Airbus DS Communications Launches VESTA Map Local to Improve 9-1-1 Location Accuracy

Airbus DS Communications, a pioneer in public safety communications, announced today that it has launched a new solution within its VESTA® 9-1-1 portfolio – VESTA® Map Local. The new mapping platform was developed with Airbus DS Communications‘ technology partner GeoComm. It is one of the first mapping systems to integrate both RapidSOS location technology and the Esri® ArcGIS online maps. These capabilities help Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) improve location accuracy for indoor wireless calls and offer unprecedented user performance and map display speed. Plus, the VESTA Map Local solution integrates with the company’s leading VESTA 9-1-1 call handling system, saving PSAPs valuable seconds when they matter most.

Today, 80 percent of 9-1-1 calls are made through a wireless device. Wireless calls often do not provide precise caller location quickly. With the integration of the RapidSOS NG911 Clearinghouse, PSAPs now have the ability to pinpoint wireless callers’ locations more quickly and with greater accuracy. The technology transmits precise, device-based hybrid locations from smartphones directly to the VESTA 9-1-1 console by using all available sensors on modern smartphone devices – including GPS, WiFi Access Points, bluetooth beacons, and barometric pressure sensors.

“We are proud to deliver a new state-of-the-art mapping solution for our VESTA 9-1-1 customers," said Jeff Robertson, President and CEO of Airbus DS Communications. “With the rise in mobile phones, it is imperative that public safety agencies have the tools and technology they need to easily locate individuals calling 9-1-1 from a wireless device. Our new VESTA MAP Local solution, especially with integration to the RapidSOS NG911 Clearinghouse, gives PSAPs the ability to tap into data readily available on smartphones to hasten response time."

The Medina County Sherriff’s Office, a three position PSAP, located in Texas and The Collier County Sherriff’s Office, a 36 position PSAP, located in Florida were beta partners for the VESTA Map Local solution. Both were eager to adopt the new technology to strengthen public safety communications for their communities.

"Our Calltakers feel that the new mapping system is clearer and more precise when looking for a residence or key points," said Medina County Sheriff, Randy Brown. "It's now easier to look up addresses since the quality of the county map has been enhanced. If a caller does not know their exact address or location, our new mapping system will update the location on the Calltakers' screens which decreases response times and provides a more accurate location."

“Over the past several months we have seen firsthand the positive impact that the availability of faster and more accurate device-based location can have on emergency response," said Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS. “We are excited to work with Airbus DS Communications to make this lifesaving functionality available to PSAPs nationwide through the VESTA® platform."

The VESTA Map Local solution is also one of the first to use the innovative Esri® ArcGIS Runtime platform. With Esri, a leader in geographic information systems (GIS), and the ArcGIS online maps, VESTA Map Local users will be able to extend Telecommunicators’ views outside county lines, where no map or GIS data previously existed. This means that, whether a wireless call originates inside or outside of a county, 9-1-1 Calltakers will have contextual data – including streets or common points of interest such as lakes or streams – to help them locate callers.