A GPS database can be used for a variety of different purposes and is an important part of law enforcement software. Primarily, database-driven GPS (Global Positioning System) devices are used for navigation and tracking in the civilian world. But, other data can be included in devices designed for police officers, detectives, parole officers and 911 operators.
For example, historical crime data can be stored in the devices available today. Although neighborhoods can and do change, identifying the trends (crime rates, incidence of violent crimes, incidence of hate crimes, etc.) and making the information available to officers and detectives patrolling the area can help them do their jobs.
Practically anyone would agree that the people responsible for keeping us safe should have access to the latest technology. A municipality or local government might not think that a GPS database is an essential or a worthwhile investment, but it can save lives.
Most police forces are already able to track vehicles in real time. They can determine the location of a car quickly. 911 operators, with the proper equipment, can see which cars are closest to the scene of a crime and dispatch them accordingly.
Other types of law enforcement software allows officers to access an individual’s arrest record from their vehicle. In the old days, an arrest would need to be made and a person would need to be taken into custody, before information concerning their records could be accessed. If it happened at night, a lot of waiting was involved.
During a chase, it may not be possible to use a navigation system, but once the chase is over, it can be used to find the quickest way back to the station, from wherever the officer may be. Paper street maps are relatively obsolete. Without a navigation system in their vehicles, officers could ultimately be “lost”.
Another type of law enforcement software that is being used more frequently combines GPS database technology with telemetry or telematics. Most people are familiar with ankle bracelets used to keep track of persons on parole or house arrest. GPS and telematics technology were used to create the bracelets.
The technologies are also being used in high crime areas, specifically in areas where there is a great deal of car theft. Bait cars can be equipped with cameras and tracking devices and placed in locations where theft can be expected. When the vehicle is stolen, officers can use the law enforcement software not only to find the vehicle, but also to deactivate the engine and lock the doors.
There are many other things that a GPS database can be used for. With a good designer and a little imagination, the possibilities are practically unlimited.
By: Tom Gruich
Posts Tagged ‘Street Maps’
GPS Review Comparison – How to Buy the Right Model!
December 22nd, 2009
The best way to get the right GPS device is with a good GPS review comparison! There are too many manufacturers and too many models to choose from. It all gets very confusing. You need a guide!
If you want to know what these wonderful devices do and how you can save yourself some money, then read on!
But first let’s talk about who makes GPS receivers.
There are a number of manufacturers, but the top three are Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. Garmin is the top dog; Tom Tom is the new kid on the block; and Magellan was the company that originated the whole concept. All three make a great product! That’s the good news. Because if you buy a device from any of these three you won’t go wrong.
The bad new is this. All three make a great product! Which, of course, makes it really difficult to understand which model to buy.
Hopefully, I can give you some assistance with that dilemma.
GPS devices have really caught on over the last two years! And with gas prices so high, I’m sure the demand is just going to grow and grow.
To really start to understand what you’re buying, you need to know how much these things sell for, what the basic features are, and how much upgraded features are going to cost. Let me sketch out an answer to those questions.
GPS receivers sell anywhere from $150 to $1,000. $150 will get you Garmin and Tom Tom’s basic unit. $1,000 will buy you Garmin’s top of the line model, which had a huge screen and all the bells and whistles.
All GPS devices have the following:
Touch screen interfaceAuto-calculation of the fastest or shortest routeA database of Points of Interest (POIs)Voice prompts (but that don’t say the street names!)Maps of the lower 48 United States
If all you want are these basic features, then get something like the Garmin nuvi 200 or the Tom Tom One. They can both do all of this and more.
For more money you can get:
Maps of Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and CanadaBigger screenBluetoothTraffic and weather delivered to you in real timeMuch larger POI databaseAbility to route you to multiple routes on the same trip
You can get a lot of these upgrades for under $350. The Garmin 660 currently sells for slightly under $350 and can do all of the above except for the multiple route calculations. That’s a lot of GPS for the money!
Obviously, there’s a certain amount of education you have to go through before you buy your first, or next GPS device.
Although I’m sure this short GPS review comparison helps, to learn more, you need an informative website where you can browse different makes and models and also get a feel for prices.
By: Lee Cole
