Presenters: Robert Harris & Sharon Koch

The Defence Research and Development Canada’s Canadian Safety & Security Program selected the City of Guelph, alongside its partner Esri Canada, as the Canadian city to lead the development of a next-generation emergency services geographic information system (GIS) database. This innovative partnership was awarded $1.017 million in federal grant funding to support critical enhancements in public safety in Guelph and across Canada, as the country implements a modernized Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) emergency response system. Improved call routing through use of GIS point in polygon processes is one of the drivers of NG9-1-1.

This proof of concept project solution represents a critical national imperative; the need for organized, efficient delivery of GIS data provisioning services to support a modernized NG9-1-1 system. The project will research, develop, and demonstrate GIS technology, tools, data provisioning, standardized GIS data formats, workflows, and best practices to address the significant challenges and changes brought about by NG9-1-1 implementation in Canada.

This work will enable modernized mobile-sourced call routing, improved first responder vehicle routing information, and enhanced situational awareness. The implementation in Guelph will be generic in nature so that a similar approach can be implemented across the country. This solution will address Canada’s special NG9-1-1 GIS data requirements; provide the CRTC Emergency Services Working Group with NG9-1-1 GIS data best practices discovered along the way.

This presentation will provide an overview of the Database and Development Data Load for NG9-1-1 Project and offer a quick lesson in GIS for those who might not be familiar. It will also highlight important lessons learned that data providers across Canada can use in their NG9-1-1 preparedness.