Abstract

GIS: on the Critical Path of Next Generation 9-1-1
Track: Emergency Medical Services/Fire
Authors: Joseph Becker

While Next Generation 9-1-1 will usher in a variety of new networks, equipment, applications and training to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP's), perhaps the most significant change will be the new, expanded role of GIS and digital mapping. Replacing the tabular Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) and Automated Location Information (ALI), GIS will now at be the core of all locational and routing functions for our emergency responders. In addition, the previous PSAP centric GIS datasets will give way to much larger regional and statewide ones.
This presentation will review the current vision of how these functions and services will work within the VoIP networks that will be constructed. It will also identify major issues and challenges that must be addressed including development of seamless data layers, improving centerline address ranges and creating structure points. The results of canvassing both 9-1-1 and GIS professionals on these issues will be shared.