It’s time for PSAPs to enter the on-ramps to next-generation 911

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data

As PSAPs move up the ramp to NG9-1-1, they will find that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play an important role in an i3-compliant NG9-1-1 system, functioning as the basis for 911 location validation, call routing and mapping. NG9-1-1 GIS capabilities allow public-safety agencies to provide more accurate call routing, improved location validation, expanded mapping abilities, and enhanced situational awareness. Critical 911 GIS datasets are displayed on the map to provide call takers, dispatchers, first responders and other public-safety personnel a detailed picture of the caller’s location and provide additional situational awareness via auxiliary data like address intelligence, medical and building information. 

GIS Location Data Management

As a part of preparing GIS data for NG9-1-1 it is imperative that the GIS data is accurate and complete prior to implementing NG9-1-1. GIS data is provided by 911 authorities and is a critical part of the i3 architecture. Upgrading to a GIS-based location data management service allows for subscriber record locations to be validated against geo-MSAGs derived directly from the GIS data during i3 transition. Public-safety agencies can work with a GIS services provider like Intrado to manage all i3 GIS data and then use this data as the source for validating locations, routing calls, and identifying the emergency-responder agencies associated with the caller’s location.

GIS-based Routing

The transition from legacy tabular routing to NG9-1-1 geospatial call routing requires collaboration between all local, regional and 911 authorities. In a next-generation environment, call routing no longer will rely only upon tabular selective-routing tables; instead, they will depend upon the GIS-based location information retrieved during call setup. The emergency call-routing function (ECRF) is an i3 functional element that will replace the primary call-routing determination function of the selective-routing database.

GIS-based routing enables a 911 call to be routed using the 911 Authority’s GIS data instead of legacy ESN and tabular data sets. Intrado’s team of GIS experts can work with 911 authorities to upgrade the functionality, so more accurate call routing is achieved.

Enhanced Data Services

A PSAP or public-safety agency can benefit from next-generation architecture by implementing enhanced data features to increase situational awareness, improve first-responder safety and create valuable operational efficiencies. In legacy environments, ALI data is transmitted over analog data circuits and is limited to about 500 characters. In next-generation architecture,  data travels over a high-capacity emergency services IP network (ESInet). PSAPs can use the ESInet to receive real time text-to-911 messages, standards-based alerts and associated data. PSAPs that do not have an ESInet can still benefit from enhanced data by utilizing the ANI/ALI information delivered with the traditional analog 911 voice call to query additional data sources to determine if information is available and relevant to the situation. Enhanced call data can also be delivered to the PSAP by secure Internet connectivity. These alternative data paths will be replaced with a secure, robust ESInet when it becomes available.

Upgrade to text-to-911 service

Public-safety agencies can upgrade to text to 911 as a definite step toward NG9-1-1, and it can be done at any time in the NG9-1-1 migration. This solution may require upgrades to existing call-handling equipment, as well as a private, secure IP connection over an ESInet to the text to 911 service providers. In a NG9-1-1 environment, a request for help by text message can be sent directly to a PSAP, which can maintain an interactive text dialog with the caller throughout the emergency situation. An integrated call-handling solution is considered the most effective text implementation and prepares PSAPs for future NG9-1-1 capabilities.

Public-safety agencies can use any one of the on-ramps to NG9-1-1 to show immediate benefits to 9-1-1 emergency communications and allow PSAPs to continue to respond to calls for help as the underlying technologies evolve.

The advanced NG9-1-1 and enhanced data services provided by Intrado can deliver situational awareness and help accelerate the transition to a fully functioning, i3-compliant NG9-1-1 emergency-response system.  For more information on how Intrado can help, please call 877.262.3775 or visit www.intrado.com.