Geospatial technology uses geocodes to identify locations and is used in daily life, natural disasters, forest fires, military operations, and law enforcement. GPS devices track movements and provide real-time information for monitoring and decision-making.
Geospatial technology has evolved into a tool used in many people’s daily lives. This technology has turned cell phones and cars into smart tracking devices. Smart mapping tools use coordinates called geocodes® to identify the latitude and longitude of a specific mapping location. These coordinates are then used by Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to find travel directions. Geocode® is the data element needed to map an area for geospatial technology. Include the date, time, latitude and longitude of a specific location.
Geocoding is the process of marking landmarks or specific location with latitude and longitude coordinates. This process is typically done with mapping devices that use satellites to provide the exact coordinates of a location. The geocode® data is then added into a database for use by other software systems. New geocode® data is available every year to account for new roads and streets around the world.
Many natural disasters require the use of geocode® technology. This information is used as a device to track the destruction of an area. Volunteers typically walk through the destruction zone using GPS devices to mark landmarks of collapsed buildings and homes. This information is sent to a satellite and used by emergency rescue teams to determine the whereabouts of potential victims.
Geocoding is also used in the United States to assist in the management of forest fires. During a fire, the search and rescue team is armed with special geocode® devices that track the occurrence of spot fires and hot spots. This information is then entered into a central server which can be used to track the direction of the bushfire. Typically data elements, including time and location, are monitored throughout the day to determine the path of the fire.
Most modern military units use geocode® technology. This software allows field commanders to monitor troop movements, casualties, and overall battlefield status in real time. Many military leaders carry GPS devices during the day to manage the battlefield. Today battlefield maps are fed into central computers which provide a more accurate representation of the battle.
GPS devices are also used by many law enforcement agencies to track drug movements, gang activity, and general crime statistics. Vehicles used by law enforcement include laptop computers and advanced GPS devices that allow the police officer to determine the quickest route to a destination. The continued advancement of this technology will allow law enforcement agencies to gain historical insight into drug routes, smuggling and crime hot spots within a specific city or jurisdiction.
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