How Does SPOT Technology Work?

ALERT 911: Use this function In the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your exact location and that you need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide – for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe.

How It Works: Once activated, SPOT will acquire its exact coordinates from the GPS network, and send that location along with a distress message to a GEOS International Emergency Response Center every five minutes until cancelled. The Emergency Response Center notifies the appropriate emergency responders based on your location and personal information – which may include local police, highway patrol, the Coast Guard, our country’s embassy or consulate, or other emergency response or search and rescue teams – as well as notifying your emergency contact person(s) about the receipt of a distress signal.

Important Note: Unlimited Alert 911 usage is included as part of the low-cost SPOT service plan.

Even if SPOT cannot acquire its location from the GPS network it will still attempt to send a distress signal – without exact location – to the Emergency Response Center, which will still notify your contacts of the signal and continue to monitor the network for further messages.

SPOT is designed for maximum reliability. Spot performs a self-diagnostic test each time it is powered on. Additionally, Spot strongly recommends that you send and verify an OK/Check message each time before use. This allows you to evaluate your entire messaging system, from the operational condition of the messenger to the readiness of those you’ve chosen to notify of your messages.

SPOT sends your GPS coordinates to a GEOS Emergency Response Center every 5 minutes, allowing you to keep moving if necessary. Emergency responders are then updated with your last known location.

Because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works virtually anywhere. All it needs is a clear view of the sky.

911 Emergency Services Powered by GEOS Alliance

GEOS offers a wide variety of services that encompass security, safety and reliable communications for corporations as well as domestic and international travelers. The GEOS program is delivered through a fusion of state-of-the-art technology with the unparalleled experience of the very best and most respected specialists in the fields of international, personal and corporate protection and communications. To learn more about GEOS and the full range of services offered worldwide, visit http://www.geosalliance.com/sar.

Product Registration

Once you've received the device, you'll need to activate it and register online with the SPOT. This can be done by logging on to http://www.findmespot.com/myaccount.aspx or calling them at 1-866-651-7768.

To create your SPOT account, you'll need to supply the following during the registration process:

• Select a subscription plan
• Enter your personal information including a credit card number
• Enter your device serial number and 8-digit authentication code located inside the battery compartment
• Set up your SPOT team. These are friends and family members you wish to receive SPOT messages. The messages can be sent to a cell phone or email account and can be changed anytime by logging in to your account.

Additional Services

As noted on other pages, SPOT basic tracking service is $99.00 per year. They also offer additional service options:

• SPOTcasting - tracking service that allows you to use waypoints to mark your progress in real time as you travel. Your SPOT team can monitor you online with this feature.
• GEOS Rescue Service - this is a global private search and rescue operation. Information on this can be found at www.geosalliance.com