SAFEPOINT - SafePoint vs. GPS
SafePoint™ far exceeds the performance of the standard GPS system, since it is based on receiving radio signals. Trunked radio signals penetrate more easily through obstructions like overcast conditions, dense foliage, thick smoke, inside most buildings and cars, than GPS signals. SafePoint™ can also detect and locate transmissions without the addition of any hardware or software to the portable or mobile radio.
Because SafePoint™ utilizes the inbound control channel data from your active radios, it is able to create a location using only the milliseconds of a transmission from the radio. The location is calculated instantly and is immediately available to be displayed on all devices that are authorized to see the radio and its location.
SafePoint™ is a system solution that co-locates with your radio network infrastructure, and can track and locate all portable and mobile radios that are operating on your radio system. It does not require any additional radio resources or channels for data transport.
GPS location requires a line of sight to lock onto at least three geo-orbital satellites before it can calculate its position in latitude and longitude. GPS performance is hampered in cars with tinted windows, heavy smoke, atmospheric conditions (i.e. torrential rain, hail storms). If the radio is buried under a coat, or placed close to an ear, an unobstructed line of sight to the satellites is compromised.
For GPS to create locations accurately, the unit must be able to communicate with at least four satellites (not always possible). This typically takes at least 30 seconds to several minutes to get the first location.
Once the GPS has a location, it is only on that GPS device. It will still need to be displayed and stored on other devices, like the dispatcher's terminal and/or other Mobile Data Computers. To accomplish this, it requires some manner of data or communications transport.
SafePoint™ is the solution. It is the only radio locating system created to protect the most valuable part of the public safety equation - its people.
Locate, manage and protect with SafePoint™.