Mobile positioning and communications: public safety

Mobile positioning and communications: public safety

Mobile positioning and communications: public safety

GPS saves lives. Public safety agencies rely on unambiguous information and timely response to respond quickly to emergencies. GPS-based automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems are proven tools to help manage a variety of emergency responses, from medical to police and fire.

Trimble AVL systems provide critical "situation awareness" information to help dispatch centres make better, faster decisions. These precise location data help dispatchers confidently send the closest, most appropriate equipment to the scene, achieving maximum efficiency and responsiveness. Trimble GPS AVL systems are configured to handle all aspects of emergency dispatch - from real-time vehicle location and on-screen mapping to mobile communications - with software that integrates disparate geographic information systems (GIS) and other geographic information into a single database.

Besides helping decrease response time, GPS AVL solutions can be tailored to improve communication with vehicles and passengers. For example, ambulance drivers can be given the most direct routes to an emergency site. Police officers can be told the location of the nearest backup unit. Trimble GPS AVL products also provide archived data that users can analyze to improve processes, reduce costs and help save lives.

Trimble developed its GPS/AVL subsystem and other components to provide public safety tracking solutions using software and equipment compatible with customers' existing communications networks. Trimble targeted these products for use by public safety agencies and private providers as well. The installed Trimble GPS/AVL subsystems have already logged more than 100 million position/status reports.

Since its formation in 1988, Trimble's Mobile Positioning and Communications Group has participated successfully in a number of research projects, custom developments, demonstration projects, tracking subsystems and turnkey system deliveries throughout the USA, Mexico, South America and Europe.

Trimble's successful integration of a variety of technologies gives public safety agencies reliable solutions for problems that could not be solved a few years ago. These technologies have saved time, money and most importantly, lives.

About Trimble

Trimble is a world leader in designing and developing innovative products enabled by GPS technology. The company provides end-user and OEM solutions for diverse applications including surveying, mapping/GIS, agriculture, mining, military, commercial aviation, automotive, vehicle tracking and timing.

Founded in 1978, Trimble now holds more than 200 US patents on GPS and related technology, with over 180 additional patents pending. Located in Sunnyvale, California, Trimble has been adding value to GPS since 1984. Trimble has offices in 15 countries around the world: its European headquarters are in Hook, England.

For an interactive look at company news and products, visit Trimble's site on the World Wide Web: http://www.trimble.com

For further information, please contact Sarah Cull or Lucy Meacher at icas public relations. Tel: +44 (0)1442 261199; fax: +44 (0)144223 6401; E-mail: pr@icas.co.uk