Why a U.S. National Grid Emergency Location Marker?
Problem:
- 34% of U.S. response calls go to a location without a street address – recreational trails are a leading category
- Trails with location signs typically employ an approach which is unique to that park or trail system
- Locally unique marking systems have NO VALUE to responders unless those locations are READILY AVAILABLE in dispatch and response systems
Solution:
- Develop a standardized Emergency Location Marker (ELM) which can be used anywhere in the nation in a variety of scenarios
- Align the marking system with established federal and state cartographic and signage standards
- Ensure the format leverages GPS instead of requiring constant updating of Computer Aided Dispatch systems
- Use a consistent approach which over time will become instantly recognizable by the public
- Involve multiple stakeholders during development to ensure a “Best Practices” outcome
Result:

Responder "Star of Life" Symbol - avoids Red Cross proprietary issue
15T - UTM Grid Zone; 4x6 degrees - an area large enough to cover most of Minnesota and Iowa
WM - USNG/MGRS 100 KM Square - approximately 62x62 miles size area
8 USNG digits - called into a 911 response center provide 33’ accuracy within an area of approximately 3,861 square miles.
Federal Highway Administration standards - Color: Traffic Control Blue; Font: Highway Gothic
(Location as shown is a trail intersection on the Chester Park Trail, Duluth, Minnesota. Go there.)