabilities faster and with less disruption.
The result is a modern, intuitive interface that helps current AEM Elements 360 users, long-time Contrail® users, and teams using FTS360, Sferic Maps® , or Vieux Information Platform (VIP) feel at home right away.
What's new in the updated UI
A larger, more flexible workspace
The main navigation now lives on the left. This shift creates more space for maps, dashboards, and data-rich views while keeping core tools within reach.
Cleaner, clearer visual design
The updated layout improves readability with stronger contrast, better text hierarchy, and consistent icon placement.
Light and Dark Mode options
Users can switch between Light and Dark themes to match their environment—bright control rooms, dim EOCs, or outdoor field operations. This improves comfort and reduces eye strain.
Alerts where you need them most
Alerts now sit directly in the left navigation for quick access from any page. A new notification icon in the upper right highlights active Alerts immediately. This helps you understand where attention is needed without interrupting your workflow.
Reports now one click away
Reports have moved into the main navigation. You can open them instantly—no extra steps, no detours through admin settings.
A streamlined sidebar
The sidebar is cleaner and easier to scan. Whether you’re selecting layers, locating assets, or reviewing environmental conditions, everything is organized and predictable. Views, Sites, and Sensors are now available in the same panel
New BaseMaps for better context
Choose Light, Dark, Satellite, or Streets BaseMaps to match the level of detail you need. Switch from high-level regional views to street-level clarity with a single click.
Tabs that reduce scrolling and save time
Tabs now organize tools and information across pages. You can move between different fucntions without losing your place or jumping between screens, which speeds up common tasks.
Built-in accessibility improvements
Higher contrast, better text structure, and consistent interactive elements support a wide range of users. These updates reduce visual fatigue and help teams interpret information more quickly.
Easier access to admin tools
Admin functions are now available directly within the application. Updating devices, adjusting user permissions, and managing assets takes fewer steps and less time.
How these updates improve daily workflows
These changes come together to support faster, more confident decision-making:
- More room for the data you rely on helps you interpret hazards with less clutter.
- Critical tools in the navigation bar reduce searching and clicking.
- Clearer visuals and organized tabs help you stay focused on analysis instead of application management.
- Flexible viewing options adapt to different user needs and environments.
Whether you monitor fire danger, track storms, review lightning data, manage hydrology networks, or oversee environmental compliance, your core workflows stay familiar, but become more efficient.
Built for Faster Innovation in 2026 and Beyond
This update isn’t only about visual improvements. It introduces a stronger architectural foundation for future development.
The new design system allows AEM to:
- Implement user feedback more quickly
- Add new forecasting and modeling tools
- Streamline Alert, Site, and Sensor configurations
- Extend integrations across environmental data sources
- Deliver updates without disrupting current workflows
In short, AEM Elements 360 is now prepared for faster, more continuous innovation—guided by customer needs and aligned with AEM’s long-term product strategy.
Start working smarter in AEM Elements 360
Ready to explore the updated interface? Contact us today to see the improvements and plan your transition.