911/E911: PSAP

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6. 911/E911: PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) Determination; Used for Emergency Services.

Given a location, determine the Public Safety agency information and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) call routing information, phone numbers, certain FCC information, etc. For use in 911, online, VOIP, telematics, crisis hotlines, alarm-type products and services, etc. Also used for network planning.

PSAPs are the police, fire, and emergency response centers that cover 911 area. AHJ coverage is only those areas in which the local PSAP does not handle the alarm (by agreement between the PSAP and the AHJ). The underlying data is automatically updated monthly. These services are at present, available for US & Canada.

Separate from this service, PSAP/AHJ boundary data (in formats such as TAB, SHP KML, etc.), can be licensed.

IMPORTANCE OF GEOCODING: Keep in mind that all geographic calculations such as those calculating the correct PSAP depend on a quality geocode. These services will provide accurate answers for whatever is inputted, but if the coordinates aren’t right to begin with, the answers may not be right. Geocode coordinates from consumer systems like Google™ or Bing™ are often wrong enough that you would be getting wrong answers. We recommend using quality geocoding. See geocoding for more information.