Google has developed a new technology for Android which pinpoints a caller’s exact location.

Advanced Mobile Location (AML), a mobile phone precise location service, was created to assist the Emergency Services in determining the exact location of people in need that call 999 or 112.

AML works by automatically finding a phone’s GPS co-ordinates and sending a text message to the call centre when a 112 or 999 number is dialled.

The co-ordinates are immediately passed to the Emergency Services in responding and dispatching emergency personnel to callers in need across Ireland.

Effectively, it will support emergency services in getting to emergencies quicker.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten said:

“The Emergency Call Answering Service receives on average 4,000 mobile calls per day and in Ireland, Android market penetration stands at over 50%. This means the new system will be a huge benefit to people in need and to the emergency services across the country, but particularly in rural areas.”

AML is currently only available on the Android operating system and is not available on smartphones running alternative operating systems.

This feature is solely for the use of emergency service providers, and the precise location data collected when you call 999 or 112 is not collected or stored by Google.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring said:

“This type of new technology is exactly the development that is needed for people in rural Ireland. It will lead to quicker response times and potentially save lives. I am working on connecting communities and this technology adds significantly to building a more connected and safer Ireland.”

AML may provide locations in circumstances where:

• Victims of assault or medical emergencies unable to speak to provide location
• Children/adults with intellectual disabilities that may be unable to provide location of need
• Persons making calls from areas, either urban or remote, with which they are unfamiliar
• Emergencies on rural roads with poor signage