In emergencies like search and rescue operations, even a smartphone can be used as a tracker using the GPS or Global Positioning System. Therefore, a group, Druk GPS consisting of Kidu recipients affected by the COVID pandemic started an initiative to educate the DeSuups to use the Global Positioning System or GPS tracker. The initiative began in Trongsa yesterday.
Most smart phones come with a GPS tracking system. And apps such as Google Earth, Google Maps and Google Tracker make it easy to use. People have to share their coordinates or location for help.
“All you need to do is download the software and do the simple calculations. It can be easily learnt like WeChat or WhatsApp. People can send, receive coordinates and then save lives, save time and save limited resources of the nation,” said Sonam Tobgay, co-founder of Druk GPS.
One day of class was enough to equip the DeSuups with the basic skills.
“When we go for search and rescue if there is a forest fire we need to understand where our colleagues are. We can track them if they send us the coordinates. If someone is lost then we can track them using the coordinates. Coordinates are very precise near to plus and minus four metres,” said DeSuup Pemba T Gyeltshen.
“I am a housewife. And I think, one need not be highly educated to understand the use of GPS as long as one owns a Smartphone. We have to know how to use the applications. So, I will impart the knowledge to housewives in my locality and this way it will benefit them as well,” said another DeSuup Kinley Wangmo.
32 DeSuups and some officials in the district were trained. They will now teach others in the community. The Druk GPS team plans to train all Desuups across the country. It means people now may not have a hard time describing their whereabouts.
Passang, Trongsa
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
