FindMeSAR - For anyone calling 911 with a cell phone

[Jelf]

FindMeSAR (http://findmesar.compublic service browser app that is intended to be very basic. SAR means Search And Rescue. Many of you that read this forum will have no use for this app since your phone already has a full featured navigation app that can display your coordinates. But this very basic app might be useful for people you know who are clueless about coordinates.

Caution! backup planyou need to know that because you can probably provide coordinates with an accuracy value of less than 10 meters. If you ever have to call 911 you should speak their language and ask: 30 secondsyellow screen).

Each screen displays (1) your coordinates, (2) an accuracy value and (3) a timestamp. FindMeSAR will continue to update your location. Typically if you are outside your location will be fixed to less than 10 meters in well under a minute. If you give this information to 911, then give all 3 pieces simply by standing someplace that you can see on the Google aerial, running FindMeSAR, turning on the map and seeing if the circle includes your location.

Android users: If you go to location services in your setup, then you can pick from:
1. High accuracy (uses GPS, cell tower, wi-fi, etc)
2. Power saving (ignores your GPS!)
3. GPS only (also called Device only)
I recommend #3 since there are multiple reports that #1 is less accurate. YMMV.

For the most accurate coordinates you should be outside with a reasonably good view of the sky. If you are inside you could stand by a window. In a car you could place your phone under the windshield.

Documentation is also online at:

http://findmesar.com/p/911-wireless-location-accuracy.html

FindMeSAR works online and offline. For more information on offline use please see the additional documentation link just above and click "Read FindMeSAR part 3". That webpage also has other useful information.

Finally, if you think this post is particularly useful and would like an easy way to tell others, feel welcome to share the April 15, 2016 post I made on the Gmap4 facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/Gmap4/

[j-shot]

Thanks for your effort this seems cool.

No offense but I hope nobody ever needs it.

FindMeSAR (http://findmesar.compublic service browser app that is intended to be very basic. SAR means Search And Rescue. Many of you that read this forum will have no use for this app since your phone already has a full featured navigation app that can display your coordinates. But this very basic app might be useful for people you know who are clueless about coordinates.

Caution! backup planyou need to know that because you can probably provide coordinates with an accuracy value of less than 10 meters. If you ever have to call 911 you should speak their language and ask: 30 secondsyellow screen).

Each screen displays (1) your coordinates, (2) an accuracy value and (3) a timestamp. FindMeSAR will continue to update your location. Typically if you are outside your location will be fixed to less than 10 meters in well under a minute. If you give this information to 911, then give all 3 pieces simply by standing someplace that you can see on the Google aerial, running FindMeSAR, turning on the map and seeing if the circle includes your location.

Android users: If you go to location services in your setup, then you can pick from:
1. High accuracy (uses GPS, cell tower, wi-fi, etc)
2. Power saving (ignores your GPS!)
3. GPS only (also called Device only)
I recommend #3 since there are multiple reports that #1 is less accurate. YMMV.

For the most accurate coordinates you should be outside with a reasonably good view of the sky. If you are inside you could stand by a window. In a car you could place your phone under the windshield.

Documentation is also online at:

http://findmesar.com/p/911-wireless-location-accuracy.html

FindMeSAR works online and offline. For more information on offline use please see the additional documentation link just above and click "Read FindMeSAR part 3". That webpage also has other useful information.

Finally, if you think this post is particularly useful and would like an easy way to tell others, feel welcome to share the April 15, 2016 post I made on the Gmap4 facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Gmap4/

[Marauder2003]

Well, works for me. Both on and off line. I was surprised to learn that even in airplane mode my Samsung still reads the GPS sats . . Same with my iPad Pro.

I have GPS Test Plus on my phone. This website matches that app very closely.
And the Google circle and the app circle coincide.

Well done, Jelf.

[Jelf]

Thanks for the kind words.

And yes, hope no one needs it.

[Marauder2003]

Users are never happy.

If I may, 2 suggested enhancements.

1. If possible display elevation
2. Add way to save preferred display format

[Jelf]

Users are never happy.

If I may, 2 suggested enhancements.

1. If possible display elevation
2. Add way to save preferred display format

Definitely good ideas.

1. The method my code uses to get the coordinates simply does not provide access to elevation data. But, the USGS runs a service that returns elevation if my codes sends them a lat lng. I'm thinking that when someone uses my app and hits "Stop" then - if the browser is online - my code could get elevation from the USGS and display it.

2. Yeah, there is a way to save preferred display format but I have so far not been excited about making 'cookies'. But your suggestion is the first time I am seriously considering the idea.

Thanks for the input

[sarbiker]

Jeff - did you consult with any SAR groups such as BASARC Bay Area Search And Rescue Council or NASAR National Association of Search And Rescue? And are you a member of a SAR team? PM me if you need contact info for these groups.

[SkyHawk]

Nice! I taught my wife long ago how to read, copy and text her coordinates from the built in compass app on iDevices. But anything that makes it easier for her is welcomed, so we'll check this out!

So this only works if you have a cell signal so you can give the coordinates to someone in a time of need. SMS is great when you have a weak signal, often times it will work when you cannot get voice comms over cell. So it would be nice if this app makes it easy to SMS the coordinates directly from within the app.

But this is no substitute for EPIRB/PLB, which is what I carry when I am adventuring. Nothing like talking back to the satellites - they are always there even when a cell tower is not. And most PLBs also broadcast on guard channels for final DF.

Can't wait to check out your app OP, I am going to d/l it now... EDIT - just saw this is a browser app only. Would be way better as an app.

[Jelf]

Jeff - did you consult with any SAR groups such as BASARC Bay Area Search And Rescue Council or NASAR National Association of Search And Rescue? And are you a member of a SAR team? PM me if you need contact info for these groups.

J e l f, not Jeff. You are not the first

Over the years I have traveled in the backcountry a fair bit on foot, skis and horseback. Fortunately I have never needed to call for help but I know people that have not been as lucky. This project is part of my way to show appreciation for all those involved in SAR and other emergency response.

No, I am not part of any SAR group. However many wildland SAR responders are part of a google group focused on GIS and SAR and I have posted there.

Currently the app is being reviewed by

http://appcomm.org/

Once I get their endorsement then I will contact individual groups including the ones you mentioned.

[Jelf]

So this only works if you have a cell signal so you can give the coordinates to someone in a time of need.

The first time you open FindMeSAR is installs on your phone just like a native app. Takes under 100KB of memory. Since it installs on your phone it runs offline just fine. The app includes an icon that you can save on your homescreen.

SMS is great when you have a weak signal, often times it will work when you cannot get voice comms over cell. So it would be nice if this app makes it easy to SMS the coordinates directly from within the app.

I considered doing something with SMS and then decided not to. Since FindMeSAR works offline, you can use it to get your coordinates and accuracy and then text that data to 911 or to anyone else.

Adding any SMS stuff into my app would mean my app has another failure point. Instead, my design goal was to use the smallest amount of tech that would quickly and accurately display your coordinates. KISS!

Can't wait to check out your app OP, I am going to d/l it now... EDIT - just saw this is a browser app only. Would be way better as an app.

It is a special kind of browser app that will install itself on your phone. See the documentation for more info and how to delete it if you do not want it.

[sarbiker]

Jelf damn auto correct using the tapatalk app for Mobil CalGuns. Cool I'll check out your app on a hike tomorrow. SB

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[Jelf]

Users are never happy.

If I may, 2 suggested enhancements.

1. If possible display elevation
2. Add way to save preferred display format

If you open FindMeSAR again it will be upodated to v1.5 which implements #2. The app will now remember the coordinate format you were looking at when you stop using the app. The next time you open the app that same format will be displayed.

I will also add support for #1 but the USGS server that provides elevation data appears to be down and there is no staff support on weekends.

[Marauder2003]

Thanks.

Guess our taxes don't cover 27/7 USGS support.

[Marauder2003]

Jelf,

I did something to my phone. Samsung S5 running Lollipop.

The app worked once. Now it tells me location permission denied when using Chrome. It works using Firefox but does not leave an icon on the desktop.

Chrome alone shows my location.

[Jelf]

Jelf,

I did something to my phone. Samsung S5 running Lollipop.

The app worked once. Now it tells me location permission denied when using Chrome. It works using Firefox but does not leave an icon on the desktop.

Chrome alone shows my location.

It's not you. It's your browser.
The most recent version of chrome refuses to do certain things unless the website uses HTTPS.
And one thing it refuses to do is geolocation.

This is actually a good thing since it moves the internet toward being more secure.

I am working getting ready to convert the 3 websites I own from HTTP to HTTPS. There is lots to learn and some of the 'best practices' are a bit of a moving target.

The good news is that I just about have got my head fully wrapped around this and hope to get my domains converted by the end of the week.

Bottomline - please try the app again in a few days.