About Next Generation 911 GIS

What Next Generation 911 GIS Does

The N.C. 911 Board is developing a statewide geodatabase within the Next Generation 911 system to accurately identify 911 callers' location and route them to the appropriate PSAP.

• Find out how to connect to the NG911 Geographic Information System.
• See the status of PSAPs and counties connecting to the NG911 GIS service.

The geodatabase aggregates and validates geographic information system data from all 127 PSAPs in North Carolina. The GIS data is used in two functions:

• emergency call routing function, which determines to which 911 call center a call should be routed
• location validation function, which identifies the correct location of a civic address (house number and street name)

What Next Generation 911 GIS Replaces

Currently, 911 systems use GIS data to map callers’ location and support dispatch functions.

911 calls are mapped based on the caller's address range, street name and city information stored in the tabular Master Street Address Guide. The automated location information and MSAG validate addresses and route 911 calls to the correct public safety answering point.

How GIS Works with Next Generation 911

NG 911 allows 911 calls to be mapped by coordinates or address locations. Two functions use GIS data to validate address data and route 911 calls to the correct PSAP.

• the location validation function uses GIS data to validate address locations
• the emergency call routing function uses GIS data to geospatially route calls to the correct PSAP

GIS data has become mission critical and is used to protect life and safety. Consequently, GIS data on addresses and service area boundaries needs to be accurate, up to date and seamless across the state. Data quality – its accuracy, validity, consistency, timeliness and completeness – and sustainable data maintenance workflows are of paramount importance.

In the NG911 system, when the location of a 911 caller is identified by a new landline or digital service, it is validated against the NG911 GIS data before the 911 call can be placed. If a 911 call cannot be validated by the GIS, there might be a delay routing the call to a PSAP.