Abstract
GIS in Public Safety Telecommunications
Track: Telecommunications and Location-Based Services
Author(s): Joseph Becker
The presentation will demonstrate how GIS is used to provide planning, analysis and quality products to the public safety communications sector.
The following topics will be covered: 1) RF and Microwave System Design and Analysis, 2) FCC Initiatives and Mandates and 3) Convergence of Technologies. System design involves the evaluation of both existing and proposed radio and microwave sites. In addition to considering terrain
and line of site issues, planners must closely examine demographics, building density and critical communication areas that are identified by the local agencies. The Federal Communications Commission both guides and drives the public safety sector in adapting to new technologies and strategies for improved communication systems. Current FCC initiatives and mandates include the rebanding of the 800 MHz block of frequencies, wireless 911 standards and the implementation of 700 MHz systems. Impacting both of these topics is the convergence of technologies. More than ever before the boundaries between proprietary software (i.e. GIS, CAD, RF Propagation, Imagery, et al) have been blurred, if not totally erased. Data in various formats is easily passed back and forth between applications making planning and analysis easier and more cost efficient.
Joseph Becker
RCC Consultants, Inc.
165 N. Water Street
Apt. 502
Rochester , New York 14604
United States
Phone: 585-482-7060
E-mail: jbecker@rcc.com