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Page 1: PSAP & GIS Assessment: Twin County E-911carrollcountyva.org/docs/bdpkt/2015/July/12h_TwinCoAssessment.pdf · Twin County PSAP & GIS Assessment Page 2 ... Twin County 911 Communication

Insert date here

PSAP & GIS Assessment:

Twin County E-911

Page 2: PSAP & GIS Assessment: Twin County E-911carrollcountyva.org/docs/bdpkt/2015/July/12h_TwinCoAssessment.pdf · Twin County PSAP & GIS Assessment Page 2 ... Twin County 911 Communication

Twin County PSAP & GIS Assessment Page 2

Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 The PSAP & GIS Assessment ...............................................................................................3

1.2 Geographic Information System .........................................................................................4

2. Background Information .................................................................................................. 5

2.1 Important Facts .................................................................................................................5

3. The Assessment Process ................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Assessment Steps ..............................................................................................................7

3.2 VITA Assessment Team ......................................................................................................7

3.3 Meetings and Attendees ....................................................................................................7

4. Outcomes ........................................................................................................................ 9

4.1 Positives (in no particular order) ...................................................................................9

4.2 Challenges (in no particular order) .............................................................................. 10

4.3 Suggestions ..................................................................................................................... 11

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 16

VITA Contacts ...................................................................................................................... 17

Appendix A .......................................................................................................................... 18

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis ...................................... 18

Appendix B .......................................................................................................................... 19

FY2015 Twin County E-911 Coordinator’s Priorities ...................................................... 19

Appendix C .......................................................................................................................... 20

E-911 Coordinator’s Initial Workflow Diagrams ...................................................................... 20

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1. Introduction

1.1 The PSAP & GIS Assessment

With technologies centric to both 911 service and Geographic Information Systems

(GIS) advancing at a rapid rate, the Integrated Services Program (ISP), a division of the

Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), has developed a process to help

localities assess their PSAP and GIS services and readiness for future advancements. The

PSAP and GIS Assessment is designed to review technologies utilized, as well as to assess

the effectiveness and efficiency of processes, procedures, and critical information flow. It

gives local staff, and administrators, the opportunity to

review their current level of success, to identify and

discuss capabilities that are desired yet missing or less

than fully developed, and to understand their readiness

for future developments in technology. Throughout the

process ISP staff work as subject matter experts, meeting

facilitators and information gatherers, and cooperatively

develop the assessment report.

The Twin County E-911 Coordinator requested an assessment to help assure that

efficient processes are in place to allow current, essential geospatial data to be utilized at

the PSAP. The Coordinator also desired to evaluate potential projects and work tasks, and

to validate or establish a proper path forward (see Appendix B for Coordinator’s Priorities).

Since this center serves multiple jurisdictions, and requires various data from, and

interactions with, those jurisdictions, it is imperative that thorough planning and open

communication continues. Those goals are being supported through efforts like this

assessment, and will aid the center in continuing to provide impeccable service to its

citizens and visitors.

While conducting the PSAP and GIS

Assessment there were many

interactions with various

departmental staff from each

jurisdiction. Those participating

showed interest in better using

geospatial data and technology to aid in making decisions that will

benefit Twin County E-911, and the communities it serves and

government operations in general.

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The following were identified as goals of this assessment:

1) Understand the Twin County E911 workflow and process of acquiring and maintaining the location-based information it needs.

2) Make suggestions for improvement based on input. 3) Bring together personnel who work with, maintain and need location-based

information, so they can gain a deeper understanding and insight into what data is available, who has or maintains the data and how it can be used.

4) Identify and/or validate priorities for PSAP and GIS interactions. 5) Begin to identify the steps necessary to ensure a smooth transition to Next Generation

9-1-1.

1.2 Geographic Information System

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computerized system designed to

capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage and present all types of geospatial data to be

used for informed decision making. A GIS provides quick, location-based information that

benefits various departments, such as 9-1-1, Emergency Services, Planning, Economic

Development, Public Works, Building Inspections and Zoning. Having current, easily

accessible information at the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), such as addresses,

street names, or information about buildings, is important for quick and effective response

in emergencies.

Specifically, a well-organized GIS with accurate, current data

is a benefit to the PSAP and Emergency Services in the

following ways:

Improve day-to-day emergency response Coordination in disaster response Hazard mitigation Emergency planning

In an emergency, emergency staff, not GIS personnel, makes decisions. However, a well-

organized GIS with accurate data is a powerful resource for emergency managers to utilize

when making decisions. Therefore, current and accurate data are key.

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2. Background Information

The following bulleted items contain important information about the Twin County E-911

Center and are relevant to this study.

Twin County E-911 is the primary PSAP for City of Galax, Carrol County and Grayson County. Carroll and Grayson County Sheriff Departments have secondary PSAPs.

There has been a considerable investment in computer hardware and software at the 911 Center and Sheriff’s Departments of Carroll and Grayson Counties. Assuring investments continue to be optimal is a top priority of the 9-1-1 Coordinator and others involved in budgeting and decision making.

Concerns exist regarding how data is being maintained and updated at the 911 Center, and how to begin preparing for NG-911.

The BTW (Bland, Twin & Wythe) regional projects, funded partially by E-911 Services Board PSAP Grant Program, have established PSAP backup and redundancy in the region. This effort shows great commitment to providing a high level of 9-1-1 service.

Twin County is establishing itself as a regional hub for proactively preparing itself and the immediate area, for the future of 9-1-1.

Twin County 911 Communication Officers Win 2013 Outstanding Team Performance in a Critical Incident.

Twin County Regional E911

Dawn Jones, Elizabeth Price, Tim Webb

2.1 Important Facts

For the Twin County E-911 Center’s Service Area

(City of Galax, and Carroll and Grayson Counties)

Population (2010 Census): Twin County – 52,610 (Galax-7,035; Carroll-30,042; Grayson-15,533)

Area: Twin County – 925.11 square miles (Galax-8.24 Sq. Mi.; Carroll 474.69 Sq. Mi.; Grayson 442.18 Sq. Mi.)

Adjacent to Twin County E-911 are 2 states and a total of 11 counties. This includes the counties of Floyd, Patrick, Pulaski, Smyth, Washington and Wythe in Virginia; the counties of Ashe, Alleghany and Surry in North Carolina; and the counties of Johnson and Sullivan in Tennessee.

The following telephone companies (Local Exchange Carrier (LEC)) provide service in the area: CenturyLink & Citizens Cooperative.

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The PSAP reported the following 9-1-1 call volumes over the past 4 years:

Fiscal Year (FY) Reported

All 9-1-1 Calls

Wireless 9-1-1 Calls

% of Wireless 9-1-1 Calls

Statewide average % of 9-1-1 Calls

FY11 25,055 14,673 58.56% 68.14%

FY12 24,059 14,503 60.28% 71.65%

FY13 20,336 13,250 65.16% 72.78%

FY14 18,577 12,213 65.74% 73.50%

4 YR Avg 22,007 13,660 62% 71.52%

*The above table shows an apparent reduction of calls between fiscal years 2011 - 2012 and

fiscal years 2013 – 2014. It is believed that this is due to a change in the system that records the

number of 9-1-1 calls, and that there was not in fact a reduction of calls. The system that went in

place in 2013 more accurately records incoming 9-1-1 call volumes.

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3. The Assessment Process

Conducting a PSAP and GIS Assessment is a detailed process meant to gather information,

assess, and document a PSAP’s and GIS’s current state, and to help ascertain the level of

readiness for emerging technologies. Assessments involve an initial in-depth facilitated

meeting with interested local government staff members, and an assessment of 9-1-1 call

delivery and handling at the PSAP. Secondary meetings with staff members are often

conducted to gather additional pertinent information.

3.1 Assessment Steps

Meet with pertinent Twin County 9-1-1, City of Galax, Carroll County and Grayson County staff members

Follow up conversations with attendees for additional information Follow up meeting with personnel who were unable to attend the meeting Contact outside agencies for information Based on meetings and conversations, create an assessment.

3.2 VITA Assessment Team

The VITA assessment team consists of the following staff members:

Tim Addington, ENP - Team Leader & ISP Regional Coordinator

Bernard Brown, ENP – ISP Regional Coordinator

Stefanie McGuffin, GISP – ISP Regional Coordinator

April Branton – GIS Analyst

3.3 Meetings and Attendees

Initial Assessment Meeting

September 19, 2014

Galax Fire Department

Name Department or Employer Position

Jolena Young Twin County Regional 9-1-1 Twin County Regional 9-1-1

Coordinator

Allan Cox Twin County Regional 9-1-1 Address Technician

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Daniel Riegel Galax City/Twin County 9-

1-1

GIS Coordinator & Zoning

Administrator

Mike Ayers Galax Fire Department Captain,

Recruitment/Retention Officer

Mike Mock Carroll County Emergency Management

Director

Justin Barnard Carroll County GIS Coordinator

Jason Billings Galax/Grayson EMS Sargent

Tim Addington VITA ISP Region 4 Coordinator

Buster Brown VITA ISP Region 6 Coordinator

Stefanie McGuffin VITA ISP Region 3 Coordinator

By Telephone

April Branton VITA ISP-VGIN-RCL Analyst

Follow Up Meeting

December 19, 2014

Conference Call

Name Department or Employer Position

Carl Caudill Grayson County IT & GIS Coordinator

Tim Addington VITA ISP Region 4 Coordinator

Buster Brown VITA ISP Region 6 Coordinator

Stefanie McGuffin VITA ISP Region 3 Coordinator

Daniel Riegel Galax City/Twin County 9-1-1 GIS Coordinator & Zoning Administrator

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4. Outcomes

During the meetings, VITA staff presented information on Geographic Information

Systems, and their use in local government with emphasized on how it is, or can be, used in

Public Safety and Emergency Services. Staff also gave an overview of the emerging

technologies and requirements of Next Generation 9-1-1, and the key role GIS data will

have in that arena. Also, information regarding the Virginia

Geographic Information Network (VGIN, a division of the ISP)

and geospatial information they collect from localities the

products they create and have available and other services they

can provide, were shared with participants.

The second part of these meetings involved facilitated work

sessions to gather information about the current state of GIS at

the localities and PSAP. Participants worked to identify and document responsible parties

for data creation and maintenance, to understand current workflows and identify any gaps

or opportunities for improvement, and to brainstorm through a Strengths, Weaknesses,

Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis (Appendix A).

The third part of the meetings involved a site visit to the Twin County PSAP. This

consisted of a tour of the PSAP and the equipment room. During the PSAP tour, 9-1-1 test

calls were conducted to assist in validating that the core components of the system

(Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), mapping interface and Computer Aided Dispatch

(CAD) system) are interfacing appropriately, and that 9-1-1 calls are routing (being sent) to

the correct PSAP.

Through that work, the following Positives and Challenges were identified. They are

followed by VITA staff’s recommendations for Suggested work items.

4.1 Positives (in no particular order)

A positive and productive working relationship exists among the 3 jurisdictions and the Twin County E-911 Commission.

Extensive historical knowledge exists among long-term employees. Essential GIS data exists in digital format. Efforts have been made to have GIS data accessible to departments in Carroll County,

Grayson County and the City of Galax, as well as for the public. Departments, including PSAP, Emergency Services, Administration and Community

Development, are willing to use accurate GIS data in their day-to-day operations.

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Twin County E-911, Carroll County, Grayson County and the City of Galax are owners and editors of specific data. Their current roles and responsibilities have been defined.

One entity (Twin County E-911) maintains the road center line data and addressing data for the jurisdictions served by the PSAP.

A 9-1-1 Coordinator and Addressing/Sign Technician are employed by the Twin County E-911 Commission, and provide benefits to all 3 jurisdictions served. These benefits include a consistent, centralized 9-1-1 addressing methodology and process, proper sign maintenance and management, and a single point of contact for address based inquires.

9-1-1 Coordinator has project management experience and the skills necessary to prepare Twin County and adjoining jurisdictions for evolving technologies. The Coordinator is also active in seeking knowledge regarding the 911 business and striving to assure compliance with national and Commonwealth plans, guidelines, etc.

The 3 jurisdictions and the commission collectively desire to work together to maintain and improve geographic data.

The PSAP participate in grant funding opportunities to assure hardware, software and data sources are complete, accurate and sufficient to accommodate current needs and standards.

There is a cooperative spirit of the multiple jurisdictions and also larger regional efforts to acquire equipment and training. These efforts provide cost saving opportunities, expanded capabilities and shared system management.

Wireline, wireless & VOIP 9-1-1 test calls that were routed to the PSAP populated in the Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), mapping display system, and computer aided dispatch (CAD) system as expected.

4.2 Challenges (in no particular order)

The GIS Coordinators at each jurisdiction wear “multiple-hats” as it relates to job responsibilities and priorities. Because of this, GIS personnel are limited in the commitment they can give to comprehensively addressing and completing specific projects, while they are also responsible for continuous data maintenance.

There are varying levels of understanding and expectation of GIS among staff within the jurisdictions.

The multiple jurisdictions have and share data, however there are varying standards to which the data is developed and maintained and updates happen on independent cycles.

Accomplishing full circle flow of data among jurisdictions, responders and commonwealth is sporadic. There is 1 PSAP and 3 jurisdictions with various data owners. This makes full circle flow of data an issue. Close coordination and workflows are needed to overcome this.

Varying levels of GIS proficiency exist among the jurisdictions.

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Assuring proper levels of funding are in place for employee training and education, project management and completion, and support of the existing hardware, software, systems and services.

Managing the current system, existing technology and projects while also preparing for the extensive changes that will take place in preparation to move to a NG911 environment.

A Wireless 9-1-1 test call from the Independence area of Grayson County routed to Alleghany County, NC and they were unable to route the call to Twin County 9-1-1. This may indicate a larger problem of misrouted wireless 9-1-1 calls.

Determining and guaranteeing that proper funding is available and allocated to the PSAP and supporting services to support proper functioning of both E9-1-1 and transition to and implementation of NG9-1-1.

4.3 Suggestions

Using the information gathered through meetings, site visits, correspondences,

analyses, etc., the VITA Assessment Team offers the following as a list of suggested work

items to continue to advance the PSAP’s and GIS’s processes and services, as well as

preparation for future needs and technologies.

The Assessment Team feels that planning and communication is key to continuing

success for the PSAP and GISs in the Twin County area. Items 1-3 below provide

suggestions for how this could be accomplished, and should be considered a top priority.

The remainder of the list details other highly important items that should be considered

and evaluated. Some of the items may be considered “quick wins” and can be accomplished

in a short timeframe and/or at low cost, while others make take significantly more

resources. It will of course be up to the decision makers of the jurisdictions to evaluate the

list and decide what can and should be accomplished, and in what order or timeframe. If

desired, VITA staff will continue to be available to assist with that evaluation and will

participate in any of the following work items as appropriate. We are a resource for the

jurisdictions.

1. Establish a GIS Steering Committee. The committee should be focused on Twin County E-911 and the role of GIS in the PSAP. It should also explore the needs and uses of GIS as an enterprise system for each jurisdiction. This committee should consist of those that work with location-based information including but not limited to, GIS, E911 Coordinator, Planning and Zoning, Building Inspections, Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, Commissioner of the Revenue, IT and high level personnel in Administration who can influence or make decisions on strategic and financial goals and investments.

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A committee of this nature will help with discipline information and knowledge transfer, as well as the sharing of ideas and experiences as they relate to GIS.

Assist in understanding the benefits of location-based information for each department.

Create workflows (Appendix C contains some initial workflow diagrams) aimed to streamline maintenance of location-based information so that GIS data is as current and accurate as possible.

Discuss ways to improve GIS data quality in order to enable officials to make better-informed decisions.

Discuss mapping and GIS ideas and plan projects, such as data development for Emergency Services.

Conduct an annual review of workflows and processes to ensure they are meeting the business need.

2. To gain a holistic plan for the future of GIS and PSAP services and functions in the Twin County area, a Strategic Plan(s) (jointly or for each individual jurisdiction) should be prepared. The plan(s) should place great emphasis on GIS for the PSAP. A strategic plan(s) will further assist in identifying needs and priorities, processes, functions, annual goals and responsibilities, as well as assist in creating specific initiatives to implement those determinations.

Other possible outcomes of the plan(s) may include: Increase communications and education. Provide an implementation plan for emergency responders’ use of digital

data in the field. Prepare a capital improvement plan. Enhance E9-1-1core services and NG 9-1-1 planning.

3. Increase Communications among those involved in GIS within the jurisdictions and commission, to accomplish knowledge transfer of GIS skills. A collective education effort between 9-1-1, GIS and responders will assist in maximizing opportunities for utilization of GIS data and improve error resolution. This assessment process has aided in closing some existing communication gaps. Twin County 9-1-1, Carroll County, Grayson County and City of Galax staff, including Building Inspections, Fire Departments, Rescue Squads and Police Departments will need to assure that communication continues. The steering committee will assist greatly in this effort.

4. Review and update as necessary the Addressing and Road Naming Ordinances in each jurisdiction. Include language to ensure the ability to enforce the posting of addresses. This should also include the following:

Develop and carry out a public education campaign on the importance of posting addresses

Research opportunities for assistance in posting addresses.

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Perform consistent notification to property owners and enforce the posting of address.

5. Twin County E-911, Carroll County, Grayson County and City of Galax should maintain current and create additional workflows with everyone who works with location-based information (i.e., Building Inspections, PSAP, Police, Fire, Rescue, Emergency Management, Commissioner of Revenue, Planning & Zoning, etc…). This will provide insight into how processes are done currently and what improvements may be necessary. Additionally it will identify information that should be shared and when in the process that it should occur. This item can be completed through the steering committee, or independently.

6. Utilize existing GIS data. Generate and/or maintain digital map in an application that can be accessible by

field personnel. These maps should contain at a minimum roads and addresses

labeled along with imagery for context.

Addressing Technician and Building Inspectors can use this data to check for

accuracy based on their knowledge of the jurisdiction. A digital mapping application

that they could use in the field would allow for faster map corrections to be

accomplished on site.

Police/Fire/Rescue can also use this data to pinpoint discrepancies they encounter.

7. Data Validation. Obtain a copy of the Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) database

from the telephone company to compare address ranges and road names to GIS. Make

edits, as necessary. MSAG should continue to be maintained by the locality. This will

assure that a complete listing of all address ranges and road names are documented. It

can also be used as a data standard by all departments utilizing address information.

The 911 Coordinator currently has grant funding to assist with the cost of a data

validation project. VITA/ISP staff will be available to assist with this project as

requested.

8. Utilize professional grade GPS unit for collection of data. The accuracy obtained with

this unit will help staff validate locational accuracy. If errors are identified staff should

develop an error reporting and update process for location based information such as

address points, roads, fire hydrants, valves, etc.

9. Strive to assure that data is maintained to current industry standards so data

interoperability can most easily be achieved. Since GIS data is integral to so many local

government systems, and taking into account the cooperative nature of the Twin

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County area, having data from each locality maintained to the same standards

(including accuracy, data schema, etc.) will be essential to assure integration is optimal.

Coordinate and standardize layers and field names.

Maintain metadata

Review industry standards and guidelines for GIS data and for NG9-1-1. The

current Commonwealth NG9-1-1 Feasibility Study and GIS Strategic Plan have

reference sections that refer to these guidelines.

10. Ensure data in existing interactive mapping systems is up to date, and educate users

on the data and the functionalities of the systems. This includes the mapping system

within the PSAP and each jurisdictions GIS web site.

PSAP mapping. Have GIS Coordinators educate call takers on the data contained

in their mapping system and receive feedback from call takers regarding

optimization of the data.

Carroll County http://www.mapgeo.com/CarrollCoVA/

Grayson County http://arcgis.webgis.net/va/Grayson/

City of Galax

http://www.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?&extent={"xmi

n":-9021256.015801372,"ymin":4382825.46396571,"xmax":-

8996318.435323367,"ymax":4401323.224810697,"spatialReference":{"wkid":1

02100}}&appid=cb360652bd72442b8ec534e22250b2e2

11. Each jurisdiction should maintain up-to-date parcel GIS data, including parcel

geometry and attributes (ownership, tax map, acreage, assessment, etc.). Having up-to-

date parcel GIS data is beneficial for not only for the Commissioner of Revenue’s office

but also for Public Safety, Building and Zoning, Economic Development, and other

departments that refer to parcel information to make better-informed decisions. This

includes land use planning, transportation planning, real estate tax revenue, etc.

12. Optimize use of existing mapping systems and displays within the PSAP.

Assure call takers utilize mapping for optimal call processing.

Maintain training and continue education to meet the demands of ever-changing GIS

technology.

Maintain hardware and software regularly.

13. Collaboration with adjoining jurisdictions. In Virginia the counties of Floyd, Patrick,

Pulaski, Smyth, Washington and Wythe; In North Carolina the counties of Ashe,

Alleghany and Surry and In Tennessee the counties of Johnson and Sullivan are all

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adjacent to the Twin County E-911 service area. Communicating with these

jurisdictions and having access to their up-to-date GIS data would be useful in the PSAP,

in emergency response, and within the Incident Command System.

14. Communicate with VGIN for Road Center Line (RCL) utilization. The RCL Analyst

can provide leadership, coordination and guidance to enhance the development and use

of road center line data, and help acquire access to spatial information and related

services within the commonwealth and surrounding states.

15. Perform validation of wireless call routing. The ISP Regional Coordinator can assist

the locality in obtaining and reviewing current call routing spreadsheets. Correction to

the spreadsheets may be necessary and follow up testing will need to be performed.

16. Annual testing and review of star code and transfer number(s) to adjoining PSAPs

and agencies should be done to assure they are validated and functioning properly. Any

necessary corrections should be made immediately.

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Conclusion

An accurate, current Geographic Information System (GIS) and an efficient Public

Safety Answering Point (PSAP) are two critical disciplines involved in assuring the best

services possible are provided to our citizens. This can range from utilizing GIS to assure

school bus routing is done in the most cost and energy effective ways possible, to

processing 9-1-1 calls quickly and accurately so the proper, often lifesaving, assistance can

be administered. GIS data is integral to the functioning of a PSAP. Therefore, every effort

should be made to assure that the data is current, accurate, and developed and maintained

in a format that is most useful in the systems at the PSAP. This Assessment has shown that

personnel in the Twin County area are aware of this, and are dedicated to making those

assurances.

The advent of Next Generation 9-1-1 services, utilizing IP based networks and

geographic data to properly route 9-1-1 calls, is becoming a reality in the Commonwealth.

The Positives and Suggestions listed above provide a guide of work items, that are either in

place or need implemented, that will assure the Twin County area is ready for that

transition. It will now be the responsibility of local staff and decision makers to review

the information contained in this document, as well as other planning sources of the

Commonwealth (the IP Based 9-1-1 Network Feasibility Study and the GIS Strategic Plan

2015-2020), and weigh those against its own priorities to make determinations regarding

how to implement necessary items. Throughout that process, and as technologies and

capabilities continue to evolve in both fields VITA’s Integrated Services Program (ISP) staff,

will remain available and interactive in assisting the Twin county area, as well as the rest of

the Commonwealth, achieve those goals.

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VITA Contacts

Tim Addington, ENP - Assessment Team Leader

ISP Regional Coordinator – Region IV

[email protected]

Bernard J. Brown "Buster" ENP, RPL

ISP Regional Coordinator – Region VI

[email protected]

Stefanie McGuffin, GISP

ISP Regional Coordinator – Region III

[email protected]

April H. Branton

Geospatial Data Analyst, Virginia Geographic Information Network

[email protected]

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Appendix A

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis

Strengths

Political support Good base data Small w/ good working relationships Trained GIS staff Staff support from GIS is good Historical knowledge (Addressing

Technician & First Responders) Build and manage data to support EM Good communication & working

relationship between political boundaries

Weaknesses

Users not understanding how it all comes together; what the possibilities are

Some data not in system (ie: floor plans)

Unvalidated data Need a resource database (for EM) Different levels of GIS knowledge at

localities Varying commitments from localities Varying resources and skillsets Speed of data access

Threats

Funding=expensive Technology (advancements & fear of) MSAG errors Time & priorities Having a champion of the technology

and its uses Political barriers Making plans happen / follow

through NG 911 Communications cycle (remember to

give feedback)

Opportunities

Maps to responders (digital) Collaboration among users &

developers Establish workgroups to explore

opportunities Promote yourselves, your

work/projects Funding by regional cooperation Safe route to school; possible sign

inventory (Galax) Use routing/mobile data Availability of PSAP/GIS staff to

support during events NG 911 Educate end users Data development; footprints &

floorplans Grants

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Appendix B

FY2015 Twin County E-911 Coordinator’s Priorities (Not all inclusive)

• Process – Implement Emergency Medical Dispatch and QA Peer Review – Obtain VDH Certification for EMD Program – Enhance Emergency Fire Dispatch Protocol – Present business case for APCO33 Certification – Implement a rotational schedule for checking street name sign

health

• People – Certify an Emergency Fire Dispatch Instructor through APCO – Focus on team morale – Update website – Create an education campaign to encourage posting numbers on

houses

• Systems – Develop a roadmap to NG911

• Validate map and develop ongoing quality assurance process – Investigate automation/mobile applications – Continue CAD Upgrade (as DaPro updates their software

platform)

• Finances – Enhance Equipment Schedules and 10-Year Capital Plan – Conduct volume/headcount/shift analysis

Note: VITA’s ISP staff can be available to assist the Coordinator with these Priorities. Staff has particular expertise and resources in the areas above of System and Finances

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Appendix C E-911 Coordinator’s Initial Workflow Diagrams

Addressing Workflow

PSAP Mapping Data Update