GeoComm - Why is GIS data important in NG9-1-1?

GIS data plays a critical role in NG9-1-1. In the NENA i3 Next Generation 9-1-1 architecture, all calls are routed based on location, including wireline 9-1-1 calls. This presents new challenges and requirements for local and regional GIS data planning and management.

There are two important issues to consider when planning a GIS data development and maintenance program to support NG9-1-1.

1. GIS data will have a heightened degree of criticality because all calls will be routed to NG9-1-1 ESInets and PSAPs geographically based on a caller’s location and a point in polygon selection process.

2. GIS data, MSAG, and ALI database synchronization is even more crucial to properly determining the location of calls.

GIS data has an expanded role in NG9-1-1 based on all the spatial, geographical routing that will happen within Next Generation 9-1-1. Currently, GIS data for 9-1-1 is used to locate the address of an incident. With NG9-1-1, GIS data will manage where the 9-1-1 call is routed. In other words, identifying which Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) will receive the call based on geography.

As GIS data is used for geographically routing calls between PSAPs, there are many considerations:

• Are there additional data layers that will assist in routing calls to correct PSAPs?
• What data guidelines should be followed to ensure accuracy, consistency, and increased performance for emergency responders?
• Will GIS data be more regionalized?
• How will data sharing be set up between neighboring agencies?
• What are the policy decisions necessary to guide on-the-fly 9-1-1 call routing boundary polygon changes?
• How are GIS, MSAG, and ALI database synchronization measured, maintained, and guaranteed?
• How does a local GIS data development and maintenance program interact with telecommunications service providers (TSPs), 9-1-1 ALI database and service providers, and 9-1-1 telephony equipment vendors?

These are some of the questions�GeoComm will partner with you to answer these questions. GeoComm provides comprehensive GIS consulting services including providing a data report card: just how good and how synchronized is your data; identifying useful layers to add into your GIS data; determining best practices for data maintenance; developing standard operating procedures; negotiating data sharing arrangements; and interpreting NENA NG9-1-1 GIS data guidelines.

In addition, GeoComm has been providing and will continue to provide GIS, MSAG, and ALI database synchronization analyses that provide an in-depth perspective on the synchronization of these three call locating data components.

Based on any one of the services mentioned above, GeoComm can also assist with map data cleanup for consistency, accuracy, and most importantly synchronization. GeoComm can develop additional GIS data layers to assist in spatial call routing, can maintain your GIS data for you, or can provide you with automated tools in GeoLynx DMS that are proven to increase efficiency for public safety GIS data maintenance.