GIS AND 9-1-1Teamwork makes the Dream Work
Across the nation many 9-1-1 authorities at
the local, regional, and state levels are
investing significant resources into their
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for
mission critical 9-1-1 use. The 9-1-1
authorities often rely on local government
GIS departments that service a variety of
consumers of GIS data. Due to this
diverse focus and use of GIS, the data
needs to be prepared to meet public safety
standards and requirements.
Ultimately, the GIS and 9-1-1 teams must
work together. What's a starting point for
GIS and 9-1-1 collaboration? Educating all
involved about how GIS is utilized in
current 9-1-1 systems and how GIS will be
used in future Next Generation (NG9-1-1)
systems.
THE 9-1-1 GIS TEAM
THE PRIORITY FOR THE
9-1-1 CALLER IS
STRAIGHT-FORWARD,
THEY EXPECT HELP IN A
TIMELY MANNER
DURING AN EMERGENCY.
Public Safety GIS Simplified #GISimplified
www.geo-comm.com 886.436.2666
The NG9-1-1 system uses GIS data for the Emergency Call Routing Function (ECRF), performing a point-in-polygon query to determine the PSAP boundary the call location falls within. The attributes of that PSAP boundary polygon contain the appropriate network routing address information to route the call to the correct PSAP and deliver the 9-1-1 call, including the voice of the caller and additional information for emergency response. Essentially, you can think of NG9-1-1 ECRF call routing saying, “Here is my location, determine which PSAP the call should be routed to using the PSAP boundary spatial data.” When the 9-1-1 call arrives at the PSAP, the GIS data is used again to display the location of the call on the call taker/dispatcher map display.
Public Safety GIS Simplified #GISimplified
www.geo-comm.com 886.436.2666
GIS DATA IS USED TO ROUTE LIVE 9-1-1 CALLS TO THE CORRECT PSAP.
In addition, the Location Validation Function (LVF) looks for an address point, centerline range, or other GIS information to validate the location prior to a 9-1-1 call being placed. The use of GIS data in the LVF and ECRF processes is a transition away from the Master Street Address Guide (MSAG), selective routers, and the Automatic Location Information (ALI) databases currently used today with E9-1-1.
GIS USE IN 9-1-1In a current Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) system, GIS is used to display a caller’s
location using up-to-date GIS data in local Public Safety Answering Point
(PSAP) systems. In addition, most Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems use GIS
data to validate a caller’s location. The accurate identification of a caller’s location is the
vital first step in the dispatch process. The GIS data must be high-quality and accurate
because it's providing the 9-1-1 call taker/dispatcher the additional information needed
for a quick emergency response. The GIS data guides a fast process of learning
the exact location of the incident, determining the appropriate responders and equipment
to dispatch, and directing the response units in closest proximity to the incident to
minimize response time. In an NG9-1-1 system, the use of GIS data takes on an even
more mission critical role.
IN AN NG9-1-1 SYSTEM:
CLICK HERE TO START IMPROVING YOUR PUBLIC SAFETY GIS DATA
WORKING TOWARDS THE DREAM
The 9-1-1 caller is relying on the correct PSAP to receive their call, know where they are, and send help fast. GIS has extensive use in public safety 9-1-1, and ultimately, local authorities want to meet the caller's expectation. Understanding how the GIS helps the 9-1-1 system work will enable both GIS and 9-1-1 teams to achieve their dream:
Public Safety GIS Simplified #GISimplified
www.geo-comm.com 886.436.2666
high-quality and accurate GIS datathat provides help when lives and
property are at stake .
ONCE THE 9-1-1 CALLER LOCATION IS DISPLAYED ON THE WORKSTATION IN THE
CORRECT PSAP , THE CALL TAKER/DISPATCHER CAN QUERY THE GIS DATA FOR MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CALLER LOCATION . THIS INFORMATION COULD CONSIST OF
DISASTER PLANS , FLOORPLANS , BUILDING SCHEMATICS , KNOWN LOCATION DANGERS ,
OR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTA INED IN THE GIS DATA.