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.)