Development of performance metrics and test methods for first responder location and tracking systems

Abstract

The need for the development of performance requirements, metrics and test methods for evaluation of location and tracking systems is increasing as these systems begin to become commercially available for use by emergency responders. A working group was recently formed at the 5th Annual PPL Workshop consisting of members of the various emergency responder communities, representatives of government agencies, and location and tracking system manufacturers with plans to collect and share information about their ongoing efforts that have bearing on this effort. The goal of the working group is to develop baseline performance requirements for reliable and interoperable indoor location systems for emergency responders and develop test procedures to validate vendor systems against those requirements. The final deliverable will be a proposed draft document in acceptable format to be presented to appropriate standards developing organization(s). The following text describes in broad terms the steps by which the draft document will be created.