What are tracking systems?
Tracking systems display the location of the tracker on receiving devices such as computers and mobile phones. Therefore, trackers can be used to monitor the location and progress of groups on expeditions.
However, great care must be taken to ensure they do not compromise either the number of supervising adults or the team’s feeling of isolation and self-reliance.
Within the context of a DofE expedition, satellite trackers and communicators should be thought of as additional safety equipment, rather than a navigation tool.
A tracking device can be placed on a participant’s rucksack. This can transmit location information via the satellite network, then to secure servers and finally to receivers, such as mobile phones or computers.
Supervisors, Assessors, Leaders, Licensed Organisations and emergency contacts can then monitor the team’s location and progress.
A complete integrated solution will provide base-control, in-field and remote access to tracking data via a secure network.
One-way messaging allows SOS alerts, check-ins and customisable standard messages from a satellite tracker, and two-way satellite communicators are available for leaders.
Using tracking systems can be an effective way of supporting team safety and keeping Leaders informed on groups’ locations.
Tracking systems are a useful safety aid, but they can also be used to identify navigation mistakes and evaluate performance feedback to participants. When used correctly, it can be a valuable teaching tool.
We have partnered with 3S Group since 2012 and could not recommend their solution highly enough. They offer the most robust tracking solution on the market, for planning on PC, downloading maps to track groups on your laptop or mobile in the field, and with back up options including Track SMS (to track where no internet connectivity), and to ‘Locate’ any mobile.
There have been a number of occasions in which 3S Group have provided emergency help and support to countless DofE groups since the partnership started in 2012.
- Once monitored a group who went off course by almost 2km, being monitored all the way, but realising their mistake, properly navigated back onto the correct route. No intervention necessary and a hand-clap on getting back on course by themselves. Of course, had the traditional checkpoints been used, then not having seen the group, would have led to the leaders scurrying around looking for them. In this case, there was no concern, just careful monitoring.
- Another example was a Gold practice group navigating the Devon footpaths before they hit Dartmoor, and incorrectly entering the wrong field, looking for a non-existent exit, before finally after a couple of laps of the field, getting back on track by themselves. In both cases no intervention was necessary, but each time the group were being monitored. The Devon group came back asking to be shown where they had gone wrong and that was easily remedied by showing the track of their movements.
3S Group offer purchase or hire options to suit all groups, with the only hire solution on the market to provide Apps on iOS and Android, text back-up and an internet portal to complete the product suite. Combined with proven tracking devices, this provides a unique solution for enhancing safety on all expeditions.
The ZOLEO Young Explorers Discount Program – In collaboration with the 3S Group Limited and the DofE, ZOLEO has launched their Young Explorers Discount Program. This discount program allows DofE participants, Scout Groups, and Cadet Forces to benefit from exclusive preferential pricing.
ZOLEO are offering:
- Free activation, saving £23 per device (inc. Vat)
- Discount of 15% on all subscription plans for the term of the plan.
On a typical 3-month hire, this reduces the total cost of the subscription plan by 30%, and when combined with the 3S Group educational discount price for the ZOLEO device, this now makes seamless two-way communication and tracking more affordable for expeditions.
- Peace of mind for DofE Leaders and Assessors.
- Remote supervision allows Leaders/Assessors to supervise from afar, allowing greater autonomy for participants on their expeditions.
- Tracking of multiple groups in multiple locations.
- Tracker charges are fully flexible, reducing costs of entry and use.
- Fully comprehensive and integrated control and backup solutions.
- Trusted by many existing DofE groups.
- Compatible with the eDofE Mapping system to permit the transfer of data.
- Cost-effective technological solutions to aid effective management.
- 24/7 back-up and emergency support.
- Save on fuel due to a known location.
If you are interested in finding out how to enhance the experience, education and safety of all involved in your expeditions, please hit the button below to request a call back.
You will receive a no obligation quotation from 3S Group. You can also contact them on 01392 241428 or by email to [email protected]
You can also join their Facebook Tracking Users Group, which provides exclusive offers and discounts, free advice, tracking trips and instructional videos. Join here
