GPS tracking solutions are being introduced into all walks of life these days, but its important not to forget the roots of this wonderful technology.
GPS was originally designed by the US Military (Military Tracking) to help aid its troops on the land, in the air and at sea, by being able to track the exact position of their location at any given time.
The benefits of this technology allow central command posts to alert and advise military personal of potential crisis situations and help to avoid extreme risk and potential loss of lfe.
Global Tracking solutions can be used in search and rescue. In the air, Pilots can easily be located if their aircraft runs into difficulty. It can help aid search and resuce teams save precious time when looking for missing pilots by leading them directly to their location.
Potential threats can also be tracked with GPS technology. This allows the Department of Defense to examine various ground and air targets in order to see if they are friend of foe. With the use of computer software, digital maps can be created using the information that a plane equipped with GPS technology might find on a reconnaissance mission. The tracking would help them to find precise locations for potential targets and things that might pose a threat against them.
On top of the day to day uses of GPS Technology, the US military will also have many other uses for tracking devices, many of which are probably kept secret so that their enemies cannot use the same technology against them.
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Thursday, 23 July 2009
5 ways in which you can help aid workers in a remote environment
Aid volunteers often work in a high risk environment, be it from civilians fighting for aid or political conflict and fighting. Working in a foreign environment can often be quite a strange experience and it’s important to make the team feel at ease and as comfortable as possible so that they can concentrate on the task at hand.
There are many ways in which this can be achieved, some of which are really simple and easy to implement.
Here are 5 ways in which you could help aid workers when working in a remote, high risk environment:
1. Prepare them by educating them about their surroundings. Working in a strange place is often daunting as it is, but to work in a remote location, with people speaking a foreign language takes it to another level. Where possible provide your aid workers with maps and navigation equipment so that in the event of them getting lost they stand a chance to find their way back to base.
2. Supply them with enough food and water if they have to leave the base. But don’t just give them enough for their journey. What if they get lost or stranded? Supply them with enough rations to ensure that in the event of crisis they stand a chance of getting back to a safe place.
3. Supply them with GPS Tracking technology. With the simple use of a Motorola GPS enabled radio you can deploy a mobile tracking solution that keeps you in touch with your aid workers 24/7. Not only can you communicate with them via radio communications (should the local infrastructure allow) but you can also use the integrated GPS transmitters to track positions of the workers at all times.
4. Supply your team with suitable clothing. In some countries the weather can change in an instance. Make sure that they have suitable clothing for heavy rain or extreme heat so that they can use it when required.
5. Train them for first aid. Remote workers should always work as a team, and if one of the team is to become sick or injured its important that another member of the team is able to quickly and efficiently perform medical treatment to prevent the situation becoming worst. These are just 5 areas which touch the surface of remote working, but
just by taking notice and acting on them could help to save the lifes of workers in high risk situations.
Track 24 provide global tracking and crisis management solutions. The Nomad Personal tracking device is specifically designed to help remote teams, such as aid workers or military personnel
There are many ways in which this can be achieved, some of which are really simple and easy to implement.
Here are 5 ways in which you could help aid workers when working in a remote, high risk environment:
1. Prepare them by educating them about their surroundings. Working in a strange place is often daunting as it is, but to work in a remote location, with people speaking a foreign language takes it to another level. Where possible provide your aid workers with maps and navigation equipment so that in the event of them getting lost they stand a chance to find their way back to base.
2. Supply them with enough food and water if they have to leave the base. But don’t just give them enough for their journey. What if they get lost or stranded? Supply them with enough rations to ensure that in the event of crisis they stand a chance of getting back to a safe place.
3. Supply them with GPS Tracking technology. With the simple use of a Motorola GPS enabled radio you can deploy a mobile tracking solution that keeps you in touch with your aid workers 24/7. Not only can you communicate with them via radio communications (should the local infrastructure allow) but you can also use the integrated GPS transmitters to track positions of the workers at all times.
4. Supply your team with suitable clothing. In some countries the weather can change in an instance. Make sure that they have suitable clothing for heavy rain or extreme heat so that they can use it when required.
5. Train them for first aid. Remote workers should always work as a team, and if one of the team is to become sick or injured its important that another member of the team is able to quickly and efficiently perform medical treatment to prevent the situation becoming worst. These are just 5 areas which touch the surface of remote working, but
just by taking notice and acting on them could help to save the lifes of workers in high risk situations.
Track 24 provide global tracking and crisis management solutions. The Nomad Personal tracking device is specifically designed to help remote teams, such as aid workers or military personnel
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
NOMAD - A breakthrough in Communications technology
Think about this...... A MOTOTRBO radio system with inbuilt GPS and panic button. The extensive applications of Nomad redefine risk management.
Nomad simply utilises your existing radio comms and transforms it into a state of the art tracking and crisis management solution. The versatility and low cost of radio with a tracking and emergency alert capability creates an ideal for close protection teams, martime security, miltary, infrastructure and perimeter teams.
The Nomad system comprises of a number of radio hand held devices, with each handset providing the user with personal tracking, panic button and voice communication. Complete integration of the Nomad system into the web-based Track24 C4i platform allows operations staff to monitor all radio users on one common picture from anywhere in the world.
The MOTOTRBO radio is an easy choice of radio for the NOMAD system as each handset has an in-built GPS receiver and transmits its exact location back to a master handset. The frequency of position reporting can be remotely programmed from the C4i platform, from 30 second intervals upwards. No air time costs are associated with the solution due to the fact that it is a radio based system.
For more information on NOMAD, and other risk and crisis management solutions visit the Track 24 web site at www.track24.co.uk
Nomad simply utilises your existing radio comms and transforms it into a state of the art tracking and crisis management solution. The versatility and low cost of radio with a tracking and emergency alert capability creates an ideal for close protection teams, martime security, miltary, infrastructure and perimeter teams.
The Nomad system comprises of a number of radio hand held devices, with each handset providing the user with personal tracking, panic button and voice communication. Complete integration of the Nomad system into the web-based Track24 C4i platform allows operations staff to monitor all radio users on one common picture from anywhere in the world.
The MOTOTRBO radio is an easy choice of radio for the NOMAD system as each handset has an in-built GPS receiver and transmits its exact location back to a master handset. The frequency of position reporting can be remotely programmed from the C4i platform, from 30 second intervals upwards. No air time costs are associated with the solution due to the fact that it is a radio based system.
For more information on NOMAD, and other risk and crisis management solutions visit the Track 24 web site at www.track24.co.uk
Monday, 13 July 2009
Packmaster - Personal GPS Tracking Unit
The PackMaster is a personal tracking and safety system combining GPS technology and satellite communications. The Packmaster unit is independent of localised mobile phone infrastructure and therefore is operational world wide - from freezing arctic conditions to remote deserts and jungles.
The Packmaster is an ideal solution for tracking military personnel, expedition members and workers in remote areas. A PDA with integrated panic alarm functions as a handheld GPS, and provides a two-way messaging capability.
PackMaster is fully integrated to the Track24 C4i platform, allowing operations staff to view not only their personnel, but also vehicles and other assets, on one common picture.
Tracking
Inmarsat's geostationary satellites allow personnel to be tracked anywhere in the world. From the C4i platform, the unit can be remotely programmed to send automatic reports from two minute intervals upwards, meaning that a security manager can quickly adjust the reporting frequency in response to changing threat levels.
The lightweight Packmaster device can be comfortably handheld; allowing staff freedom of movement to carry out their task. The integral NiMH battery pack will power the unit for up to 40 hours between charges.
Alarms and messaging
* Panic alarm: alerts are audible and visual on the C4i platform.
* Rapid Locator Button: allows the user to manually transmit position reports.
* SMS forwarding: alerts can be automatically forwarded by SMS and email.
* Geofences: unplanned departure from locations or routes can be automatically detected.
Messaging and navigation
The messaging option provides a life line of communication for any remote worker, allowing simple and reliable satellite communication with an organisation's control centre.
It acts as a two-way text messaging device between the internet application and the PackMaster, monitors the performance of the tracking unit and provides a GPS position in latitude/longitude and MGRS format, speed and altitude. The data from the on-board GPS is also fed into the navigation application, displaying the current location on the PDA's mapping. The navigation application allows users to follow pre-planned routes whilst the data logger allows the actual journeys to be downloaded onto a PC. Hazards and features can also be plotted on the PDA's mapping, storing its GPS location for later use. Hover over the image on the left to view the PackMaster with PDA attached.
The Packmaster is an ideal solution for tracking military personnel, expedition members and workers in remote areas. A PDA with integrated panic alarm functions as a handheld GPS, and provides a two-way messaging capability.
PackMaster is fully integrated to the Track24 C4i platform, allowing operations staff to view not only their personnel, but also vehicles and other assets, on one common picture.
Tracking
Inmarsat's geostationary satellites allow personnel to be tracked anywhere in the world. From the C4i platform, the unit can be remotely programmed to send automatic reports from two minute intervals upwards, meaning that a security manager can quickly adjust the reporting frequency in response to changing threat levels.
The lightweight Packmaster device can be comfortably handheld; allowing staff freedom of movement to carry out their task. The integral NiMH battery pack will power the unit for up to 40 hours between charges.
Alarms and messaging
* Panic alarm: alerts are audible and visual on the C4i platform.
* Rapid Locator Button: allows the user to manually transmit position reports.
* SMS forwarding: alerts can be automatically forwarded by SMS and email.
* Geofences: unplanned departure from locations or routes can be automatically detected.
Messaging and navigation
The messaging option provides a life line of communication for any remote worker, allowing simple and reliable satellite communication with an organisation's control centre.
It acts as a two-way text messaging device between the internet application and the PackMaster, monitors the performance of the tracking unit and provides a GPS position in latitude/longitude and MGRS format, speed and altitude. The data from the on-board GPS is also fed into the navigation application, displaying the current location on the PDA's mapping. The navigation application allows users to follow pre-planned routes whilst the data logger allows the actual journeys to be downloaded onto a PC. Hazards and features can also be plotted on the PDA's mapping, storing its GPS location for later use. Hover over the image on the left to view the PackMaster with PDA attached.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Pocket Buddy - Tracking for personnel
The Pocket Buddy is a light-weight personal tracking device designed for business travellers and VIPs working in high risk or volitile environments. The device makes use of both GSM and GPS technology and is easy to use.
The Pocket Buddy uses the local GSM/GPRS network to quickly send location reports and emergency alerts to the Track24 C4i system. Once a panic alarm is triggered, a two-way voice channel is opened, enabling operations staff or security personnel to listen into the incident in real-time.
The device is small enough to conceal in your clothing or pocket and can be configured to send precise GPS position reports at intervals of as low as once every minute. Alternatively, in situations where tracking is inappropriate, and the device is to be used primarily for its panic alarm features, the reporting interval can be much less frequent. Once every two hours for example.
The latest model of the Pocket Buddy is a Tri-Band version and will therefore operate in areas where any three of the four main GSM frequencies are used. This allows users to carry the same device in different countries and regions (e.g. Europe and the United States), providing those regions are covered by their service provider's roaming agreements. Specifically, two variants of the Tri-Band Buddy are available: a 900, 1800 and 1900MHz version and an 850, 1800 and 1900MHz version.
By sending a panic alarm via GPRS or SMS an audible and visual alert will be triggered on the Track24 monitoring software. Meanwhile a voice channel will open with the stricken asset, allowing security personnel to listen in on events as they unfold. Remote monitoring is enabled through the smart forwarding of alerts by SMS and email, to security and personnel managers. Managers can also monitor unauthorised or ill-advised movements through system geo-fences, so if an asset deviates from a pre-agreed route the alarms and notification procedure will be activated.
Track 24 provide global tracking and crisis management technology for remote workers in the field. Their unique communications platform enables tracking over land, sea and air ensuring the safety of troops and aid workers. Track 24 technologies have been used in conflict situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and will continue to prevent and manage crisis situations for years to come.
The Pocket Buddy uses the local GSM/GPRS network to quickly send location reports and emergency alerts to the Track24 C4i system. Once a panic alarm is triggered, a two-way voice channel is opened, enabling operations staff or security personnel to listen into the incident in real-time.
The device is small enough to conceal in your clothing or pocket and can be configured to send precise GPS position reports at intervals of as low as once every minute. Alternatively, in situations where tracking is inappropriate, and the device is to be used primarily for its panic alarm features, the reporting interval can be much less frequent. Once every two hours for example.
The latest model of the Pocket Buddy is a Tri-Band version and will therefore operate in areas where any three of the four main GSM frequencies are used. This allows users to carry the same device in different countries and regions (e.g. Europe and the United States), providing those regions are covered by their service provider's roaming agreements. Specifically, two variants of the Tri-Band Buddy are available: a 900, 1800 and 1900MHz version and an 850, 1800 and 1900MHz version.
By sending a panic alarm via GPRS or SMS an audible and visual alert will be triggered on the Track24 monitoring software. Meanwhile a voice channel will open with the stricken asset, allowing security personnel to listen in on events as they unfold. Remote monitoring is enabled through the smart forwarding of alerts by SMS and email, to security and personnel managers. Managers can also monitor unauthorised or ill-advised movements through system geo-fences, so if an asset deviates from a pre-agreed route the alarms and notification procedure will be activated.
Track 24 provide global tracking and crisis management technology for remote workers in the field. Their unique communications platform enables tracking over land, sea and air ensuring the safety of troops and aid workers. Track 24 technologies have been used in conflict situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and will continue to prevent and manage crisis situations for years to come.
Monday, 6 July 2009
GPS Tracking for Static Locations
The Guardian global tracking device is designed as a life-line for static locations: compounds, villas, depots or outstations. It will help to protect personnel based at locations in remote and high risk areas of the globe. This crisis management and communications device uses reliable satellite communications, ensuring there is no reliance on local infrastructure.
It utilises an L-band satellite transponder and integrated panic alarm and hand-held messaging device to provide reliable and robust static monitoring for use in high-risk environments and areas of political unrest.
Because Guardian is independent of local infrastructure, such as mobile or landline phone systems, it can operate anywhere in the world. The system is integrated into the Track24 C4i platform, allowing users access to all command, control, crisis management and GIS functions.
Guardian sends regular status reports and can also be reconfigured remotely through the Track24 C4i system. A fitted PDA (MNA) allows two-way text messaging, independent of GSM coverage.
The panic alarm triggers a visual and audible alarm on the system in less than a minute. The Guardian runs from mains electricity but also has its own integral battery capable of transmitting panic alarms for 15 hours. This is essential for high-risk operations where sending a panic alarm should not be dependent on local power.
It utilises an L-band satellite transponder and integrated panic alarm and hand-held messaging device to provide reliable and robust static monitoring for use in high-risk environments and areas of political unrest.
Because Guardian is independent of local infrastructure, such as mobile or landline phone systems, it can operate anywhere in the world. The system is integrated into the Track24 C4i platform, allowing users access to all command, control, crisis management and GIS functions.
Messaging and monitoring
Guardian sends regular status reports and can also be reconfigured remotely through the Track24 C4i system. A fitted PDA (MNA) allows two-way text messaging, independent of GSM coverage.
Panic alarm
The panic alarm triggers a visual and audible alarm on the system in less than a minute. The Guardian runs from mains electricity but also has its own integral battery capable of transmitting panic alarms for 15 hours. This is essential for high-risk operations where sending a panic alarm should not be dependent on local power.
Saturday, 4 July 2009
5 tips for crisis prevention when working remotely
When working abroad or in remote parts of the world, be it through serving for the armed forces or being part of an aid group, it’s unfortunate that a crisis situation might be not far away. In this situations its absolutely essential that procedures are put in place to help prevent crisis, or give the personnel involved a change to evade crisis should it occur.
Here are 5 simple tips to help remote workers in the event of a crisis:
1. Ensure that your team have up to date maps. When working in a country that is foreign to your personnel l an up to date map can help them find their way should they venture from their main routes and get lost.
2. Food and Water supply. Make sure that your team have stocked up on food and water. Dont just look at packing the bare essentials, but consider a scenario where you might be forced to stay away overnight or for a few days.
3. First Aid. Always have a first aid kit at the ready. You never know when it might be needed, even for the smallest accident. A first aid kit will help buy you some time should an unfortunate event occur within your team.
4. Clothing and footwear. When you are in a foreign country you never know when the weather might turn. It could be extremely hot one minute with a downpour of rain (and floods) the next. Be prepared for a sudden change in the weather
5. Communications. Give your team the ability to communicate with a central base within the distance of their travel. GPS Tracking can prove to be a life saving technology be it through simple tracking of personnel or communications over a radio network.
All of the above 5 points should be part of any remote teams planning and preparation when sending personnel out into the field. The welfare and safety of your team should be the absolute paramount of importance and nothing should be taken for granted. Up front planning and a well thought of crisis management plan will not only help save lives, but also give your team the confidence to go out and concentrate on their task at hand.
Track 24 provide global tracking and crisis management technology for remote workers in the field. Their unique communications platform enables tracking over land, sea and air ensuring the safety of troops and aid workers. Track 24 technologies have been used in conflict situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and will continue to prevent and manage crisis situations for years to come.
Here are 5 simple tips to help remote workers in the event of a crisis:
1. Ensure that your team have up to date maps. When working in a country that is foreign to your personnel l an up to date map can help them find their way should they venture from their main routes and get lost.
2. Food and Water supply. Make sure that your team have stocked up on food and water. Dont just look at packing the bare essentials, but consider a scenario where you might be forced to stay away overnight or for a few days.
3. First Aid. Always have a first aid kit at the ready. You never know when it might be needed, even for the smallest accident. A first aid kit will help buy you some time should an unfortunate event occur within your team.
4. Clothing and footwear. When you are in a foreign country you never know when the weather might turn. It could be extremely hot one minute with a downpour of rain (and floods) the next. Be prepared for a sudden change in the weather
5. Communications. Give your team the ability to communicate with a central base within the distance of their travel. GPS Tracking can prove to be a life saving technology be it through simple tracking of personnel or communications over a radio network.
All of the above 5 points should be part of any remote teams planning and preparation when sending personnel out into the field. The welfare and safety of your team should be the absolute paramount of importance and nothing should be taken for granted. Up front planning and a well thought of crisis management plan will not only help save lives, but also give your team the confidence to go out and concentrate on their task at hand.
Track 24 provide global tracking and crisis management technology for remote workers in the field. Their unique communications platform enables tracking over land, sea and air ensuring the safety of troops and aid workers. Track 24 technologies have been used in conflict situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and will continue to prevent and manage crisis situations for years to come.
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