We all know that our smartphones are amazing tools that keep us connected to the people and information we need. But did you know that your smartphone can also be a lifesaver? It’s true!
Thanks to technological advances, your smartphone can now be used to help emergency services locate you in the event of an accident or other emergency. You can either use an SMS tracker website or a phone tracking app to do so.
This post will explain how geolocation works, how it can be used to save your life, and how to get started using it.
How Geolocation Works
In the event of an emergency, every second counts. That’s why many smartphones now come equipped with a feature called geolocation.
Geolocation uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower data to pinpoint your exact location. This information is then transmitted to emergency services so they can find and assist you as quickly as possible.
Many family and friends may not know your exact location, especially if you’re out of town or in a rural area. Geolocation can help them find you, too. In some cases, it can even provide turn-by-turn directions to your location.
Why Geolocation is Important
Emergency services have had to rely on caller ID to determine a caller’s location. However, this method is far from perfect. Caller ID only provides information about the phone’s location, not the caller’s actual location. This can often lead to delays in response time, which can be critical in an emergency.
With geolocation, emergency services can be notified of your exact location as soon as you place a call, which means they can get to you faster and potentially save your life. Modern phones have combination GPS/GLONASS chipsets that can pinpoint your location within a few meters.
How You Can Use Geolocation
If you find yourself in an emergency, there are a few things you can do to ensure that geolocation is working properly on your phone. First, sure that your phone’s GPS is turned on. Next, open up the settings menu on your phone and look for the “Emergency Services” or “Safety” section.
Here, you should see an option to enable geolocation for emergency calls. Once you’ve enabled this feature, your phone will automatically share your location with emergency services whenever you call them.
This is basic information that can help emergency services find you promptly. However, there are other ways you can use geolocation to your advantage.
For example, let’s say you’re out for a run, and you get lost. If you have geolocation enabled on your phone, you can easily pull up a map and see where you are. This can help you orient yourself and find your way back to safety.
Or, let’s say you’re in an unfamiliar area, and you get mugged. If you have geolocation enabled on your phone, you can easily share your location with the police, so they can come to your aid quickly.
Best Apps for Geolocation
Basic emergency apps are in-built tools we all have on our phones. But you can also download other geolocation apps that offer more features to help keep you safe. Here are a few of the best:
1. Find My Friends: This app lets you share your location with selected friends and family members. So, if you ever find yourself in an emergency, you can easily share your location with someone who can help.
2. Life360: This app is similar to Find My Friends, but it also offers additional features like real-time location sharing, 24/7 roadside assistance, and more.
3. bSafe: This app offers a variety of safety features, including GPS tracking, fake calls, and an emergency alarm. It also allows you to create a network of trusted contacts who can check in on you and help you in an emergency.
4. React Mobile: This app offers a variety of safety features, including GPS tracking, fake calls, and an emergency alarm. It also allows you to create a network of trusted contacts who can check in on you and help you in an emergency.
5. Kitestring: This app sends periodic check-ins to ensure you’re safe. If you don’t respond to the check-in, it will automatically notify your emergency contacts with your location.
6. Circle of 6: This app lets you choose six trusted contacts who can be notified if you need help. It also offers a variety of other features, including a built-in taxi service and a “safety timer” that lets your contacts know when you’re headed home.
7. mSpy: This app is designed for parents to track their children’s location, but it can also be used by anyone who wants to monitor their own location or someone else’s. mSpy users can even set up virtual “fences” around certain locations and receive alerts if the person they’re tracking enters or leaves that area.
How to Use Geolocation Safely
1) Make sure your phone is charged. If your phone dies, so does your geolocation.
2) Be aware of your surroundings. If you’re in a dangerous situation, you may not be able to get to your phone safely.
3) Only share your location with people you trust. You don’t want just anyone knowing where you are at all times.
4) Set up a geofence. This can be a great way to track your kids or ensure an elderly family member isn’t wandering off.
5) Use geolocation apps sparingly. If you’re constantly checking your location, battery life will suffer.
Geolocation can be a lifesaver – literally. By understanding how it works and how to use it safely, you can ensure that you’re always able to find your way – no matter where you are.
Conclusion
In today’s world, smartphones are more than just devices for making calls and sending texts. They’re also powerful tools that can help us stay safe in emergencies. Thanks to technological advances, many smartphones now come equipped with a geolocation feature.
Geolocation uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower data to pinpoint your exact location so that emergency services can find and assist you as quickly as possible. So if you find yourself in an emergency, be sure to enable geolocation on your phone to get the help you need when you need it most.
