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Regardless of a jurisdiction's size, integrating existing GIS map data into a
call-taking environment can be complex due to the multitude of GIS data
formats and stringent accuracy requirements for 9-1-1. However, when
integrated properly, it can provide lifesaving information. Therefore,
developing cohesive GIS map data is essential for 9-1-1, but it is not always
simple due to the strict, but important, 9-1-1 standards the GIS data must
meet. This was the case for Yuma County, Arizona.
Business Situation
In 2008, the Arizona 9-1-1 office thoroughly reviewed Yuma County’s GIS map data. The review showed a need for significant enhancement and development prior to deploying Wireless Phase II in the county. In order for their GIS map data to meet 9-1-1 standards, the Automatic Location Information (ALI) and Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) needed to be synchronized with their GIS map data. This synchronization allows calls to locate on the 9-1-1 map. The GIS map data would ultimately be used to locate the origin of wireline and wireless callers in Yuma County. In addition to GIS data enhancement and development, it was very important to the Arizona 9-1-1 Office that Yuma County and the City of Yuma personnel receive the training and tools necessary to maintain the GIS map data. The GIS map data included street centerlines, MSAG boundaries, and Emergency Service Number (ESN) boundaries.
Funding
To facilitate the enhancement of the GIS map data, the Arizona State 9-1-1 Office assisted Yuma County by providing project management and the critical funding needed to complete the project. Funding was made possible through a grant the Arizona State 9-1-1 Office was awarded in 2004 from the E9-1-1 PSAP Readiness Fund. Money from the grant was allocated to fund GIS projects for 9-1-1 systems within the state whose GIS map data did not meet standards set by the State of Arizona for deploying Wireless Phase II.
"In 2005, the State of Arizona 9-1-1 Office received a $1 million grant to use toward the development and enhancement of 9-1-1 map data throughout the state. To date, the grant has been used to improve and synchronize GIS, MSAG, and ALI data quality in seven counties and the City of Page. The grant fund and successful map enhancement projects have subsequently paved the way for wireless Phase II deployments in these areas," Adam Iten, 9-1-1 Project Manager, Arizona 9-1-1 Office.
GeoComm’s Approach
In 2008, after a thorough competitive proposal process conducted by the State 9-1-1 Office, GeoComm was selected to assist Yuma County in enhancing and building the GIS map data that would be required for deploying Wireless Phase II in the county.
To better understand the history and current processes in place at Yuma County, GeoComm project managers traveled to Yuma County to meet with key project stakeholders from Yuma County, the City of Yuma, and the State of Arizona. This meeting was very important to the overall success of the project and each of the project phases. It allowed key project stakeholders to learn more about the project plan and project timeline. It also allowed GeoComm project managers to familiarize themselves with the project expectations of the county and state.
GeoComm worked with the Arizona 9-1-1 Office to assist Yuma County by approaching the project in the following phased approach.
GIS Assessment
In order for Yuma County to be Phase II complaint, their GIS map data had to meet requirements set by the Arizona 9-1-1 Office for GIS map data attribute accuracy. First, GeoComm completed an assessment of Yuma County’s map data to determine what future project steps had to be taken with the GIS map layers so they met the requirements. The assessment consisted of examining the following information:
• The ALI database had to have at least a 95 percent match rate with the GIS centerline layer
• Street name elements had to be valid with the MSAG
• All of the street segments had to be broken and snapped at the street intersections, ESN boundaries, and community boundaries
• The direction of the street segments had to follow real-world ranges
• The ranges could not overlap
• Street segments had to be free of parity errors
• The “to” range had to be greater than the “from” range on each segment
• Left and right ESN information had to match the boundary files
• Divided highways, freeways, and streets (divided by median) had to be depicted as two lines
To examine all of these items, GeoComm performed a random GIS collection and compared the gathered information to existing aerial images. This review determined the spatial accuracy of the street centerline layer and determined if the current data set complied with the state’s GIS standards.
GIS Enhancement Plan
After completing the GIS Assessment, GeoComm determined the steps that needed to be taken for Yuma County to meet Arizona’s 9-1-1 GIS Attribute Accuracy Requirements and provided Yuma County with a detailed GIS Enhancement Plan. This plan explained each step that needed to be taken to enhance the GIS map layers and the action items that would be done to complete each step. It also included a detailed timeline which helped Yuma County identify major project milestones.
Data Enhancement and Development
Once Yuma County approved GeoComm’s GIS Enhancement Plan, it was time to update Yuma County’s GIS map data to meet the Wireless Phase II requirements. The GIS map data enhancement and development took eight months to complete, and focused on three GIS map layers. The street centerline, which is the primary layer required for public safety, was improved to have a better synchronization rate with Yuma County’s ALI database and MSAG. The ESN boundary map layer, which depicts the service area for fire, medical, and law was reviewed and altered according to NENA and the State of Arizona 9-1-1 GIS standards. In addition, an MSAG Community Boundary map layer was created. Finally, GeoComm performed a series of Quality Assurance/Quality Control tests to ensure it would meet Arizona’s 9-1-1 GIS Attribute Accuracy Requirements.
Maintenance Workflow Development
The importance of synchronization of certain map layers with the Master Street Address Guide, the Automatic Location Information data, and optionally, the site/structure locations, cannot be overstated. It was important to Yuma County that they learn the most efficient ways for their map data, MSAG data, and software to work effectively to plot incident locations. Yuma County wanted to ensure their data was managed and that communication between departments was effective to meet the county’s goals for 9-1-1 call plotting
To help them achieve their goals for GIS data maintenance, GeoComm met with several Yuma County and City of Yuma personnel to create processes and develop standard operating procedures for the conversion, creation, maintenance, and transfer of public safety GIS data. These processes and procedures ensured that data synchronization and error reporting was also maintained.
GIS Data Management Tools
Because a successful project is measured by the value it provides the end users, GeoComm wanted to provide Yuma County with the tools they needed to properly maintain the GIS map data. GeoComm instructed Yuma County on how to use GeoLynx DMS, which is a GIS data management tool for GIS and public safety professionals. The training was tailored to Yuma County’s needs and focused on data editing, quality control/quality assurance, MSAG maintenance, and GIS/MSAG Synchronization.
"GeoLynx DMS has been a great asset to our county. It has significantly simplified error identification, streamlined the editing process, and made reporting the data development process a cinch. In addition, the work GeoComm did was first rate and contained enough examples to where my staff and I could simply pick up where their technicians left off so we could finish the project," Brian Brady, GIS Administrator, Yuma County, Arizona.
Final Report
Finally, GeoComm provided Yuma County with a report that detailed the entire project. This report addressed all of the GIS map data issues that GeoComm identified in the GIS assessment. It highlighted the enhancements made to the GIS map data and the workflow training GeoComm provided.
End Results
Yuma County now has map data that meets or exceeds standards and guidelines set by the State of Arizona for map data accuracy. By enhancing the GIS map layers, it resulted in over 95 percent of the addresses in Yuma County’s ALI database matching their map data, showing the reliability of 9-1-1 GIS data in Yuma County has never been better. In addition to the GIS map data, GeoComm’s development of the maintenance workflows provided the county and City of Yuma with the GIS tools necessary to successfully maintain and manage the GIS map data moving forward. More importantly, Yuma County’s 9-1-1 Telecommunicators now have access to accurate maps that are critical in locating those in need when dialing 9-1-1.
Business Situation
In 2008, the Arizona 9-1-1 office thoroughly reviewed Yuma County’s GIS map data. The review showed a need for significant enhancement and development prior to deploying Wireless Phase II in the county. In order for their GIS map data to meet 9-1-1 standards, the Automatic Location Information (ALI) and Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) needed to be synchronized with their GIS map data. This synchronization allows calls to locate on the 9-1-1 map. The GIS map data would ultimately be used to locate the origin of wireline and wireless callers in Yuma County. In addition to GIS data enhancement and development, it was very important to the Arizona 9-1-1 Office that Yuma County and the City of Yuma personnel receive the training and tools necessary to maintain the GIS map data. The GIS map data included street centerlines, MSAG boundaries, and Emergency Service Number (ESN) boundaries.
Funding
To facilitate the enhancement of the GIS map data, the Arizona State 9-1-1 Office assisted Yuma County by providing project management and the critical funding needed to complete the project. Funding was made possible through a grant the Arizona State 9-1-1 Office was awarded in 2004 from the E9-1-1 PSAP Readiness Fund. Money from the grant was allocated to fund GIS projects for 9-1-1 systems within the state whose GIS map data did not meet standards set by the State of Arizona for deploying Wireless Phase II.
"In 2005, the State of Arizona 9-1-1 Office received a $1 million grant to use toward the development and enhancement of 9-1-1 map data throughout the state. To date, the grant has been used to improve and synchronize GIS, MSAG, and ALI data quality in seven counties and the City of Page. The grant fund and successful map enhancement projects have subsequently paved the way for wireless Phase II deployments in these areas," Adam Iten, 9-1-1 Project Manager, Arizona 9-1-1 Office.
GeoComm’s Approach
In 2008, after a thorough competitive proposal process conducted by the State 9-1-1 Office, GeoComm was selected to assist Yuma County in enhancing and building the GIS map data that would be required for deploying Wireless Phase II in the county.
To better understand the history and current processes in place at Yuma County, GeoComm project managers traveled to Yuma County to meet with key project stakeholders from Yuma County, the City of Yuma, and the State of Arizona. This meeting was very important to the overall success of the project and each of the project phases. It allowed key project stakeholders to learn more about the project plan and project timeline. It also allowed GeoComm project managers to familiarize themselves with the project expectations of the county and state.
GeoComm worked with the Arizona 9-1-1 Office to assist Yuma County by approaching the project in the following phased approach.
GIS Assessment
In order for Yuma County to be Phase II complaint, their GIS map data had to meet requirements set by the Arizona 9-1-1 Office for GIS map data attribute accuracy. First, GeoComm completed an assessment of Yuma County’s map data to determine what future project steps had to be taken with the GIS map layers so they met the requirements. The assessment consisted of examining the following information:
• The ALI database had to have at least a 95 percent match rate with the GIS centerline layer
• Street name elements had to be valid with the MSAG
• All of the street segments had to be broken and snapped at the street intersections, ESN boundaries, and community boundaries
• The direction of the street segments had to follow real-world ranges
• The ranges could not overlap
• Street segments had to be free of parity errors
• The “to” range had to be greater than the “from” range on each segment
• Left and right ESN information had to match the boundary files
• Divided highways, freeways, and streets (divided by median) had to be depicted as two lines
To examine all of these items, GeoComm performed a random GIS collection and compared the gathered information to existing aerial images. This review determined the spatial accuracy of the street centerline layer and determined if the current data set complied with the state’s GIS standards.
GIS Enhancement Plan
After completing the GIS Assessment, GeoComm determined the steps that needed to be taken for Yuma County to meet Arizona’s 9-1-1 GIS Attribute Accuracy Requirements and provided Yuma County with a detailed GIS Enhancement Plan. This plan explained each step that needed to be taken to enhance the GIS map layers and the action items that would be done to complete each step. It also included a detailed timeline which helped Yuma County identify major project milestones.
Data Enhancement and Development
Once Yuma County approved GeoComm’s GIS Enhancement Plan, it was time to update Yuma County’s GIS map data to meet the Wireless Phase II requirements. The GIS map data enhancement and development took eight months to complete, and focused on three GIS map layers. The street centerline, which is the primary layer required for public safety, was improved to have a better synchronization rate with Yuma County’s ALI database and MSAG. The ESN boundary map layer, which depicts the service area for fire, medical, and law was reviewed and altered according to NENA and the State of Arizona 9-1-1 GIS standards. In addition, an MSAG Community Boundary map layer was created. Finally, GeoComm performed a series of Quality Assurance/Quality Control tests to ensure it would meet Arizona’s 9-1-1 GIS Attribute Accuracy Requirements.
Maintenance Workflow Development
The importance of synchronization of certain map layers with the Master Street Address Guide, the Automatic Location Information data, and optionally, the site/structure locations, cannot be overstated. It was important to Yuma County that they learn the most efficient ways for their map data, MSAG data, and software to work effectively to plot incident locations. Yuma County wanted to ensure their data was managed and that communication between departments was effective to meet the county’s goals for 9-1-1 call plotting
To help them achieve their goals for GIS data maintenance, GeoComm met with several Yuma County and City of Yuma personnel to create processes and develop standard operating procedures for the conversion, creation, maintenance, and transfer of public safety GIS data. These processes and procedures ensured that data synchronization and error reporting was also maintained.
GIS Data Management Tools
Because a successful project is measured by the value it provides the end users, GeoComm wanted to provide Yuma County with the tools they needed to properly maintain the GIS map data. GeoComm instructed Yuma County on how to use GeoLynx DMS, which is a GIS data management tool for GIS and public safety professionals. The training was tailored to Yuma County’s needs and focused on data editing, quality control/quality assurance, MSAG maintenance, and GIS/MSAG Synchronization.
"GeoLynx DMS has been a great asset to our county. It has significantly simplified error identification, streamlined the editing process, and made reporting the data development process a cinch. In addition, the work GeoComm did was first rate and contained enough examples to where my staff and I could simply pick up where their technicians left off so we could finish the project," Brian Brady, GIS Administrator, Yuma County, Arizona.
Final Report
Finally, GeoComm provided Yuma County with a report that detailed the entire project. This report addressed all of the GIS map data issues that GeoComm identified in the GIS assessment. It highlighted the enhancements made to the GIS map data and the workflow training GeoComm provided.
End Results
Yuma County now has map data that meets or exceeds standards and guidelines set by the State of Arizona for map data accuracy. By enhancing the GIS map layers, it resulted in over 95 percent of the addresses in Yuma County’s ALI database matching their map data, showing the reliability of 9-1-1 GIS data in Yuma County has never been better. In addition to the GIS map data, GeoComm’s development of the maintenance workflows provided the county and City of Yuma with the GIS tools necessary to successfully maintain and manage the GIS map data moving forward. More importantly, Yuma County’s 9-1-1 Telecommunicators now have access to accurate maps that are critical in locating those in need when dialing 9-1-1.
"GeoLynx DMS has been a great asset to our county. It has significantly simplified error
identification, streamlined the editing process, and made reporting the data development process
a cinch. In addition, the work GeoComm did was first rate and contained enough examples to
where my staff and I could simply pick up where their technicians left off so we could finish the
project."
-Brian Brady, GIS Administrator, Yuma County, AZ
-Brian Brady, GIS Administrator, Yuma County, AZ
Yuma County, Arizona, Improves GIS Map Data
to Meet 9-1-1 Standards
GIS
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