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This weekend, we published an article about a NYPD spy ring. To summarize, the Associated Press had released a story stating that the NYPD has been spying on certain ethnic neighborhoods with the help of the CIA. Now, the NYPD is calling the report fictional. The NYPD claims that the report was blown out of proportion.

A spokesman for the NYPD, Paul Browne, told press this morning that “We’re going to do all we reasonably can to keep New York safe. We do so in partnership with the FBI and other federal agencies, and we uphold the Constitution in doing so.” The earlier AP news release stated that the FBI has nothing to do with the operation, and that the Federal Bureau was shocked by the news that the NYPD was, seemingly, breaking Constitutional laws.

Once news about the supposed spying broke out, civil liberty groups called for hearing and investigations into the matter. A spokesperson for one group said that such a program would be “a waste of precious resources…”

If the NYPD program does function the way that the Associated Press originally stated, this bit of news hits very close to Constitutional concerns surrounding GPS tracking. While nothing has surfaced stating that the NYPD used tracking devices, other law officials across the country have resorted to these tactics. At every turn, the Constitution must be revisited in order to apply citizen rights to modern times.

At present, the NYPD program in question is being closely monitored. Missed the original story? We don’t blame you, Hurricane Irene grabbed everyone’s attention this weekend! You can catch up on the NYPD story here.

Article Written by Harriette Halepis

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The climate change discussion may soon owe much of its statistical information to GPS tracking. Changes in global climate have been the subject of numerous debates, discussions, scandals, federal investigations, and even international summits over the past several decades. The basis for all those discussions comes from many thousands of hours of research conducted by climate change scientists in various parts of the world. The data used in climate change research is not always easy to come by, but tracking technology may soon give scientists a more reliable way to keep their fingers on the pulse of the planet.

For years, scientists have studied the movements of glaciers in an attempt to predict overall changes in global climate. Because the huge masses of moving ice respond to infinitesimal changes in global temperature, scientists can learn much about climate patterns by observing the speed at which glaciers move. Changes such as sudden (for a glacier) bursts of speed or increases in rates of movement offer clues about what’s coming on a global scale.

GPS and Glaciers

One recent project that has been undertaken by researchers from the University of Kansas involves following the movements of the well-known Byrd Glacier using GPS tracking devices. The devices were placed on poles and inserted at various points along the top of the glacier. They will send signals at intervals detailing their precise location down to fractions of inches, cluing scientists in on the glacier’s current speed as well as any changes in predicted motion.

What can the public expect to learn from the study? As with previous glacier studies, scientists will be able to make predictions about climate change based on glacier movements and their relationship to temperatures and storm patterns, all part of the larger study of global climate. The difference with the Byrd Glacier study, however, is that the tracking units will provide base data for scientists to use as a comparison point when changes happen. Without this base data, determining the meaning of glacial movements and speeds must rely heavily on speculation.

The field of GPS tracking has enhanced industries across the spectrum of society, from law enforcement to car dealerships to construction companies. As the technology continues to penetrate the various structures of society, it can also help ensure that our planet will be around for many centuries to come by giving scientists the information they need to study and predict changes in global climate patterns.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

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Since Iceland is a sparsely populated area, probably relatively few noticed when Eyjafjallajokull, a large volcano began to erupt in March of this spring.  However, nearly a month later, when the large ash cloud from the volcano was interrupting flights and forcing travellers to change their plans, many could not help but notice.

Scientists from Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands had been observing the volcano with GPS tracking technology for several years.  These volcanologists began watching Eyjafjallajokull more closely starting in 2009 when they noticed more activity.  According to Kurt Feigl, a geoscience professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it is fairly easy to predict when a volcano is going to erupt by the smaller disturbances that take place prior to a major eruption.

A few months before erupting, Eyjafjallajokull was warning the world with minor earthquakes that an eruption was coming.  Scientists studying the Icelandic volcano could actually hear magma beginning to move inside the volcano.  The next sign that an eruption was coming was the growth of the volcano.  Magma from deep in the earth began to rise through the network of channels (called “plumbing” by volcanologists) inside the volcano, causing the sides of the volcano to expand.

The international team of scientists and researchers noticed the expansion when the GPS research station located on Eyjafjallajokull’s side moved slightly.  The scientists studying the volcano decided to put in more GPS stations to watch the volcano more closely.  They did not have to wait long; lava began to spew out of Eyjafjallajokull only a few weeks later.  After a brief intermission, the volcano erupted again, this time creating a huge ash cloud that made the atmosphere so murky, air traffic over Europe was affected for weeks.

Fortunately, this was the extent of the damage the Icelandic volcano caused.  With the help of GPS techonology and advanced satellite systems, scientists are usually able to predict when a natural disaster like a volcanic eruption is going to occur.  GPS stations help monitor volcanoes like this Icelandic mountain.

GPS technology is also used to monitor other natural phenomena such as movements along the fault lines and atmospheric temperature changes.  By using this advanced technology, researchers are sometimes able to predict natural disasters before they happen and possibly save lives.  At the least, scientists using GPS equipment can gain valuable information about the world we live in.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

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Imagine trying to fight a raging forest fire without maps or knowing how much acreage is involved. Maps have long been important tools for firefighters and are now even more effective with the advent of GPS tracking. The old method was to fly over the fire, while sketching it out over topographic maps. The maps are crucial to show the location of the fire, how fast it is spreading, and to determine the particular firefighting difficulties likely to be encountered due to the terrain. However, sometimes sketches are not totally accurate and their rendering takes some time. Smoke on the ground often makes it difficult to see the perimeter of the fire clearly.

GPS, or the Global Positioning System, is a global navigation satellite system that consists of 24 satellites put in place and owned by the U.S. Department of Defense. It is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver and transmits the device’s latitude, longitude and altitude, as well as time.

How GPS Fights Fires

New firefighting methodology uses GPS tracking units to pinpoint receivers on the ground, allowing an accurate map to be created of the fire’s perimeter. The detail produced by the GPS satellite imagery gives firefighters an accurate picture of the extent of the fire so that they can gather resources, plan the most efficient battle plan, and keep themselves out of harm’s way. If it becomes necessary to call in firefighters from outlying areas for extra help, GPS can help them get to the right location and transmit the emergency services’ positions to each other. In the event that someone is in trouble, help can be easily coordinated to get to the individual quickly. This also ensures that firefighters are never left behind. An added benefit GPS technology offers is that it can be used to map lightening strikes, which then can be viewed by pilots who fly over later and check the area for smoke.

GPS tracking can be of great benefit to firefighters at multiple levels – mapping the fire, locating and directing personnel to the hot spots, directing rescue efforts if necessary, and sending additional help to the right location. In these days when raging wildfires can burn for days and consume hundreds and thousands of acres, every available tool should be used to make firefighting as effective, efficient and safe as possible. This will also make the best use of resources and personnel, thereby saving money. In fact, this clever use of GPS tracking can even pay for itself in the long run.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

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Hurricanes and tropical storms are just part of everyday life in Florida. Houses are built on high foundations, windows have hurricane shutters, and building codes are high. Florida citizens prepare yearly for power outages and flash floods. They are always stocked up on food and water and keep their flashlights in easy-to-find places. When they hear that a hurricane is coming, Floridians shut down and unplug their computers, secure their boats, and bring all of their patio furniture indoors. Could more be done to help Floridians weather the storms that so frequently occur? Could GPS trackers help? Absolutely!

GPS tracking devices are small units that can be attached to a vehicle, object, or person to track any movement. Passive trackers record precise location, speed, and direction, and the information from these units can then be downloaded onto a computer and viewed. Real time GPS trackers send signals out to satellites giving the same information, which can then be viewed on a virtual map using any computer with internet access. These systems have been used to track high-value items that could be stolen as well as record record-breaking achievements and competitions. And now they are being used to help Floridians during a power loss.

Florida Power and Light, a company that services the South Florida area, is incorporating GPS trackers into their business. These tracking units will allow them to see where their service trucks are located at all times so they can send the closest one to an area of power outage. Adding GPS technology to their company will allow Florida Power and Light to meet the needs of their customers much more quickly and efficiently which will lead to greater customer satisfaction.

Customers will also be able to notify Florida Power and Light of areas that have lost power. Those who have lost power can use their cell phones to either call, text, or send an email to the company.

GPS trackers will allow Florida Power and Light and other utility companies to respond quickly to the needs of the community, no matter what the circumstances are. Responding quickly is very important, not only for customer satisfaction, but for community safety. When they hear of a coming storm, Floridians can rest assured, not only because they themselves are prepared, but also because they know their utility company is ready as well.

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By DONNA SANTI / guest columnist

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-          Donna Santi is a creative writer for LandAirSea Systems, a Woodstock, IL-based manufacturer and distributor of expertly-engineered GPS tracking systems, software and accessories. For information about LandAirSea, visit www.landairsea.com. To contact the writer, email donna.santi@landairsea.com

As the tolls of dead and injured from the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti keep rising, aid workers are organizing in the impoverished Caribbean nation for the grim task of recovering bodies from the rubble.

GPS & Haiti Earthquake

A representative from the American Red Cross who arrived at Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti near the epicenter, said the disaster was worse than he had imagined. Those who perished could number in the hundreds of thousands. There is inadequate hospital space for all the injured. Thousands of homes are flattened, many of them dangerous, rickety shacks.

Officials are appealing for medical care, trained rescue teams and everyday items used for comfort and well-being like diapers, water, clothing, shoes and blankets.

The world’s first glimpses into the 7.0 magnitude devastation were in videos Haitians posted on Twitter and YouTube. Celebrities urged their Twitter fans to text donations from their mobile devices and $1 million was pledged to one nonprofit in just one day. It proves that technology is firmly entrenched in our lives. The worldwide grasp even extends to a small, underdeveloped country like Haiti.

So it is almost certain that GPS tracking systems will be among the tools in the cleanup. How will GPS tracking devices be used to put the toppled Caribbean nation back on its feet?

It is unlikely any GPS tracking devices are transmitting their location coordinates from under feet of concrete, metal and wood, serving as beacons to people in need of aid. Haiti is an impoverished nation. Natives of Haiti average about $2 a day in wages. The average citizen would not own a cell phone, let alone an independent GPS tracking device.

But GPS tracking is also a great tool for law enforcement and search and rescue teams during natural disasters because it can pinpoint locations of receivers within a couple of feet of accuracy. Those watching the recovery efforts probably will see or hear about GPS technology being used for its locating and mapping qualities. GPS tracking has become an important part of all kinds of emergency response missions, from directing emergency vehicles to finding bodies.

In the days immediately following a natural disaster of this magnitude, confusion usually ensues. Massive groups of volunteers might lack leadership. The same buildings might be searched over and over while others remain untouched. Bodies could be counted twice or more. Then there is the language barrier (most Haitians speak Creole).

How GPS Might Help in Haiti:

• Vehicle tracking devices could be installed in all emergency response and volunteer mobile units for an emergency fleet management program. Rescue coordinators could easily identify and monitor all their vehicles at the same time on a digital map. The application could be accessed by others in the field via laptop computers.
• GPS tracking and locating services can be used to map out the area of destruction and then divide it into a geographic grid so rescue efforts are maximized rather than duplicated.
• Rescuers can be issued GPS-enabled handhelds. The volunteers could note and geotag search areas that must later be revisited. Rubble is rubble, unless each pile is distinguished by its own, unique GPS location coordinates. Helpers in the field could note the location of landmarks, human fatalities, physical hazards, etc. and they will be known to all by their latitude and longitude indexes. In 2001 during 9/11, GPS tracking was just coming into common use, yet it was invaluable for the Herculean task of identifying body parts and personal belongings in New York.
• Special equipment and software could be created to integrate GPS with other technologies such infrared, night vision or heat-detecting cameras (or remote-controlled robots!) to infiltrate or get into the rubble where an average size human could not without considerable digging and effort.
• Disaster relief sites such as first aid, water, emergency shelter and public address stations could be identified by GPS tracking and locating services and people could be accurately and quickly guided to those areas, regardless of their point of origin.
• Rescuers trapped under a fresh structural collapse are more likely to be found if they are carrying GPS-equipped mobile devices.

Embrace Technology

As impersonal as technology might seem to some people, it could also be said that it has a unifying quality. It works on an international scale and makes the physical distances between us seem to disappear. Only in this modern age, with the Internet, text messaging, Twitter, YouTube, wireless cellular communications and Global Positioning System satellites, could disaster strike in a remote area of the world, and then help arrive within hours of that tragedy.

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