Next Generation 9-1-1

NG9-1-1 is a ‘game changer’ for the 9-1-1 community because it utilizes GIS technology to deliver every 9-1-1 call — mobile, VOIP, and landline alike — to 9-1-1 public-safety answering point (PSAP) centers with precise geographic coordinates. Each state, or large region, implementing NG9-1-1 will need, at a minimum, complete, seamless, and standardized GIS data for its road and addressing systems and response jurisdictional boundaries (fire, law, medical, and the 9-1-1 centers themselves). Additional GIS data layers include: landmarks, campus buildings, highway mile-posting, cell towers, railroads, lakes, streams, and parks, just to name a few.

NSGIC recognized this fact in 2011 and created its NG9-1-1 Committee (now Working Group). This working group has members from many sectors of the 9-1-1 community. Its purpose is to educate the State GIOs and GIS coordinators on NG9-1-1 issues, and to coordinate with the 9-1-1 community to demonstrate how it can reduce its expenses through partnerships to develop seamless, large-area datasets. The State GIOs and GIS coordinators are expert at developing partnerships for data production. NSGIC entered into an memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) to ensure the free exchange of ideas between these two communities. It also focuses its advocacy efforts on how state GIS coordination can facilitate the roll-out of NG9-1-1.