Next Generation 9-1-1
What is NG9-1-1?
Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) is a modern emergency communications system that will replace traditional analogue 9-1-1 systems with IP-based technology. This nationwide transition, mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), will enhance the existing system by using the coordinates of mobile devices to improve caller location accuracy.
In the future, NG9-1-1 will also support location-enabled voice, data, photos, videos, and text messages.
What role does GIS play?
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data play a central role in NG9-1-1. GIS provides accurate and precise location information for emergency services.
By integrating GIS with NG9-1-1, the system can:
- Accurately pinpoint a caller’s location
- Provide responders with vital details about the surrounding area
- Identify the fastest route to reach someone in need
What role does ICI Society play?
The ICI Society is collecting the Site Structure Address Point (SSAP) layer from Local Governing Authorities (LGAs) and is performing structural quality assurance and quality control checks before passing the data to GeoBC, the provincial aggregator. GeoBC will collect all required GIS layers, including the SSAP layer provided by the Society, integrate them into seamless provincial layers, and deliver them to the NG9-1-1 network providers in British Columbia: TELUS and Northwestel.
The SSAP layer must be provided directly to the Society by LGAs or their delegates in accordance with the NENA standard. The Society leverages its GeoShare platform and existing workflows with LGAs to facilitate data delivery and ensure all submissions comply with NENA requirements.
Your NENA address data (SSAP) will eventually replace your AddressBC layer. Members will only need to deliver the SSAP dataset to the Society, as a custom transformer is in place to convert NENA-compliant data into the AddressBC format.
Ways to Deliver your SSAP
Many members continue to use GeoShare to deliver their SSAP layer. However, an increasing number of members are providing data through open data portals or feature services. Data is also received through other workflows, such as FME processes.
If you would like to explore delivery options or need assistance updating your GeoShare script, please contact us by email. We are already consuming the SSAP layer through a variety of workflows and would be happy to help you determine the best submission method for your needs.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Efforts
Your SSAP data will undergo two stages of quality assurance and quality control to verify compliance with basic NENA structural requirements before being passed to GeoBC.
GeoBC will collect all required GIS layers, including the SSAP layer we provide, integrate them into seamless provincial layers, and deliver them to the NG9-1-1 network providers in British Columbia: TELUS and Northwestel.