Resources for 911

Every second counts in an emergency. Accurate and precise GIS data is the backbone for a swift and effective 911 response. That is where the Utah Geospatial Resource Center (UGRC) comes in.

UGRC empowers Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) by providing access to a comprehensive suite of accurate and up-to-date geospatial data. This includes vital infrastructure layers such as service area boundaries and civic location data. With this data, PSAPs can pinpoint caller location, ensuring emergency responders are dispatched to the appropriate scene.

UGRC goes beyond data provision, offering technical assistance and fostering collaboration between PSAPs. By ensuring all players have access to the same high-quality GIS data, UGRC plays a critical role in streamlining emergency response and potentially saving lives.

Service area boundaries

Service area boundaries are required data layers for PSAPs and dispatch centers and include EMS, fire, and law.

These boundaries define the specific geographic areas each emergency service agency is responsible for. This allows dispatchers to quickly identify the most appropriate agency to respond to an incident based on its location. Dispatching the closest and most qualified unit saves valuable time and ensures resources are used efficiently.

UGRC maintains statewide geographic data layers for each the required service area boundaries. These layers are updated on a monthly basis and are actively used in the state's Next Generation 911 (NG911) call routing system.

Please reach out Hank Chou from UGRC at hchou@utah.gov | 435-319-0307 to learn more.

an ambulance parked in front of a hospital

Civic location data

When seconds matter, knowing the precise location of an emergency is critical. UGRC is as a trusted source for this vital data.

UGRC provides a comprehensive library of authoritative, and up-to-date, civic location information, including precise address points, road centerlines, and other crucial infrastructure layers like law enforcement locations (police and fire stations), hospitals, and common places. This granular data allows emergency dispatchers to pinpoint caller location with unmatched accuracy, ensuring first responders are directed to the exact scene without delay.

Furthermore, UGRC's commitment to data quality and accessibility empowers all emergency response agencies (PSAPs) across Utah to operate with standardized data. This collaborative approach fueled by accurate civic location data from UGRC can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations.

Please reach out Hank Chou from UGRC at hchou@utah.gov | 435-319-0307 to learn more.

NG911 dataset

UGRC is the official Next-Generation-911 (NG911) geospatial data provider for the Utah statewide 911 system. We work closely with the Utah Communications Authority's (UCA) 911 Division , opens in a new tab to ensure that all 911 calls in Utah are routed to the appropriate PSAP.

UGRC's NG911 Dataset provides the foundation to this system. The dataset adheres to the National Emergency Number Association , opens in a new tab (NENA) standard. It includes the essential layers like road centerlines, address points, and PSAP, fire, and law boundaries. Additionally, the dataset incorporates many recommended layers, such as cell towers, county boundaries, hydrology lines (streams and lakes), incorporated municipalities, mile markers, railroads, state boundaries, and unincorporated communities. The primary source for the NG911 Dataset is the SGID.

The NG911 Dataset is a great starting point for PSAPs wanting to explore what UGRC has to offer. It is updated monthly and can be downloaded as a file geodatabase.

a person sitting in front of a computer command center

Additional resources

Navigating the ever-changing world of 911 data standards and best practices can be a challenge. Finding the right resources amidst complex requirements can feel overwhelming. That's where the UGRC comes in! We are dedicated to staying informed, and here are a few of the resources and workgroups that we have found invaluable.

We also encourage you browse the SGID data catalog, particularly in the Location, Transportation, Society, and Health catagories

Please reach out Greg Bunce from UGRC at GBunce@utah.gov | 801-349-0039 with questions or to learn more.