2026 Agenda

Accurately locating first responders in three dimensions is one of the most critical, and most elusive, capabilities for public safety operations. While x/y (horizontal) positioning is well-established, z-axis (vertical) accuracy remains challenging in real-world deployments. Why is z so difficult? This session explores the unique barriers to reliable vertical location, including indoor signal behavior, barometric sensor limitations, device variability, multipath interference in urban canyons, and the absence of consistent integration standards for dispatch and mapping systems.

Drawing from ongoing research and field evaluations, we will examine the gap between what commercial LBS technologies currently deliver and what first responders actually need in life-critical scenarios. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of why vertical location lags, what emerging technologies and standards are showing promise, and how research-driven insights can guide future reinvestments in public-safety broadband and location-based services that finally make "where" include the third dimension.

Takeaway

* Understand the technical and environmental challenges that make accurate vertical (z-axis) location difficult for first responders
* Explore the gaps between FCC z-axis location requirements, current commercial location technologies, and real-world public safety needs
* Gain insights from research and field evaluations to guide the future in public safety broadband and location-based services