Articles | Blackline Support

Understanding and Managing Location Data FAQ

Written by I. Stewart | September 27, 2023

This article provides detail on how location data works for G7 devices, and how to disable it.

If your organization does not want regular location data updates, a Blackline Safety representative can disable the Location schedule in Blackline Live. Opting to do so stops G7c and G7 EXO from communicating regular location data updates.

IMPORTANT: You cannot disable the Location schedule for G7x and G7 Bridge.

 

Understanding Location Schedule

Disabling Location Updates

Understanding the location schedule

What is location data and why is it important?

Location data is generated during power on, gas events, check-ins, and SOS alerts. It is also generated when your G7 device communicates with Blackline Live during its regular connection intervals.

Location data provides device location, allowing for more accurate management of your devices and worker safety. In the event of an emergency, G7 devices will communicate their location to Blackline Live to ensure that your workers can be located quickly. Location data also provides insights into where and when incidents occur, which can help you optimize your safety program.

What is Location schedule? How often does G7 communicate updates with location data?

Location schedule controls the frequency of your device’s regular communication with Blackline Live.

NOTE: Location data associated with events is not considered part of regular communication.

When the Location schedule is enabled in Blackline Live (it is enabled by default), G7c, G7x, and G7 EXO regularly send updates with location data to Blackline Live.

  • G7c sends location updates every 5 minutes.
  • G7x sends location updates every 30 minutes.
  • When not in motion, G7 EXO sends location updates:
    • Every 30 minutes when using cellular connectivity.
    • Every 2 hours when using satellite connectivity.
  • While in motion, G7 EXO sends location updates:
    • Every 30 seconds when using cellular connectivity.
    • Every 30 minutes when using satellite connectivity.

Where can I view location data?

Location data displays on Blackline Live’s Maps page and is included in Blackline Analytics Essential reports.

Disabling Location Updates

Why might I disable location updates from my G7c or G7 EXO devices?

Your organization may want to disable location updates to address privacy concerns. Disabling location updates will prevent G7c and G7 EXO devices from sending regular updates with location data to Blackline Live.

How can I disable location updates?

Location updates can be disabled in Blackline Live by a Blackline Safety representative. Please reach out to our Technical Support team if you would like to disable location updates from your G7c and G7 EXO devices.

Does my G7c or G7 EXO send any location data to Blackline Live when the Location schedule is disabled?

When the Location schedule is disabled, G7c and G7 EXO do not send regular updates with location data. G7c and G7 EXO will only send location data when the device triggers the following events:

  • Power on
  • Check-ins
  • Gas events
  • SOS alerts

G7c and G7 EXO will immediately communicate location data updates during these events to help keep you safe and inform monitoring personnel of your location in the event of an emergency.

Where can I view location data when the Location schedule is disabled?

When an event is triggered, G7c and G7 EXO will immediately communicate data to Blackline Live and the data will be displayed on the Blackline Live Maps page. This data includes the last message sent by the device, the location of the device (GPS coordinates and approximate address), gas readings, and communication details.

Events also trigger data collection for analytics purposes, so you will be able to view event location data in Blackline Analytics.