Signal 4 Location Tool

Overview

The purpose of the Signal 4 Geolocation Tool is to provide FLHSMV and FDOT with the location of crashes by placing the latitude and longitude on crash reports.   HSMV transmits crash data to Signal 4 Analytics daily and they upload it to their system.

The location tool is required for all agencies on crash forms and is optional for the UTC and other forms.

The tool may be used on the forms listed below.   Signal 4 does not currently collect UTC data from TraCS agencies, but they may do so in the future.   Additionally, there will be a mapping feature implemented in a future TraCS release and forms must have the latitude and longitude in order for it to work.

Baker/Marchman Act

Boating Citation/Warning

Call for Service (CFS)

DUI Citation

Field Interview Report (FIR)

FIBRS Offense/Incident

Parking/Ordinance Citation/Warning

Tow

Traffic Warning

Uniform Arrest Affidavit (UAA)

Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC)

Network Configuration

Per the Signal 4 team, the following domains must be whitelisted in order to allow their applications.   The first one on the list is crucial for the Geolocation Tool.

http://s4.geoplan.ufl.edu/

http://signal4lab.com/

http://signal4analytics.com/

Client Machine Configuration

In order for the location tool to work for the end user, client machines must be set up as follows:

1. Location services must be turned on in Windows.

Windows 10 - In Windows, go to Location.   Both Location for this Device and Location must be On.

Windows 11 - In Windows, go to Privacy & Security, then Location.   Location Services must be On.

2. Client machines must use Chrome, Edge, or Firefox as the browser.   Internet Explorer (IE) and Safari will not work.

TraCS will launch whichever browser is set as the default on the client machine.

If you would like to set Chrome, Edge, or Firefox as the default browser on for TraCS on a machine, instructions are on this YouTube page.   This will not affect the default browser that they have chosen for Windows.   If you would like a default browser setting pushed out agency wide, let us know.

3. Machines must allow Signal 4 to access their location in their browser.

The first time users launch the tool, they should get a pop up stating that s4.geoplan.ufl.edu wants to know their location.   They must press Allow or the map will not work properly.

You may use the site below to launch the geolocation map in a browser outside of TraCS.   Locations will not plot but you may use the site to test or update location permissions without having to log into TraCS and open a crash form.

https://s4.geoplan.ufl.edu/geolocation30/GeolocationService.htm

How to Use the Geolocation Tool

COMING SOON....

Troubleshooting

The Tool Does Not Launch

The tool may have launched, but the map has minimized.   Check the taskbar for the Signal 4 icon and click on it to maximize the map.

If the tool does not launch and your cursor jumps to the Zone field on the form, the issue is likely with your TraCS installation.   TraCS needs an agency ORI in order to launch the tool.   If none is present, the map will not open.   Contact your IT department to request a fresh install.

If nothing at all happens when you press the Locate button, the issue is likely with your TraCS installation.   Contact your IT department to request a fresh install.

The Locate Button is Not Available

Are you in view/read mode or are you in edit mode?   You must be in Edit mode in order to use the Locate button.

Is your cursor in the right place?   You must be in the At Street Address or Occurred On Street Road Highway field for the Locate Button to be available.   Depending on the form, the At Street Address field may be named Address or Address #.

The Map is Blank

If the location tool launches, but the map is blank, check to make sure you are using Chrome, Edge, or Firefox as your browser.   Internet Explorer (IE) and Safari will not work.   If you are already using Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, change your default browser to one of the other two and see if that resolves the issue.

Also make sure that your location is allowed in both Windows and in your browser.

See Client Machine Configuration for further information.

The Map Does Not Zoom to My Location

If the location tool launches, but the map is not zooming to your approximate location, the map is zoomed out to the state of Florida, or you get an error message that the "Point must be within the State of Florida envelope," check to make sure that your location is allowed in both Windows and in your browser.

See Client Machine Configuration for further information.

If your location is allowed in both Windows and in your browser, the issue may be with the air card on your machine not tracking your location accurately.   Contact your IT department for assistance.

Network Error

If you are getting a pop up that states, "NO NETWORK… A connected network interface card could not be found. The location tool is unavailable without network connectivity.", your VPN, anti-virus, or firewall is blocking access to Signal 4. See Network Configuration for domains that must be allowed.

Signal 4 Support

Any feedback on the geolocation tool, including requests for additions/changes to street names and map updates should be directed to Signal 4 Support.

s4-support@ufl.edu

Help Desk Phone: 352-294-1496