Your GIS data could save a life. Here’s how to make sure it performs when seconds matter most

Local geographic information systems (GIS) data is more than points and lines on a map; it’s the backbone of modern communities. From shaping planning and zoning laws and guiding urban growth to managing stormwater systems and waste services, this data powers decisions that affect everyday life; but its impact doesn’t stop there. For public safety agencies, authoritative GIS data has become an indispensable tool, enabling faster response times, smarter resource allocation, and life-saving accuracy. Here’s how these stakeholders put it to work:

Ensure 9-1-1 Calls Reach the Right Center: When someone dials 9-1-1, GIS data determines which Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) receives the call. Accuracy is non-negotiable, boundary misalignment, incorrect addresses, or incomplete or out of date datasets can misroute calls, delay response, and put lives and property at risk. Every second matters. Precise GIS ensures calls go to the right center and first responders arrive without losing critical time.

Validate 9-1-1 caller locations: GIS data, in the form of road centerlines, address points, and service boundaries is used to validate emergency locations, using civic address, coordinates, common place names, or intersection locations just to name a few. This validation is essential for dispatching the correct responders to the right place without delay.

Dispatch, unit recommendation and tow truck rotation: Beyond call routing and location validation, GIS drives the operational decisions that keep emergency response moving. Integrated with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, GIS helps users pinpoint incident locations, identifies the closest available units, and calculates the fastest routes, helping responders arrive as quickly as possible. Beyond those factors, it also powers intelligent unit recommendations by factoring in equipment type and resource availability. Even after the scene is secure, GIS supports fair and efficient tow truck rotation by tracking provider locations and managing schedules based on real-time geography. These capabilities turn GIS from a static map into a dynamic, life-saving decision engine.

Local, authoritative GIS data isn’t just a piece of the 9-1-1 puzzle, it’s the backbone of effective emergency response. When seconds matter, your data must do more than exist; it must perform. That means being accurate, complete, and current while also integrating critical public safety layers and meeting rigorous industry standards. The good news? You have the power to make it happen. Here’s how to ensure your GIS is ready to support life-saving decisions, so first responders never lose a moment when it matters most.

• Start early: We often talk about GIS data remediation in conjunction with Next Generation 9-1-1; an effort that is still a distant dream for many agencies across the U.S.. Don’t wait until a GIS remediation effort is mandatory; start early to avoid fire drills and define a clear, proactive path forward. Every error you detect and correct today, improves location validation and swiftness of emergency response today.
• Standards alignment: Regularly check in with National Emergency Number Association (NENA) standards and GIS industry best practices to ensure your data meets strict quality requirements and evolving standards.
• Don’t assume, assess: When was the last time you took a magnifying glass to your GIS data? Hidden errors can surface at critical moments, which is the worst time for them to come to light. Regular assessments ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with standards. Our experts provide consultations, best practices, and tools to support your evaluation process.
• Avoid “Garbage in, garbage out”: Using data that has not been reviewed for accuracy or completeness in an NG9-1-1 GIS data maintenance solution will compound these critical errors over time. Ensure that your data is the best it can be before moving forward with a provisioning tool.
• Choose partners who prioritize your success: GIS plays a critical role in public safety, and maintaining it is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. Building strong relationships with your jurisdiction’s public safety teams and reliable vendors ensures your data remains accurate and ready when it matters most. Look for partners who offer collaboration, guidance, and long-term support tailored to your needs. That’s the approach we take at DATAMARK Technologies, working alongside clients to provide practical solutions and dependable expertise at the local level.
• Tap Into Available Funding: Every year, millions in federal, state, and regional grants are earmarked to strengthen public safety GIS initiatives, yet far too many agencies leave this money on the table. Don’t miss out. States like California are actively offering funding to help ensure your data is accurate, complete, and ready to support life-saving decisions. These resources can accelerate your progress without straining your budget, make them work for you.

Your GIS data isn’t just a technical asset, it’s a lifeline when seconds matter most. By investing in accuracy, standards alignment, and proactive maintenance, you’re building a foundation for safer communities and faster emergency response. At DATAMARK Technologies, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team partners with you to deliver tailored strategies, expert guidance, and ongoing support that keep your data performing at its best. Let’s work together to ensure your GIS is ready when lives depend on it. Learn more about how we can help you define a clear path forward today.