911 Operator Test Geographic Knowledge and Map Reading 5

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'jurisdiction boundary file' loaded into a CAD mapping system?

Accepted Answer

To automatically route calls to the correct agency based on the caller's geographic location

Answer

Jurisdiction boundary files allow CAD to automatically identify which agency is responsible for a given location and route the call accordingly.

Question 2

A caller reports a structure fire at '500 Oak Street' but there are two Oak Streets in the dispatch area. What should the dispatcher do first?

Accepted Answer

Ask the caller for a cross street, zip code, or other identifying detail to determine the correct location

Answer

When duplicate street names exist, the dispatcher must immediately gather clarifying information to avoid sending responders to the wrong location.

Question 3

In map reading, what does a 'scale bar' indicate?

Accepted Answer

It shows the ratio between map distances and actual real-world distances

Answer

A scale bar on a map provides a visual reference that allows users to convert distances on the map to actual physical distances.

Question 4

A caller states they are at a location with no street address, only a GPS coordinate. What should the dispatcher do?

Accepted Answer

Enter the coordinates into the CAD mapping system or relay them to responders for GPS navigation

Answer

GPS coordinates can be entered directly into CAD or provided to responders using GPS devices to locate the caller even without a traditional address.

Question 5

What geographic feature is most important to note when dispatching to a location described as being 'across the bridge'?

Accepted Answer

The specific bridge name and which body of water it crosses, to avoid confusion with nearby bridges

Answer

Identifying the specific bridge by name and the water body it crosses eliminates ambiguity when multiple bridges exist in the same area.

911 Operator Test Practice Test