ASTRID: First radio positioning tools available

Until recently, the localization of police patrols in Belgium was only possible in provincial control rooms (CIC / HC) or dispatching stations remotely (LCT). Recently, third parties may also use the localization data. The first tools were presented at a late april-attended Demo Day.

Since last year, ASTRID uses a location server (CLS) to display the positions of all portable and mobile radios on the ASTRID network that are registered. The data are not only available for the provincial emergency rooms and for dispatching stations that have a link to the CIC, but under certain conditions they can also be used for external applications.

Through these external applications, organizations not dispatched by a CIC re able to locate their radio users. For users of CIC's or LCTs external tools can be a welcome addition.

Of course, not everyone can simply use the localization data. The suppliers of such tools must follow a validation procedure before their software will be used on the ASTRID network. Meanwhile, two companies have completed this process: AEG-TranzCom-BizzDev and Geosolutions (Cronos Group). Both are then assigned to the location server.

Reporting Capabilities
On 26 april AEG TranzCom-BizzDev and Geosolutions held a Demo Day. More than 60 organizations were present including many police officers, but also representatives from other fire departments, medical services and utilities.

Both companies put special emphasis on the comprehensive management and reporting capabilities of their software. For example, by integrating data file, the software can also optimize the dispatching of teams.

Value add
Pierre Bouveroux and Bruno Cromphout of the Red Cross were already impressed by the possibilities. "Such software has certainly added value - the question is at what price. Some bells and whistles we do not really need, but for us, the localization of vehicles in each case a big step forward! "

Source: ASTRID