Satellite Asset Finder and Emergency Response
SAFER is an Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) system that allows city vehicles to transmit position and many other types of vehicle information automatically.  This helps managers make decisions and respond dynamically in "real time."  This is accomplished through the use of an on-board unit that receives position coordinates from a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and relays that position to City of Jacksonville computer systems.  This system not only provides vehicle position, but also many other types of vehicle data (known as telemetrics) that were previously unavailable to managers as decision making tools.

Specific Uses of AVL
  - Assisting drivers in routing trips
  - Improving vehicle maintenance through schedule automation
  - Instant identification of the best responder to customer needs based on visually seeing position of closest driver
  - Better informed response to safety issues -- including calls from concerned residents
  - Tracking stolen city vehicles
  - Improved gas usage by identifying vehicles in idle longer than necessary
  - Helping managers ensure good coverage and better efficiency for mosquito spraying operations
  - Providing more accurate information regarding traffic issues
  - Helping to identify and deploy resources during a natural disaster such as a hurricane

Can I See More?
For specific examples of how AVL is implemented in Jacksonville, click on the "How Does It Help" link provided to the left.