The Colorado Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting (CoE) has announced the launch of the Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK), now available in beta testing for public safety agencies across the state.
As reported by the Colorado Center of Excellence, COTAK provides up-to-the-second location services for first responders through the use of the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) apps.
TAK was initially developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to enhance situational awareness among military forces.
The CoE began researching TAK for public safety use in 2016 and has adapted it for operational use since 2022, now offering the service for free to all public safety agencies within the state.
Agencies can sign up for access at cotak.gov, where they can create users and manage location information via “channels” that allow responders to share real-time location data within and between agencies.
COTAK builds upon TAK’s original capabilities by providing a comprehensive user and agency management system, allowing agencies to coordinate and share locations through custom “channels.”
These channels enable first responders to switch between different teams and events as needed, improving coordination across teams during emergencies.
According to the Colorado Center of Excellence, the COTAK system aims to establish statewide interoperable location services.
First responder agencies, regardless of size, can use this tool to enhance situational awareness, contributing to safer and more effective responses to emergencies across Colorado.
In addition to COTAK, the CoE has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to improve technologies for wildland fire management.
The five-year agreement, valued at $1.6 million, focuses on further developing the Wildland Fire Team Awareness Kit (WFTAK) and integrating advanced connectivity solutions, sensors, and camera systems to aid firefighters.
“Wildland fire management is increasingly relying upon technology to support decisions and increase situational awareness,” said Ben Miller, Director of the CoE.
The collaboration will expedite the adoption of technology to assist both public safety responders and firefighters.
This partnership aligns with the provisions of the 2019 John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which encourages the modernization of wildfire technology.
The Team Awareness Kit (TAK) was originally developed for military use but has since expanded into civilian applications.
TAK provides first responders with tactical situational awareness, mapping, navigation, and data-sharing capabilities, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies.
Several versions of TAK are available, including ATAK for Android, WinTAK for Windows, and iTAK for iOS devices.
These systems can integrate radio communications, enabling TAK to function even in areas without cellular service.
TAK’s modular design allows developers to create additional plugins for new capabilities.
The CoE has deployed TAK in various public safety incidents across Colorado since 2018 and continues to develop the system to improve its usability for both fire crews and other first responders.
The COTAK system, developed by the CoE, provides Colorado’s public safety agencies with a free, statewide tool to enhance coordination during emergencies.
The system enables agencies to track and share location data in real time, helping first responders maintain situational awareness and improve their effectiveness on the ground.
By incorporating the latest advances in geospatial mapping and communication technologies, COTAK represents a valuable resource for public safety efforts in Colorado.
Public safety agencies of all sizes are encouraged to participate by registering for access at cotak.gov.
The Colorado Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting (CoE) has introduced the Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK), a free statewide location-sharing system for first responders.
COTAK is in beta testing and available to public safety agencies across the state.
The system allows agencies to track real-time location data using the TAK apps and offers a management system for coordinating teams.
This initiative aims to improve interagency communication and safety during emergency responses.
COTAK is part of the CoE’s broader efforts to integrate advanced technologies into public safety operations.
