Risk Terrain Modeling (RTM)

Geospatial Analytics. RTM diagnoses environmental conditions that lead to crime (and other problems).

Focus on Places, not People. RTM adds the why to the where. It brings multiple sources of data together by connecting them to geographic places. It adds context to ‘big data’.

RTMDx Software

Developed at Rutgers, RTMDx is the software solution that automates RTM. The NPSC uses it to inform decision-making and figure out the best ways to solve problems. Learn more

Diagnose, Then Respond Better

As an example, RTM identifies features in the environment that attract crime. This diagnosis makes very accurate forecasts that NPSC members use to deploy resources, prevent crime, and reduce risks.

​With RTM, city officials know the “where and why” of crime, and what to do when they get there to address it -- without over-policing. RTM has been proven to reduce crime and improve community relations.

RTM: Spatial Risk Analysis

RTM was born from rigorous research at the Rutgers Center on Public Security (RCPS), where faculty and associates continue to conduct cutting-edge research to innovate and advance spatial risk analysis techniques.

Originally, RTM was used to study crime. Today, RTM is used around the world for a variety of topics: public safety, medicine, public health, epidemiology, social welfare, transportation, city planning, emergency management, disaster recovery, homeland security, retail asset protection, and maritime shipping.