Purpose Statement

The unit tracking feature within the iOS mobile responder module allows users to view and monitor the location of emergency response units in real-time on the map interface. This functionality enhances situational awareness by providing visual representation of unit positions, enabling better coordination during emergency responses and daily operations.

Background Information

Unit tracking provides critical operational awareness by displaying the real-time locations of emergency response units on the mobile map interface. This feature supports incident commanders, supervisors, and field personnel in making informed decisions about resource deployment, response coordination, and mutual aid requests. The system can display units from multiple jurisdictions and agencies, with filtering capabilities to focus on specific unit types or departments. Proper utilization of unit tracking improves response efficiency and enhances overall situational awareness during emergency operations.

Required Permissions

Video 

Best Practices

Do's

• Enable responder location layer before beginning operations that require unit tracking
• Use filtering to focus on relevant units during specific incidents or operations
• Regularly check unit positions during extended operations or mutual aid responses
• Coordinate with dispatch to understand unit status updates and location accuracy
• Use search functionality to quickly locate specific units during emergencies
• Reset filters when switching between different operational contexts

Don'ts

• Don't rely solely on unit tracking for critical operational decisions without radio confirmation
• Don't assume all units are actively transmitting location data at all times
• Don't use unit tracking as the sole method for accountability during emergency operations
• Don't forget to reset filters that might hide relevant units in changing situations
• Don't overlook the need to coordinate unit tracking with existing accountability systems

Tips & Recommendations

• Familiarize yourself with your jurisdiction's unit identifiers and types
• Practice using filtering options during training exercises
• Understand which agencies and jurisdictions are available in your account
• Use unit tracking in conjunction with radio communications for comprehensive situational awareness
• Consider unit tracking data when making deployment and resource allocation decisions
• Regularly verify that location services are functioning properly on unit devices

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I don't see any units on the map even though responder location is enabled. What's wrong? 
A: Check that units in your area are actively transmitting location data and have location services enabled. Also verify your account has permissions to view unit locations for your jurisdiction.

Q: The search function isn't finding units I know are available. What should I check? 
A: Ensure you're using correct unit identifiers and that filters aren't excluding the units you're searching for. Try resetting all filters and searching again.

Q: Can I see units from other jurisdictions or mutual aid partners? 
A: Unit visibility depends on your account configuration and data sharing agreements. Contact your administrator if you need access to additional jurisdictional data.

Q: The unit locations seem outdated or inaccurate. How can I fix this? 
A: Location accuracy depends on individual unit devices and their GPS/location services. Coordinate with dispatch or the affected units to verify their location services are functioning properly.

Q: How often do unit locations update on the map? 
A: Update frequency depends on system configuration and device settings. Contact your system administrator for specific update interval information.

Q: Can I track units that are responding to incidents outside my jurisdiction? 
A: Tracking capabilities depend on data sharing agreements and account permissions. Check with your administrator about multi-jurisdictional tracking capabilities.