GPS SOS How to Stay Safe in Remote Areas
Adding a GPS SOS to your fleet can be an additional safety measure for drivers. It can also help you spot trends like excessive idling and save on fuel.
This device pairs with a phone and doesn’t require a separate subscription. It uses the GEOS international emergency response system and has 100% coverage worldwide.
Features
Since the iPhone 14 rolled out its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature last year there have been several reported cases of people using it to get help in remote areas. This is a very cool new technology that has potential to be lifesaving but it’s important to understand that an iPhone is not a substitute for a dedicated satellite messenger like Garmin's inReach devices or SPOT's.
The GPS SOS feature works by connecting to a series of satellites that are part of the Globalstar network. The device uses its GPS position and internal gyroscope to locate available satellites before sending the signal. Once the signal is sent it sends location, medical and battery data to a 24/7 GEOS emergency response center that then communicates with rescue personnel in your area.
Most GPS messengers also enable you to have two-way communications with your Emergency Contacts (at an additional cost). This enables the ability to update details of your situation and communicate that you need help without having to use a handheld satellite phone.
Most models, with the exception of the Spot X (which is built around pairing with your phone) also offer tracking functions that can be viewed by Trip Contacts and family members on a web portal. This allows you to track the progress of a hike or trip without having to constantly update your Trip Contacts on the status of the trek.
Messages
A device that allows you to send a distress message via satellite is an indispensable piece of gear for many backcountry enthusiasts. But, hitting the SOS button feels intimidating – like you’ve just pushed in the cavalry that’s going to use every resource available. This is especially true if you have a device that only has one-way communication capability, like a PLB (like the ACR ResQLink View) or an InReach or SPOT satellite communicator.
When you press SOS on a two-way satellite device, it immediately alerts a private search and rescue service (GEOS is the standard bearer) that help is required. GEOS then works with local authorities to determine the best response team for your situation. This could include a police or park ranger, helicopters, the Coast Guard or other government agencies.
On iPhones, the SOS feature uses Apple’s built-in emergency responders. It will also use the GPS on your phone to record your location. It will ask you to answer a series of pre-programmed questions to get a better sense of your situation. It will then send that information to the appropriate emergency services.
To use the SOS feature on an iPhone, you must activate the power or top button five times. Then, the phone will connect to a satellite and transmit a signal that includes your GPS location. It will then contact the Emergency Response Center through an encrypted connection, and will provide your current GPS location and battery life to the response team.
Coverage
Apple hasn’t said too much about its new satellite service, but it works by locating nearby Globalstar-connected satellites and helping you to point your phone in their direction. It requires Location Services to be turned on and a clear view of the sky. Dense vegetation, tall structures, and canyons can slow down or block the connection.
The feature is similar to PLBs and satellite messengers, which use commercial satellite networks to send SOS signals from remote locations. They also rely on GPS satellites to identify your location and communicate with first responders, who can communicate with you via two-way text messages as they coordinate your rescue. These devices are popular among backpackers, mountain bikers, and kayakers who want to travel in remote areas without cellular coverage.
Unlike PLBs, which can be used by anyone with a smartphone, the SOS feature only works on phones purchased in the United States or Canada. This restriction is likely due to the limitations of Globalstar’s network. In addition, the service will only work in areas that are covered by GEOS’s International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC).
If you’re interested in a backcountry SOS device, consider buying a ZOLEO. This Iridium-based accessory extends your smartphone’s messaging coverage to everywhere on Earth and lets you send SOS distress signals for free. Its SOS function routes your call to the IERCC, where an employee can contact local search and rescue teams while maintaining a text-based conversation with you.
Cost
There are a number of GPS tracker devices that have SOS emergency calls and text features. They can help lone workers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts stay safe by alerting the authorities if they become lost or injured. However, it's a much better option to have a separate GPS tracker with a built-in SOS button, which can provide even more protection by letting you call for help without needing your phone.
One of the best GPS tracking SOS devices is the Alphahom, which has a large SOS button that is easy to find with your hands. This makes it perfect for elderly people who may be struggling to press a small button, and also for children who have autism or anxiety issues. The device also automatically detects falls and connects to our 24/7 monitoring station without needing a user to push a button.
To use the iPhone's 'Emergency SOS via satellite' feature, you need to be outside and have a clear view of the sky. Dense foliage, canyons, mountains, and tall structures will slow down or block the connection.
To make the emergency SOS work, Apple and Globalstar have set up a series of ground stations to receive the signals. However, the feature is only available in areas that have cellular networks that support it. It's not yet available in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao, for example, because of concerns about eSIM and other cellular frequencies that interfere with satellite communications.
