iPads for when iLost
The many ways an iPad can assist in search and rescue – image courtesy P.G.Search and Rescue
Prince George, B.C.- The Regonal District of Fraser Fort George will be looking for ways to come up with the dollars to help buy iPads for Prince George Search and Rescue.
In a presentation to the RDFFG, Prince George Search and Rescue’s Heather MacRae detailed how iPads have, revolutionized the manner in which a search can be conducted.
Connected by satellite, the iPads allow a search team to have accurate information on the subject of the search, detailed drawings on areas that have been searched and where clues may have been found. It allows Search managers to keep track of their teams, and can be integrated with other Search and Rescue operators who may be assisting in the task at hand.
It usd to be that when a person went missing, one of the oversized maps of the area would be pulled out, and search managers would draw on the map. The method progresses to putting a sheet of Mylar over the original map and drawing on the mylar. But an iPad brings search and rescue into a whole new dimension.
Maps can show terrain, teams can update road access information as many old forestry roads have been deactivated, gps tracking allows for team safety as search mangers can know immediately where the team may be, the iPad camera can take images of possible clues, and those clues can be shared instantly with search managers and other searchers. Information can also be shared with other agencies, such as BC Parks Services.
So the call was made to the Regional District for funding to help provide more iPads to more members of Search and Rescue in Prince George, Mackenzie and the Robson Valley. The total cost would be $32,208 as each of the large units costs about $1100 dollars and the mini versions are about $800.
Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall called on his Regional District colleagues to support looking for ways and sources to fund this request “There’re a number of incidents throughout the year, and if this is a tool that can make your (S&R) job more successful, we should support it.”
The Regional District Board agreed to ask staff to look into funding sources that could provide the requested dollars
Comments
The functionality of the software sounds good, but not with an iPad.
Tablets for outdoor use have to be rugged under various weather conditions, especially rain and be able to withstand being dropped.
I do not think iPads fit that description.
There are windows and android tablets made which fit
According to the linked article, the gold standard is a military standard MIL-STD-810G
The 810G standard specifies a variety of trials, including 48-in. drops onto two inches of plywood over concrete, ill-treatment from temperature (high and low), and tests for resistance to humidity, altitude and vibration. Cases such as the “survivor slim” which meets the 810G standard for dropping, are available but they do not cover the other field conditions encountered.
computerworld.com/article/2882568/tablets/break-me-if-you-can-4-rugged-tablets-put-to-the-test.html
The iPad proposal sound like it is coming from those who sit behind a desk all day playing virtual reality rescue scenario games instead of participating in actual rescues.
I love the idea but really they can have one or two in command center (where they should really have laptops). Radios for everyone else, with them updating the CC, and the CC quarterbacking the rescue. If need be they should have Spot satellite messengers for everyone. I shudder to think of the cost for satellite uplinks for 20 or 30 ipads.
Although Ipad can have a robust cover placed on it.
Android and Memory Maps would work perfectly.
Technology is a good tool, as long as it is available. Hopefully the reliance on tech doesn’t overshadow the need to keep things simply in the event the satellites aren’t available at the time they need them most. They still need to keep the knowledge of how to search the old fashioned way if need be. Too many “advancements” these days only serve to dumb down the younger generations and leave them too dependent on something or someone else to make everyday decisions for them.
Would not need satellite uplinks for the ipad as the built in GPS does not need an uplink. The ipads would be preloaded with the search information. The large mylar map would still be used for an overview.
When planning a road trip, hiking or flying I still use paper maps and have them with me on the trip for reference and backup incase the GPS fails.
Help my Battery went dead! Good thing I took the Map along, mind you ,you have to be able to read a Map!
Above 6 comments from 05:17 to 09:23 are from people who obviously have not had any on the ground experience.
Proficiency with internet search engines means nothing, compared to real life experience.
Local S.A.R. techs are already using the i-pad technology.
It works, is accurate, saves a lot of time and paper maps can be created from the data gathered that show all routes and details covered by each search team.
This technology is a major leap forward for S.A.R. and benefits the subjects of a search.
metalman.
It is about that poster from 05:17 ….. I work with forestry workers in woodland operations. I know of no firms that work with iPads in the field (that does not mean that some do not have iPads).
They have much more robust tablet-like systems to do map-based work such as managing various crews, their equipment.
The next system which will be introduced on a larger scale in short order are personal transponders which will act as an improved “buddy-system” for individuals working in remote areas. In fact, a smart phone is plenty good enough to do that as long as it has connectivity.
The satellite constellations – there are at least 3 in place over Canada with constant replacements being sent up on about a 7 year cycle – are very close to 100% reliable as long as one has a straight line visibility unblocked by such things as dense forest canopies.
SPOT has been available for several years but has had poor reliability.
As with any system, whether manual or electronic, there should always be at least one second system in place to act as a “failsafe”.
The main thing from now on is the software itself and its flexibility to adjust to the various needs of the particular user. The user interface is the key to ease of use.
spot has poor reliability? I have not had any issue with it in the two years I have been using it. Simple and relatively inexpensive. It got the authorities moving in the snowmobile incident out of McBride.
Not meaning to insult anyone.
I personally do not have an i-pad, nor have I used one, can’t say if they are appropriate for this application or not.
Have seen the S.A.R. techs using these devices while I was assisting during an active search, was very impressed.
I assume that if they are asking for more devices, it means that they find them effective.
Thank you for the information on other devices.
metalman.
This is what irritates me about local government. How much did the trip to Ottawa cost to get handed a piece of hardware and a pat on the back c/w handshake from the Prime Minister. Had everyone stayed home then the cash would be in the bank to acquire something that will benefit volunteers who get our butts out of a mess when we screw up.
I know, I know, now that PM Trudeau has met our mayor and city manager, he directed his Minister’s to make sure PG get’s it’s fair share of Federal dollars. And the people in the audience and the world round when they saw our Winter Games won an award, immediately switched their vacation plans to include a visit to PG. So, if you believe that, then I guess it was money well spent. But me, I see politicians all to often make foolish expenditures while wise expenditures go unspent.
Actually surprised they haven’t been using the Garmin GPS map systems, we use it on the water all the time for fishing in the ocean and while out quadding remote areas, keeps a log of where you have been so you can follow your way out even in heavy fog and easily downloads paths and waypoints to a laptop after the day. The Garmin map76 has been out since the 90s, can be quickly mounted on the handlebars and dash of any type of vehicle.
You need something completely waterproof, garmin provides that, ipad does not. Garmin also has external antennas for heavy canopy, cost is more than half of ipad too. Topo info is also available on a GPS and has been for over 20 years.
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