Online digital map atlas and new rural addressing system support enhanced 911 system to reduce emergency response time
Atlanta, GA June 26, 2012- Carbon County, MT has produced a TerraGo GeoPDF® digital atlas using TerraGo® PublisherTM for ArcGIS® software to improve emergency response times for non-GIS trained public safety personnel and first responders in support of an E-911 services implementation.
When the large, rural county initially implemented a new addressing system, it was met by confusion among first responders and the public. To implement E-911 services that would shorten emergency response times and save lives, the county needed an accurate, centralized database of new addresses easily accessible by public safety personnel and citizens.
Carbon County Disaster and Emergency Services (DES), the Red Lodge Fire Dept. and GIS contractor Tom Kohley started with publicly available base map files from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). From the base maps, the team used Esri ArcGIS 10 software to prepare map files incorporating a new rural addressing system eliminating multiple addresses for a single site.
Next, using TerraGo Publisher for ArcGIS, the team produced interactive, portable and intelligent GeoPDF maps and imagery that allow users who do not have access to sophisticated GIS or advanced training to access, dynamically update and share compact geospatial information. The GeoPDF maps were compiled into a comprehensive, online, 400-page atlas. The maps can also be distributed on paper printouts, USB flash drives or DVDs for offline users in the field.
“The GeoPDF atlas and centralized address database have enabled Carbon County to move forward with its E-911 emergency response system, and that has helped reduce response times to save lives,” said GIS contractor Kohley, who also is a Red Lodge Fire Dept. volunteer. “This is no small feat considering Carbon County is nearly twice the size of Rhode Island,” he added.
“TerraGo GeoPDF-based solutions are proven in mission critical defense, intelligence, public safety and crisis response roles around the world,” said Richard McKay, TerraGo sales senior vice president. “We are proud to help cities, counties and states deploy solutions that are affordable and accessible by anyone, anywhere.”
To read the full Carbon County public safety case study, please visit .
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