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GeoLynx Server Implemented in New Joint Emergency
Communications Center
GeoLynx Server - Dispatch
Web GIS
In June 2010, after several years of planning, the Joint Emergency
Communications Center (JECC) in Johnson County, Iowa, opened. The
JECC enhanced communication among the different departments, and by
implementing GeoLynx Server, allowed all of the dispatchers to view a
common operating picture of countywide GIS, 9-1-1 calls, track vehicles,
and CAD calls for service. The JECC serves Johnson County, City of
Coralville, Iowa City, and North Liberty.
The creation of the JECC not only involved the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility, but also the development of a new countywide public safety radio communications system which would allow dispatchers to notify all public safety entities (police, fire, ambulance) with one broadcast. With the previous disparate radio systems used by each agency, an emergency responder for Iowa City could not communicate with a responder from Johnson County. Other changes included a move to a new modern 9-1-1 telephone system located at the JECC facility as well as the back-up location at the University of Iowa Public Safety Department on the university campus. All agencies also began using the similar software for records management system (RMS) and computer aided dispatch (CAD).
The creation of the JECC not only involved the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility, but also the development of a new countywide public safety radio communications system which would allow dispatchers to notify all public safety entities (police, fire, ambulance) with one broadcast. With the previous disparate radio systems used by each agency, an emergency responder for Iowa City could not communicate with a responder from Johnson County. Other changes included a move to a new modern 9-1-1 telephone system located at the JECC facility as well as the back-up location at the University of Iowa Public Safety Department on the university campus. All agencies also began using the similar software for records management system (RMS) and computer aided dispatch (CAD).
Johnson County, Iowa City, the City of Coralville, and the University of
Iowa Public Safety Department had all previously utilized GeoLynx
Desktop for Dispatch GIS. This software was to be relocated to the new
consolidated center which would have left the individual agencies without
access to GIS which was use for 9-1-1 calls, CAD, and AVL. GeoComm
proposed GeoLynx Server, a Web-based dispatch GIS application, as a
solution to this problem. GeoLynx Server allows the dispatchers to easily
and effectively share emergency information. This software provides them
with a common operating picture of Johnson County’s geographic
coverage area and shows them where the different types of emergency
response vehicles are located at all times. It also creates a common
operating picture by overlaying CAD calls for service and Automatic
Vehicle Location on top of the high level detailed GIS maps. In addition,
since GeoLynx Server is a Web-based application, the information is also
viewable to administrative staff who still work at some of the original
dispatch centers, essentially creating a shared situational awareness for
all of the users in Johnson County.
“GeoComm was the existing software provider for almost all of the public safety agencies that the JECC is now serving. This made GeoComm the logical choice for our dispatch GIS software needs at the new center. The implementation of our new consolidated center has been a huge undertaking requiring the coordination of multiple vendors. GeoComm’s software implementation team has been great to work with as a part of our project,” said Tom Jones, Interim Executive Director, Information Technology Manager, Johnson County, IA. “As far as getting our systems installed and ready for operation, GeoComm was one of my project vendors that I did not have to worry about in regard to meeting deadlines, commitments, and delivering a functional application. The communication between the JECC and implementation team was key to the success of the project and they always made themselves available. This is one of the reasons that have made GeoComm one of my preferred vendors to work with.”
The new JECC implemented an essential software and communications upgrade. In addition, it is a great example of how intergovernmental cooperation can result in better communication, faster response time by emergency services, and ensures the emergency information is reaching the right person, right away.
PSAP Consolidation Feasibility Study - Prior to creating the new JECC, GeoComm’s consulting group aided Johnson County and Iowa City officials in identifying the specific advantages of consolidating emergency communications and dispatch operations in Johnson County. The recommendations provided in the Consolidation Feasibility Study allowed officials to make informed decisions, included information on how to properly consolidate, and offered solutions on how to overcome potential obstacles that may develop during a consolidation.
PSAP Performance Audit
An effective Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) can save lives and property by enhancing the ability of local jurisdictions to respond more quickly to life-threatening situations. A PSAP Performance Audit will examine and assess communication centers emergency preparedness, and is an essential component to the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency dispatch operations response in your community.
Through a PSAP Performance Audit, GeoComm will identify potential risks your center faces, provide a complete Performance Audit Report, and make recommendations on how your PSAP can improve based on state and nationally recognized performance standards and practices. These Performance Audits are especially important for PSAPs considering consolidation, undertaking a continuity of operations in the strategic planning for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), or even to assist in improving the day-to-day processes in your PSAP.
GeoComm’s consulting team, which consists of diverse, uniquely qualified professionals have been involved in several performance audits across the country. Their experiences include complex research and analysis projects resulting in state and nationally recognized standards for training and operational procedures.
GeoComm Becomes One of Six Worldwide Esri Platinum Partners
GeoComm, an industry leading Consulting, GIS, and Software development firm, is pleased to announce they have received Platinum Tier Partnership level with Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). This partnership recognizes GeoComm’s commitment for providing public safety 9-1-1 solutions and integrating them with GIS and wireless communications.
“As a Platinum Partner, our customers will continue to receive the latest leading edge GIS technology for public safety. This level of partnership with Esri opens up a wealth of opportunities for us and our customers to have the needs of public safety GIS users met. We believe our relationship with Esri is essential to our continued success providing public safety relevant software and GIS services,” said Jody Sayre, GeoComm Vice President of Client Services.
Esri’s Partner Network is designed to serve the needs of their global partner community. This new program will provide partners with greater access to detailed product information, development practices, and sales and marketing resources. As a Platinum Tier Partner, GeoComm will benefit from a higher amount of collaboration in developing geospatial technology, building successful applications and providing valuable services. Through the years GeoComm has consistently maintained a strong, dependable, and dedicated relationship with Esri; this new partnership solidifies our working relationship with Esri in the past and future.
GeoComm has been an award-winning Esri partner for several years, committed to bringing the most advanced technologies to the public safety industry. In addition, GeoComm was part of the initial launch team who offered insight and direction to Esri for developing this new program.
“GeoComm was the existing software provider for almost all of the public safety agencies that the JECC is now serving. This made GeoComm the logical choice for our dispatch GIS software needs at the new center. The implementation of our new consolidated center has been a huge undertaking requiring the coordination of multiple vendors. GeoComm’s software implementation team has been great to work with as a part of our project,” said Tom Jones, Interim Executive Director, Information Technology Manager, Johnson County, IA. “As far as getting our systems installed and ready for operation, GeoComm was one of my project vendors that I did not have to worry about in regard to meeting deadlines, commitments, and delivering a functional application. The communication between the JECC and implementation team was key to the success of the project and they always made themselves available. This is one of the reasons that have made GeoComm one of my preferred vendors to work with.”
The new JECC implemented an essential software and communications upgrade. In addition, it is a great example of how intergovernmental cooperation can result in better communication, faster response time by emergency services, and ensures the emergency information is reaching the right person, right away.
PSAP Consolidation Feasibility Study - Prior to creating the new JECC, GeoComm’s consulting group aided Johnson County and Iowa City officials in identifying the specific advantages of consolidating emergency communications and dispatch operations in Johnson County. The recommendations provided in the Consolidation Feasibility Study allowed officials to make informed decisions, included information on how to properly consolidate, and offered solutions on how to overcome potential obstacles that may develop during a consolidation.
PSAP Performance Audit
An effective Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) can save lives and property by enhancing the ability of local jurisdictions to respond more quickly to life-threatening situations. A PSAP Performance Audit will examine and assess communication centers emergency preparedness, and is an essential component to the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency dispatch operations response in your community.
Through a PSAP Performance Audit, GeoComm will identify potential risks your center faces, provide a complete Performance Audit Report, and make recommendations on how your PSAP can improve based on state and nationally recognized performance standards and practices. These Performance Audits are especially important for PSAPs considering consolidation, undertaking a continuity of operations in the strategic planning for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), or even to assist in improving the day-to-day processes in your PSAP.
GeoComm’s consulting team, which consists of diverse, uniquely qualified professionals have been involved in several performance audits across the country. Their experiences include complex research and analysis projects resulting in state and nationally recognized standards for training and operational procedures.
GeoComm Becomes One of Six Worldwide Esri Platinum Partners
GeoComm, an industry leading Consulting, GIS, and Software development firm, is pleased to announce they have received Platinum Tier Partnership level with Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). This partnership recognizes GeoComm’s commitment for providing public safety 9-1-1 solutions and integrating them with GIS and wireless communications.
“As a Platinum Partner, our customers will continue to receive the latest leading edge GIS technology for public safety. This level of partnership with Esri opens up a wealth of opportunities for us and our customers to have the needs of public safety GIS users met. We believe our relationship with Esri is essential to our continued success providing public safety relevant software and GIS services,” said Jody Sayre, GeoComm Vice President of Client Services.
Esri’s Partner Network is designed to serve the needs of their global partner community. This new program will provide partners with greater access to detailed product information, development practices, and sales and marketing resources. As a Platinum Tier Partner, GeoComm will benefit from a higher amount of collaboration in developing geospatial technology, building successful applications and providing valuable services. Through the years GeoComm has consistently maintained a strong, dependable, and dedicated relationship with Esri; this new partnership solidifies our working relationship with Esri in the past and future.
GeoComm has been an award-winning Esri partner for several years, committed to bringing the most advanced technologies to the public safety industry. In addition, GeoComm was part of the initial launch team who offered insight and direction to Esri for developing this new program.
Visit us at these upcoming tradeshows:
April
Texas APCO
Kansas APCO
May
Florida NENA
San Marcos, TX
4/3 - 4/6
Topeka, KS
4/10 - 4/12
St. Augustine, FL
5/1 - 5/4
GeoLynx Server, a Web-based
tactical dispatch Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) software
provides the telematics features in
GeoLynx Desktop, only now has
the added benefits of being
distributed over your public safety
network. This system creates a
Common Operating Picture (COP)
by overlying dynamically changing
events such as 9-1-1, CAD calls for
service, and Automatic Vehicle
Location (AVL). GeoLynx Server,
which is built on Esri ArcGIS Server
and leverages new ArcGIS 10
features, is accessible through a
Web browser application without
having to install software or
download GIS data sets at each
workstation. It allows users to
gather and share information,
strategize, plan, mitigate, track and
respond to emergencies.
secure, real-time, web-based
access to public safety GIS from
anywhere, anytime.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
April 10 -16, 2011 marks this year's National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This week is an important time to recognize all of the telecommunication professionals across the country who make our lives safer. Their contribution towards the safety and security in our communities does not go unnoticed. GeoComm would like to send a special thank you to all telecommunicators. We appreciate your expertise and commitment that so many people rely on during an emergency.
Customer Testimonials
“The relationship between our District and GeoComm began with a scheduled presentation by GeoComm at the 2009 National NENA Conference in Ft Worth, TX. The meeting was very informative and not full of confusing acronyms which was helpful to me as I was new to the 911 industry.
After the contract was signed, GeoComm’s GeoLynx DMS Trainer and later Implementation/training specialist were on-site. They were two of the most pleasant, knowledgeable, customer focused professionals I have yet to meet. They knew their product, their job, and how best to integrate the product into our system.
Since implementation over a year ago, our GIS Manager has had several conversations with GeoComm’s GeoLynx DMS Trainer and their technical support team to work through issues. All were focused on our needs, not simply trying to squeeze our needs into their mold because one size does not fit all. Being a user friendly organization is still important. GeoComm has not forgotten that very important part of customer service.”
Don Houston – Director- Henderson County Texas 9-1-1 District
______________________________
“Mendocino County, California contacted GeoComm to purchase GeoLynx 9-1-1 Software. In preparation for this Mendocino’s GIS map data, ALI data, Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) and CAD Geo files were analyzed. This analysis identified errors that occurred between the three layers during a 9-1-1 call so they could be corrected. After successfully completing the analysis we requested GeoComm to develop a Street Addressing layer due to a shortage of manpower and tight timeframes in our county. This new layer will not only be used in our mapping software but for our new CAD system scheduled to be installed later in the year. GeoComm demonstrated expertise in GIS and software installation where we felt comfortable requesting the Street Addressing layer development. We also need it very soon in preparation for a PSAP consolidated effort under way. Our timeframes have accelerated and we’re comfortable GeoComm can meet them as required.”
Greg Blake - Mendocino County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
April 10 -16, 2011 marks this year's National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This week is an important time to recognize all of the telecommunication professionals across the country who make our lives safer. Their contribution towards the safety and security in our communities does not go unnoticed. GeoComm would like to send a special thank you to all telecommunicators. We appreciate your expertise and commitment that so many people rely on during an emergency.
Customer Testimonials
“The relationship between our District and GeoComm began with a scheduled presentation by GeoComm at the 2009 National NENA Conference in Ft Worth, TX. The meeting was very informative and not full of confusing acronyms which was helpful to me as I was new to the 911 industry.
After the contract was signed, GeoComm’s GeoLynx DMS Trainer and later Implementation/training specialist were on-site. They were two of the most pleasant, knowledgeable, customer focused professionals I have yet to meet. They knew their product, their job, and how best to integrate the product into our system.
Since implementation over a year ago, our GIS Manager has had several conversations with GeoComm’s GeoLynx DMS Trainer and their technical support team to work through issues. All were focused on our needs, not simply trying to squeeze our needs into their mold because one size does not fit all. Being a user friendly organization is still important. GeoComm has not forgotten that very important part of customer service.”
Don Houston – Director- Henderson County Texas 9-1-1 District
______________________________
“Mendocino County, California contacted GeoComm to purchase GeoLynx 9-1-1 Software. In preparation for this Mendocino’s GIS map data, ALI data, Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) and CAD Geo files were analyzed. This analysis identified errors that occurred between the three layers during a 9-1-1 call so they could be corrected. After successfully completing the analysis we requested GeoComm to develop a Street Addressing layer due to a shortage of manpower and tight timeframes in our county. This new layer will not only be used in our mapping software but for our new CAD system scheduled to be installed later in the year. GeoComm demonstrated expertise in GIS and software installation where we felt comfortable requesting the Street Addressing layer development. We also need it very soon in preparation for a PSAP consolidated effort under way. Our timeframes have accelerated and we’re comfortable GeoComm can meet them as required.”
Greg Blake - Mendocino County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center