TEMECULA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Airbus DS Communications, a pioneer in public safety communications, announced today that it has launched a new solution within its VESTA^® 9-1-1 portfolio – VESTA^® Map Local. The new mapping platform was developed with Airbus DS Communications‘ technology partner GeoComm. It is one of the first mapping systems to integrate both RapidSOS location technology and the Esri^® ArcGIS online maps. These capabilities help Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) improve location accuracy for indoor wireless calls and offer unprecedented user performance and map display speed. Plus, the VESTA Map Local solution integrates with the company’s leading VESTA 9-1-1 call handling system, saving PSAPs valuable seconds when they matter most.

Today, 80 percent of 9-1-1 calls are made through a wireless device. Wireless calls often do not provide precise caller location quickly. With the integration of the RapidSOS NG911 Clearinghouse, PSAPs now have the ability to pinpoint wireless callers’ locations more quickly and with greater accuracy. The technology transmits precise, device-based hybrid locations from smartphones directly to the VESTA 9-1-1 console by using all available sensors on modern smartphone devices – including GPS, WiFi Access Points, bluetooth beacons, and barometric pressure sensors.

“We are proud to deliver a new state-of-the-art mapping solution for our VESTA 9-1-1 customers," said Jeff Robertson, President and CEO of Airbus DS Communications. “With the rise in mobile phones, it is imperative that public safety agencies have the tools and technology they need to easily locate individuals calling 9-1-1 from a wireless device. Our new VESTA MAP Local solution, especially with integration to the RapidSOS NG911 Clearinghouse, gives PSAPs the ability to tap into data readily available on smartphones to hasten response time."

The Medina County Sherriff’s Office, a three position PSAP, located in Texas and The Collier County Sherriff’s Office, a 36 position PSAP, located in Florida were beta partners for the VESTA Map Local solution. Both were eager to adopt the new technology to strengthen public safety communications for their communities.

"Our Calltakers feel that the new mapping system is clearer and more precise when looking for a residence or key points," said Medina County Sheriff, Randy Brown. "It's now easier to look up addresses since the quality of the county map has been enhanced. If a caller does not know their exact address or location, our new mapping system will update the location on the Calltakers' screens which decreases response times and provides a more accurate location."

“Over the past several months we have seen firsthand the positive impact that the availability of faster and more accurate device-based location can have on emergency response," said Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS. “We are excited to work with Airbus DS Communications to make this lifesaving functionality available to PSAPs nationwide through the VESTA^® platform."

The VESTA Map Local solution is also one of the first to use the innovative Esri^® ArcGIS Runtime platform. With Esri, a leader in geographic information systems (GIS), and the ArcGIS online maps, VESTA Map Local users will be able to extend Telecommunicators’ views outside county lines, where no map or GIS data previously existed. This means that, whether a wireless call originates inside or outside of a county, 9-1-1 Calltakers will have contextual data – including streets or common points of interest such as lakes or streams – to help them locate callers.

For information on Airbus DS Communications and our portfolio of Public Safety communications solutions, visit www.airbus-dscomm.com.  To learn more about improving your 9-1-1 location accuracy, click here.

Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2016, it generated revenues of €67 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as Europe’s number one space enterprise and the world’s second largest space business. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Airbus DS Communications ( www.airbus-dscomm.com )

Airbus DS Communications, Inc. is a global leader and trusted source for mission-critical communications technologies. The VESTA^® product suite provides Next Generation 9-1-1 call processing systems, land mobile radio solutions and emergency notification applications, creating smarter ways to keep all our communities safe. Airbus DS Communications was awarded the Frost and Sullivan's 2016 Best Practices Award as the NG9-1-1 Company of the Year. www.airbus-dscomm.com

RapidSOS ( www.rapidsos.com )

RapidSOS is an award-winning emergency technology company that builds transformative technology to save lives. Partnering with Internet of Things (IoT) companies and the public safety community, RapidSOS provides a rich data link to public safety – sending lifesaving data to aid in emergency response. By analyzing data around when and where emergencies are occurring, RapidSOS is developing technology to predict and preempt emergencies and dynamically warn people in harm's way – a complete paradigm shift from emergency response to emergency prediction and preemption. Learn more: www.rapidsos.com.

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Flynn Nogueira
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