10 . The User can also filter units in their display by selecting Filter.

 11. Here the user can filter units by the Unit Type (from the Unit Subtype in Settings) and Agency or Jurisdiction.  The Show button updates with the number of units that will be displayed once that button is selected.  The Reset button clears all selections and makes all Unit Types and Agencies visible.

Best Practices

Do's

• Do verify that the Units layer is enabled before attempting to view or filter units on the map
• Do use unit type filters during multi-unit incidents to quickly identify specific apparatus types (e.g., filter for all Engines during a structure fire)
• Do use agency filters in mutual aid situations to distinguish between your department's units and assisting agencies
• Do check the "Updated Time" when hovering over units to ensure location data is current and reliable
• Do monitor battery levels for units with low power, as this may affect their ability to maintain location tracking
• Do reset filters regularly to ensure you're viewing all available units and not missing critical resources
• Do use the center-on-unit feature to quickly locate specific apparatus during large-scale incidents with multiple responding units
• Do verify location permissions status for units that appear to have outdated position data

Don'ts

• Don't forget that Units Tracking is only available in Google Maps view—it will not function in ArcGIS view
• Don't assume all units are being displayed if you have active filters—always check the filter status and unit count
• Don't rely solely on unit tracking for critical tactical decisions if the "Updated Time" shows stale data
• Don't overlook units with location permissions disabled, as they will not provide accurate real-time positioning
• Don't forget to assign the necessary "Responder Map - Show Unit Tracking" permission to roles that require this functionality
• Don't assume units with locked screens will provide less accurate location data—screen lock status does not typically affect GPS tracking

Tips & Recommendations

• During active incidents, periodically refresh the map view to ensure you're seeing the most current unit positions
• Create role-based permission profiles for different user types (dispatchers, supervisors, field chiefs) to control who can access Units Tracking
• Use the agency filter to organize unit displays during mutual aid incidents, making it easier to coordinate with assisting departments
• Monitor device information (OS version, app version) to identify units that may need mobile app updates for optimal performance
• For large incidents with many responding units, use filters to focus on specific unit types relevant to current tactical needs (e.g., show only Ambulances when establishing medical staging)
• Combine Units Tracking with other map layers (hydrants, pre-plans, incidents) to maintain comprehensive situational awareness
• Train dispatchers and supervisors to interpret the unit status information available when hovering over unit icons
• Establish department protocols for when unit location data becomes outdated (e.g., if "Updated Time" exceeds 5 minutes)

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I have the Units Tracking permission enabled, but I cannot see any units on the map. What should I check?
A: First, verify that you are in Google Maps view (not ArcGIS), as Units Tracking is only available in Google Maps. Next, ensure the Units layer toggle is turned on in the Map Layers menu. Finally, check if you have any active filters that may be limiting unit visibility—click Filter and then Reset to display all units.

Q: How do I know if the unit location data I'm viewing is current?
A: Hover your cursor over the unit's icon on the map to view detailed status information, including the "Updated Time" field. This timestamp shows when the unit's location was last updated. If the timestamp is significantly outdated, the unit may have connectivity issues or location services disabled.

Q: Can I view Units Tracking in ArcGIS maps view?
A: No, Units Tracking is currently only available in the Google Maps responder view. You must switch to Google Maps to access unit tracking functionality.

Q: What does it mean if a unit shows location permissions are disabled?
A: When location permissions are disabled, the unit's device is not providing GPS location data to the First Due application. This typically means the user has denied location access in their device settings or the app does not have permission to access location services. The unit will not display accurate real-time positioning until location permissions are enabled.

Q: How do I filter units to show only specific apparatus types or agencies?
A: Click the Map Layers button, then click the Filter button within the Units layer section. Select your desired Unit Type (Engine, Ambulance, etc.) and/or Agency. The button will show how many units match your criteria. Click Show Units to apply the filter. To view all units again, click Filter and then Reset.

Q: Why is the battery level information important when viewing unit tracking data?
A: Low battery levels on mobile devices can affect a unit's ability to maintain continuous location tracking. If a unit's battery is critically low, the device may shut down or disable location services to preserve power, resulting in outdated or unavailable position data. Monitoring battery levels helps identify units that may lose tracking capability during extended operations.

Related Articles