Speeding up the emergency response with Abu Dhabi address system

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Speeding up the emergency response with Abu Dhabi address system Emergency services will be able to reach incidents faster with the help of a new city mapping system for Abu Dhabi, authorities have said. The Onwani address system involves numbers being added to many streets and some 66,000 buildings. Users of the mobile app enter the exact number of the building or the street and are given directions on a Google Maps-style system. The programme is similar to Dubai’s Makani, but Abu Dhabi Municipality said the benefit is expected to be greatest for police and paramedics. Dr Abdullah Ghareeb, executive director for property management, said: “We needed to optimise the delivery system, especially with emergency response, because a few seconds can make a huge difference in the life of an individual.” He said at present, drivers and emergency services sometimes have to use local landmarks to navigate, which the system would improve on. Ghareeb said: “Every entrance will have a unique number related to their particular street, which will make pin pointing a location easier than the traditional method of using landmarks.” Onwani is available for download on mobiles and can also be installed for car navigation systems. So far, all main streets areas in Abu Dhabi and Al Bateen, Al Maryah Island, Al Nahyan, Al Falaha and Al Bahiya districts have the new street name signs installed. The roll-out will be completed by early 2016. The blue address signs all have a QR code, so a user trying to help a friend navigate could send them the exact location. Scanning the QR code will also give information about the area. Ghareeb said the measure would improve local knowledge and also heritage. mahak@7days.ae Read the original story at: Speeding up the emergency response with Abu Dhabi address system