Role of the SI in Provisioning Data

This course introduces the concept of the VEP Spatial Interface (SI) as a data replication interface used to publish GIS data to the ECRF/LVF. 

The Spatial Interface (SI) is a data replication service that publishes data to the ECRF and LVF. The SI is the last stop before GIS data is placed into service to support Next Generation Core Services. GIS data providers are constantly editing and updating the GIS datasets required for NG9-1-1 and these changes are propagated through the SI to the ECRF and LVF. It is critical that the proper data validation and synchronization tasks have been completed prior to the provisioning of GIS data to the SI as improper provisioning of GIS data to the ECRF and LVF systems can ultimately result in misrouted 911 calls.

PSAPs may deploy SIs in a variety of configurations – VEP’s SI can be deployed to accommodate the specific requirements of a single PSAP, a regional approach or a statewide collective. VEP’s SI can be deployed to provide the following functionality (at a minimum):

• Provides the GIS data provision interface for the ECRF and LVF
• Includes minimum NG9-1-1 required datasets
• Enables data provider input and configuration
• Performs additional QA/QC validation checks to enable:
  • Error reporting to the data provider
  • Discrepancy reporting and resolution support
  • Method for receiving and sending of reports
  • Method to support error resolution
  • Standardization of data to the ECRF and LVF
  • Boundary polygon gap and overlap detection

During the initial data submission to the SI, data providers will need to provide each of the required layers and configure their data following the specification and file format of the specific SI requirements. Often, this process involves a field mapping approach to input source data attribute fields and configuring them to crosswalk to the corresponding data model attribute fields utilized by the ECRF and LVF. Field mapping best practices are covered in the “Preparing Data for use in VEP” course in the DATAMARK VEP Support Center. VEP Validator gives data providers the flexibility to provision their local schema or variation of local schema, as is, and map it to the target SI schema. 

For additional information and guidance on the role of the SI, please refer to NENA Standards for the Provisioning and Maintenance of GIS data to ECRFs and LVFs. (NENA-STA-005.1.1-2017).