E-911 mapping project continues
Published 11:18 pm Wednesday, April 15, 2009
By By MaryClaire Foster
Escambia County E-911 has taken steps to better serve its area by contracting an updated map of the county.
Spatial Data Research is the company carrying out the project, which is being done with the assistance of the Global Positioning System, at a cost of around $100,000.
The information gathers this data in a Geographic Information System.
An employee of SDR, Dan Disharoon, actually drives every street in the county in a specially equipped Honda Civic.
Disharoon began the project in Atmore last week.
He said his part of the project is expected to take two to three months and the entire project should be completed in six months.
Disharoon said along with the address of the structure he includes a description of the type of structure along with what it is made of.
Along with structures such as residences, businesses, schools and churches, the project will also map public safety landmarks including fire hydrants, stand pipes and road street signs as well as low-water crossings, bridges, campgrounds, cell towers, parks, cemeteries and more.
According to a press release from E-911, the project is being done due to changing technology and the growing importance of accurate mapping data.
In addition to E-911, local responders such as fire, police and ambulance will have access to the maps. Schools can use them to plan bus routing and it could aid utilities in restoring power after an outage.
In 2000, the company was in charge of a project to create road centerlines for the county and used the information for a map book that will also be updated.
Citizens are encouraged to be sure their address is clearly posted on their home and mail boxes. All address numbers should be at least three inches tall and contrasting color.