Creating A Real-Time Geocoding System: Implications of Open Source for the Public Safety

Today, maps are important components of public safety. Collecting geographic information data enables any public safety agency to smartly allocate their limited resources to those places where the public safety needs are the greatest. However, the current address geocoding applications are generally static, requiring specifically assigned personnel to geocode the addresses using a geographic information system (GIS) software. Real-time geocoding services like Google Maps are an alternative to these static systems by offering real-time geocoding capabilities; however, these closed systems usually come with a price that many agencies cannot afford. Given this context, we developed a public safety geocoding system using available open-source data and systems to enable any public safety agency to continuously enjoy the power of geographic information systems for their smart decision-making process. The proposed model is not limited to public safety and can be used for any purpose where people are used to using Google Maps Geocoding API or other commercial geocoding services.