Esri Canada releases free app to help municipalities get ready for NG9-1-1
NG9-1-1 GIS Validator compares GIS data against national standards to easily identify data for correction
TORONTO – May 10, 2022 – Esri Canada today released the NG9-1-1 GIS Validator online app to assist Canadian municipalities in meeting Canada’s new location data requirements for 9-1-1. This free app and service lets municipalities, regional data aggregators and emergency services data providers take the first step in quickly comparing their location and geographic information system (GIS) data to the new National Emergency Number Association (NENA) data specifications, which is the nationally adopted standard for next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). The NG9-1-1 GIS Validator was purpose built at the request of Canadian municipalities through the Emergency Services Working Group (ESWG).
“GIS data is a critical component to ensure the future success of NG9-1-1 call routing. The NG9-1-1 GIS Validator will allow local governments to understand and assess their readiness to provide this essential location data for NG9-1-1 in 2024 and beyond,” said Robert Darts, co-chair, TIF92 and senior manager – Application Services, E-Comm 9-1-1, a member of ESWG.
The NG9-1-1 GIS Validator compares GIS layers on 1) Address Points; 2) Road Centrelines; 3) Service Boundaries; and 4) Provisioning Boundaries, to the corresponding NENA GIS specifications and checks for any differences in a user’s geodatabase or shapefile. It allows users to upload a copy of their data into an online portal for a downloadable report that uses a scoring system to identify missing or mismatched data for correction. It is being provided now to ensure local governments have time to prepare for this future requirement. There is no software to install, and the service is free.
The successful rollout of NG9-1-1 location is dependent on GIS data to improve call routing to the appropriate public safety agency. With an estimated 80% of all emergency calls coming from cellphones, the exact location of calls and events can sometimes be challenging as the geospatial coordinates of these calls are an approximation. NG9-1-1 seeks to improve the accuracy of locations with the use of GIS, and much of the work relies on standardization of data. GIS data owners like municipalities are required to standardize their data to the NENA specifications, which the NG9-1-1 GIS Validator can help with.
“Complete and accurate GIS data is the foundation for next generation 9-1-1,” said Darin Williams, director, Esri Canada. “Our team at Esri Canada is immensely grateful for the knowledge sharing and partnership with the ESWG, which has informed the development of the NG9-1-1 GIS Validator. We’re pleased to share our expertise with municipalities to help them meet the upcoming NG9-1-1 requirements.”
NG9-1-1 GIS Validator is available now and can be accessed from esri.ca/gisvalidator
A free informational webinar is scheduled for June 8. Register now
About Next Generation 9-1-1
NG9-1-1 is Canada’s new 9-1-1 system, mandated by the CRTC, that modernizes emergency services and leverages digital data to help during an emergency event. It will allow IP data, voice, media and text messaging to be communicated between the public, call taker and first responder. Critically, NG9-1-1 location will produce more accurate locating of calls and events, reducing response times and increasing situational awareness. The CRTC mandated NG9-1-1 network providers to be ready to deliver NG9-1-1 voice services by March 1, 2022, which has been achieved. In addition, NG9-1-1 text messaging services will be the next step, with additional services to be added over time. The current analog 9-1-1 network is to be decommissioned March 4, 2025. Learn more at esri.ca/ng911.
About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower people in business, government and education to make informed and timely decisions by leveraging the power of mapping and spatial analytics. These solutions enable organizations to better manage their resources, plan their future and collaborate within and beyond their organization. Esri Canada’s products and services help advance successful digital transformation. The company serves 12,000 organizations from 15 offices across Canada and is based in Toronto. In 2019, Esri Canada achieved Platinum Club status with the Canada's Best Managed Companies program by retaining its Best Managed designation for seven consecutive years or more. More information can be found at esri.ca. Follow Esri Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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