Google looking to improve 911 call location accuracy in the US

Google has set out to make it easier for emergency responders to locate callers who use mobile phones instead of landlines to call in an emergency. Carrier-based location reports or those calls made on mobile phones have been less than accurate when it comes to determining the location. Google is testing out a new system to help get 911 operators faster and more accurate information.

In December and January, Android users based in Texas, Tennessee, and Florida who called 911 had their locations routed to dispatchers via Google’s system. RapidSOS, a company involved in the project, said that 80% of the cases, Google’s location data was more accurate than those provided by the carrier’s. Google’s method was able to show an average location radius of 121 feet, which trumps the 522 feet average from a cell network location. The location data got to the dispatchers quicker as well. Google is looking to expand the system around the US later in the year. The company will be at a 911 industry conference this week to present its findings.

Source: Android Police