The move reflects one of the growing trends in the world of public safety technology, where agencies are beefing up emergency dispatch capabilities while also buying tools designed to provide better location data in a variety of circumstances.
This move marks the latest government technology partnership and integration involving what3words. The London-based firm, launched in 2013, has crafted tech that divides the world into grids that are 10 feet by 10 feet.
Such specific points as parking garages and stadium entrances, for instance, are described by three random words arranged in a unique combination such as frolic.chipper.imperious.
Callers can use what3words by clicking on a mobile map, using a text message link initiated by dispatchers or the what3words app installed on a caller’s phone.
“Simplifying the access to a location for first responders is pivotal for their rescue efforts — because we all know that when time is saved, lives are saved,” said Daniel Seidberg, president of IamResponding, in a statement. “We’re continually innovating and finding ways to improve and facilitate access to tools and resources for the approximate 9,400 emergency response agencies that we serve, so we can do our part to keep their crews and communities safer.”
According to the statement, public safety agencies that use the IamResponding platform can access the what3words integration via the address search bar. The tool enables users to switch between searching for traditional latitude and longitude addresses or via a what3words address. A clipboard allows for the immediate copying of the location in question, and first responders can share locations with other agencies or dispatchers.
