Tracking security staff at large-scale events

The tracking devices use GPS to determine their

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location, and LoRa to transmit their data. LoRa is a wireless data transmission protocol specifically tailored to the Internet of Things, with a range of several kilometers. This long range allowed using just two antennas to fully and redundantly cover the whole area of the Rhine in Flames event. "One major advantage of our system is that it works independently of cell phone networks and at the same time requires a minimal infrastructure of its own," adds Marco Jahn.
The tracking devices also feature something like a panic button: A big red button that the user can push in an emergency. This action will highlight the position of the corresponding unit in the digital situation map and display additional information. "We aim to make the tough job of the security forces on the ground easier, to improve the safety of everybody involved," Marco Jahn goes on to explain.
Over the Rhine in Flames weekend, police officers, firefighters, emergency care assistants, and stewards worked with a total of 45 tracking devices. All involved were satisfied with the user experience and acknowledged the system's benefits. "To be aware of the current locations of all security forces is extremely useful and greatly improves communication and coordination during such events," says Malik Dine, City of Bonn Department of Public Order.

Fraunhofer FIT developed the system, including the tracking devices, antennas, and the digital situation map, in the European MONICA project. The system is suited to all kinds of events. The MONICA project will again demonstrate it during Pützchens Markt in Bonn (6—10 September 2019) and Fête des Lumières in Lyon (5—8 December 2019).

https://phys.org/news/2019-06-tracking-staff-large-scale-events.html