Airbus Launches VESTA Map Local to Improve 911 Location Accuracy

Airbus DS Communications, a pioneer in public safety communications, has announced the launch of a new solution within its VESTA 9-1-1 portfolio – VESTA Map Local which was developed with GeoComm.

It is one of the first mapping systems to integrate both RapidSOS location technology and the Esri ArcGIS online maps. These capabilities help Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) improve location accuracy for indoor wireless calls and offer unprecedented user performance and map display speed. Plus, the VESTA Map Local solution integrates with the company’s VESTA 9-1-1 call handling system, saving PSAPs valuable seconds.

80% of 9-1-1 calls are made through a wireless device. Wireless calls often do not provide precise caller location quickly. With this integration, PSAPs have the ability to pinpoint wireless callers’ locations more quickly and with greater accuracy. The technology transmits precise, device-based hybrid locations from smartphones directly to the console by using all available sensors on modern smartphone devices – including GPS, Wi-Fi Access Points, Bluetooth beacons, and barometric pressure sensors.

“It is imperative that public safety agencies have the tools and technology they need to easily locate individuals calling 9-1-1 from a wireless device. Our new VESTA MAP Local solution, especially with integration to the RapidSOS NG911 Clearinghouse, gives PSAPs the ability to tap into data readily available on smartphones to hasten response time." said Jeff Robertson, President and CEO of Airbus DS Communications.

The Medina County Sherriff’s Office, a three position PSAP, located in Texas and The Collier County Sherriff’s Office, a 36 position PSAP, located in Florida were beta partners for the VESTA Map Local solution.

“It's now easier to look up addresses since the quality of the county map has been enhanced. If a caller does not know their exact address or location, our new mapping system will update the location on the Calltakers' screens which decreases response times and provides a more accurate location." said Medina County Sheriff, Randy Brown.

The VESTA Map Local solution is also one of the first to use the innovative Esri ArcGIS Runtime platform. With ArcGIS online maps, VESTA Map Local users will be able to extend telecommunicators’ views outside county lines, where no map or GIS data previously existed. This means that, whether a wireless call originates inside or outside of a county, 9-1-1 Calltakers will have contextual data – including streets or common points of interest such as lakes or streams – to help them locate callers.

For information on Airbus DS Communications and their portfolio of Public Safety communications solutions, visit www.airbus-dscomm.com. To learn more about improving 9-1-1 location accuracy click here.