Kent County GIS team improves emergency services with fire hydrant mapping project

Kent County is set to enhance its emergency response capabilities following a recent update from the county's GIS specialist, Tyler Arnold, during the June 10, 2025, Commissioners Meeting. Arnold reported a significant achievement in the county's Geographic Information System (GIS) data, revealing a 98% match rate between current GIS data and legacy databases. This milestone is crucial for the deployment of NextGen 911 services, which will allow emergency responders to receive not just voice calls, but also texts, videos, and images, improving the efficiency of call routing and response.

In addition to the advancements in emergency services, Arnold highlighted a collaborative project with local towns, specifically mapping 120 fire hydrants in Rock Hall and Eadsville. This initiative, which involved college interns, provided essential data to the town, enabling local officials to manage their resources more effectively. The Kent County Office of Emergency Services also received this data, enhancing their ability to locate fire hydrants in areas previously lacking sufficient information.

The meeting also touched on ongoing maintenance of GIS data used by various departments, including planning and public works. Arnold emphasized the importance of keeping this data updated to support the county's operational needs.

Commissioners expressed interest in expanding GIS capabilities further, particularly in identifying water shutoff valves, which can be challenging to locate during emergencies. The discussion highlighted the potential for future internships to assist in these efforts, with the Department of Public Works already utilizing GIS technology for managing water and sewer lines.

As Kent County moves forward with these initiatives, the integration of advanced GIS data promises to significantly improve public safety and emergency response, ensuring that residents receive timely and effective assistance when needed.