Key Steps for Assessing Mission Critical Data for An ebook by Geo-Comm, Inc.

Transcription

1 Key Steps for Assessing Mission Critical Data for An ebook by Geo-Comm, Inc.

2 If you re reading this, you probably understand transitioning to Next Generation (NG9-1-1) means your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data will have a mission critical role in future systems. And as a or GIS professional, you are also aware there is extensive information available about successfully completing the NG9-1-1 transition, particularly in regards to the technical side. However, to begin preparing your GIS data for its key role in a successful NG9-1-1 system, it may seem overwhelming to sort through all of this information. With over 20 years of experience in GIS Services for public safety, Geo-Comm, Inc. (GeoComm) recommends approaching GIS readiness for NG9-1-1 in three steps: These steps have proven successful for jurisdictions of all sizes (local, regional, or statewide).

3 Assess typically involves education, standards, and then conducting a GIS data review and analysis. Improve involves taking the assessment results and cleaning up the GIS data, developing new data, and ensuring there is MSAG, ALI, and GIS data synchronization. As the GIS datasets are improved, a Maintain process is implemented to ensure the on-going quality, consistency, and integrity of local, regional, and statewide GIS datasets. Of course, as with any project, the place to start is to assess your current situation. This ebook primarily focuses on the assessment process while also highlighting why the improvement and maintenance steps are critical considerations early in your NG9-1-1 GIS data readiness efforts.

4 With NG9-1-1, GIS personnel will be asked to support public safety needs to an even larger degree than in the past. Collaboration of GIS and personnel will also be more critical than ever before, as all are faced with new challenges which need to be addressed. Challenges such as: Some key steps for conducting an assessment would be helpful; key steps your agency can follow when addressing these challenges. You can address them knowing you are enhancing a current system at the same time. Key assessment steps? YES! Can it be straightforward? IT CAN!

5 Assess can be approached in three steps: Educating stakeholders (local, regional, and state level) about the NG9-1-1 process, GIS needs, and expectations for ensuring the data is ready for NG9-1-1 Devloping GIS data standards and data models Analyzing existing GIS data, MSAG and ALI database, and GIS data schemas to determine readiness for NG9-1-1 and map a plan for any improvement needed GIS use in 9-1-1: Present GIS is most commonly used to provide tactical mapping for telecommunicators, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) dispatchers, and emergency responders. Tactical mapping systems reduce emergency response time by identifying the location of emergency calls on a map and computing best routes to the scene for emergency responders. GIS use in NG9-1-1: Future GIS will be the mission critical database utilized for location validation and call routing in the system. GIS will be used to determine which PSAP to route a call to, based on the call location, and also for location validation prior to caller making an emergency call. This method of routing enables better accuracy which will in turn reduce the number of call transfers due to misrouted calls, reduce emergency response times, and save more lives and property -- a primary goal of emergency responders, public safety management, and stakeholders.

6 The first step of assess is educating stakeholders. As a or GIS professional, you may know your GIS data is not quite ready to replace the MSAG for call routing. However, local PSAP stakeholders, county stakeholders, or state stakeholders, may not understand why GIS data readiness is necessary in the transition to NG Therefore, starting with some basic education will keep all involved on working together. A stakeholder educational program about your NG9-1-1 GIS efforts should at a minimum include the following information: Criticality of GIS in a future NG9-1-1 system Process that will be pursued to develop agreed upon standards for a jurisdiction Steps for GIS data collection and analysis Importance of planning early on for data improvement and eventual maintenance of the data

7 One example of a successful educational campaign took place in the state of Iowa by the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) through a partnership with GeoComm. HSEMD officials realized that outreach and education would be vital to the success of their NG9-1-1 project. Educational webinars were provided across the state to promote local entity buy-in to the NG9-1-1 GIS readiness project. PSAP and city and county GIS stakeholders attended the webinars which covered an overview of: Role of GIS in NG9-1-1 Iowa s statewide GIS and NG9-1-1 efforts The role local PSAPs and GIS offices would have in GIS data collection efforts and NG9-1-1 GIS standards development This education went a long way the result during data collection efforts in Iowa was nearly 100% participation. The state received the GIS data requested from the local jurisdictions, and because of their efforts, the GIS data will be adequately assessed for readiness in an NG9-1-1 environment. The 101 on GIS and NG9-1-1 When an NG9-1-1 call is being routed, an Emergency Services Routing Proxy (ESRP) queries an Emergency Call Routing Function (ECRF) to determine to which PSAP to route the call. The query contains the location of the device calling This location may be a civic location (house number/street address) or a geodetic location (a latitude/longitude coordinate, circle, ellipse, polygon, or arc-band). The ESRP will query an ECRF with the location of the device and the type of service being requested (such as or a selective transfer from the center to a responding agency). The ECRF will intersect the location provided in the query against a map of the PSAP service area boundaries to determine the PSAP which should receive the call. To route calls based on location, an ECRF must be provisioned with GIS data depicting the PSAP service area boundaries. Map layer(s), such as street centerline or address points, are also needed in the ECRF to determine civic address locations. In addition to being used when routing calls, NG9-1-1 systems use GIS data before a call is placed. As Communications Service Providers (CSPs) prepare subscriber records for 9-1-1, they must confirm subscriber records have addresses usable for This process is similar to checking an Enhanced (E9-1-1) ALI record for MSAG validation. In this case, a Location Information Server (LIS) queries the Location Validation Function (LVF) with the location in question. The LVF examines its GIS database to see if the address is valid for The GIS data provisioned to the LVF is identical to the GIS database provisioned to the ECRF.

8 While HSEMD had success with starting their GIS assessment at the state-level, each area is unique. You may find, as a GIS or professional that you are in a position to be a champion for GIS readiness in preparation for NG All parties involved will need to exercise collaboration, strong communications, and working knowledge of PSAP needs and NG9-1-1 requirements to successfully prepare the GIS data. Early discussions with stakeholders will also assist with laying the foundation for the future standards discussion and the improvement and maintenance needs. For example, one question jurisdictions are asking is how their local GIS data will be provisioned into the NG9-1-1 system. Will it be provisioned directly from the local jurisdiction? Or will it be entered into a regional or statewide database and then provisioned from there? The answer varies across different NG9-1-1 systems. Regardless of the system, the entity responsible for provisioning the data should be aware of public safety standards and requirements, and be involved in GIS data readiness efforts during the assessment portion of the project.

9 The second step of assess is developing standards. Local, regional, and state jurisdictions will need to agree upon a set of NG9-1-1 GIS standards that can be used to normalize GIS datasets provided at the local level. These standards should define a common data model and set minimum accuracy benchmarks to be attained before local data is integrated into an NG9-1-1 GIS dataset. In addition, National Emergency Number Association (NENA) has been emphasizing the importance of data synchronization and data synchronization testing for several years. In 2009, NENA released Synchronizing Geographic Information System databases with MSAG & ALI, NENA , Version 1.1, an informational document intended to assist in the synchronization testing and adjustment process. As public safety agencies move forward with NG9-1-1 systems, this NENA document outlines the data accuracy foundation regarding GIS replacement of the MSAG in the NG9-1-1 system. Future standards documents, such as the NENA NG9-1-1 GIS data model, are expected to further guide agencies on the NG9-1-1 functionality required of the GIS data, such as the need to develop additional data layers. You will begin to normalize local level GIS datasets by using NG9-1-1 GIS industry information as your guide while taking into account any local and state standards and processes. Your standards development process should include definitions of GIS data layers, data models, and processes and benchmarks for synchronization and accuracy.

10 While existing and emerging NENA standards are a good starting point for the authoritative NG9-1-1 GIS standards, additional requirements for existing and future software systems should also be considered. This will require collaboration with stakeholders who are familiar with future technology plans, as any authoritative standards drafted should be based on information gathered during discussions with key GIS and PSAP stakeholders. The draft standards should also be reviewed by these same stakeholders. Throughout the planning and transition to NG9-1-1, including the standards development step, GIS departments and public safety agencies must define new relationships, develop partnerships, and collaborate on processes.

11 The third step of assess is your GIS data review and analysis. Many agencies find advantages to having an independent comprehensive review. Analysis results may identify GIS data issues in a neutral manner, while also working towards meeting GIS and data requirements at the local, regional, and/or state levels. Leading the analysis efforts as a local entity, region, or state may also be an option for your area. Remember there are many options for approaching the analysis. Partnership will be key to receiving a high percentage of return on data collection efforts and, most importantly, receiving support for the long-term NG9-1-1 GIS data readiness. In addition, being familiar with the analysis approach will ensure you are getting accurate, understandable results. Any analysis should include review of: Local GIS datasets in regards to the agreed upon NG9-1-1 GIS standards Quality of individual GIS data layers are well as their level of synchronization with the MSAG and ALI database and identification of any missing GIS data layers that may be useful in an NG9-1-1 system; includes street centerlines, polygon boundaries, and address points GIS data schema to determine conformance with the agreed upon GIS data model; Mandatory, Conditional, and Optional attributes should be included Take into account industry standards such as NENA Information Document for Synchronizing GIS databases with MSAG & ALI, NENA , Version 1.1

12 Your final analysis results will be a starting point for developing a plan for updating data to increase call plotting in traditional mapped ALI software as well as a plan to prepare GIS map data to replace the MSAG in a future NG9-1-1 system. Errors, gaps, overlaps, and other issues may be discovered during the analysis, and prioritization of these data issues for resolution will be necessary for the improvement process. Iowa HSEMD Assessed: Street Centerlines Polygon Boundaries Address Points Misalignments such as gaps, overlaps overhangs, and duplicate features Inconsistent line direction Address range issues such as overlaps and from greater than to Street centerlines topology issues at intersections with other streets and along Emergency Service Number (ESN) and Community boundaries MSAG validity of addresses Synchronization with ALI database Overlapping boundaries Gaps between boundaries Duplicate boundaries Polygons not snapped to street centerlines MSAG validity The number of duplicate addresses Synchronization issues with the ALI database The number of primary search layer features without an address

13 When HSEMD completed their assessment project, their result included: A preparedness plan for a statewide NG9-1-1 GIS dataset An authoritative NG9-1-1 GIS standards document that outlined the foundation for the statewide GIS dataset development A defined local minimum accuracy requirements County-by-county analysis results to develop plans for GIS data improvement. HSEMD found the analysis provided an Improvement Plan (remember Assess, Improve, and Maintain!) for preparing their GIS data at all levels of government. The assessment outlined the improvement efforts would include GIS data cleanup and remediation, and enhancement of the GIS data with additional layers or attributes for an NG9-1-1 system. Their assessment also led to stakeholder dialog about system maintenance and management once the GIS data was improved. After all, they knew it would be a critical mistake to spend great effort developing quality data and then not maintain and leverage it for their current systems and future NG9-1-1 system. Following the assessment project, HSEMD and GeoComm have continued their partnership into the improvement and maintenance processes.

14 Whether you are tackling the project yourself, working with outside jurisdictions, or partnering with a vendor, we hope you can use this guide to develop a specific approach for: Following these three key steps as your guide will strengthen your current system and result in NG9-1-1 GIS readiness. Your preparation and forward-thinking will provide your agency with enhanced collaboration and streamlined workflows necessary for improving and maintaining your current GIS system while simultaneously ensuring the on-going quality, consistency, and integrity of your agency s GIS datasets for use in an NG9-1-1 system. Move forward with these steps; there is no better time to begin preparing GIS data for its key role in a successful NG9-1-1 system.

15 GeoComm ( was founded in 1995 to provide county governments with turnkey emergency development services. Over the subsequent 20 years, the company has grown to serve more than 12,000 dispatchers in 800 emergency call centers in the United States, helping to keep more than 84 million people safe. Today, GeoComm has a national reputation as a leading provider of geographic information systems (GIS) and services for local, regional, and state agencies. The company's systems route emergency calls to the appropriate call center, map the caller s location on a dispatchers map, and guide emergency responders to the accident on mobile displays within police, fire, and ambulance vehicles. GeoComm s GIS services provide standardized processes for ensuring timely GIS data delivery and current, accurate data produced by public safety GIS experts using current and emerging NG9-1-1 GIS data standards. GeoComm s mission is: When seconds matter, we help save lives and protect property by providing essential, innovative, location-based solutions to public safety professionals. 601 West Saint Germain St. St. Cloud, MN geocomm@geo-comm.com GEO.COMM