Blog Augmented reality – more than just a gimmick: how AR is revolutionizing operational communication

Augmented reality – more than just a gimmick: how AR is revolutionizing operational communication

What previously sounded more like science fiction is now reality: the Teamwire app integrates augmented reality to visualize live locations, allowing for faster situation assessments and better coordination. Discover how the police and authorities, in particular, can benefit from this.

Teamwire, May 21 2025

When virtual pins save lives

Imagine you are standing in the middle of a confusing operational area. Dozens of emergency personnel are spread across the region, but all you can see on the map are dots. What if you could see directly through your smartphone camera where your colleagues are – in real time, in 3D, on your display?

This is precisely what augmented reality (AR) makes possible. What was long considered a futuristic technology for gaming or marketing is now becoming a mission-critical tool and part of the Teamwire app for iOS.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) refers to the computer-aided expansion of the real world with digital elements such as text, graphics, images, videos, or 3D animations.

This digital information is superimposed in real time on the image of reality, which is recorded by a camera on a smartphone, tablet, or special AR glasses, for example.

The real environment remains visible and is only supplemented by virtual content, unlike virtual reality (VR), where users are completely immersed in an artificial world and the real environment is hidden.

It is precisely this technology that is now finding its way into professional operational communication.

How does augmented reality work?

An AR-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, AR glasses) captures the real environment with sensors and cameras. The AR software analyzes the environment and inserts digital information, such as objects or instructions, into the live image with pinpoint accuracy.

Thus, users experience an overlay of real and virtual elements, usually visual but can also be auditory or haptic.

Examples of augmented reality

AR is often used in entertainment, education, industry, marketing, and navigation.

Here are a few examples:

Games such as Pokémon Go, in which virtual figures are superimposed on the real environment.
Furnishing apps that allow furniture to be placed virtually in your living room.
AR glasses that show warehouse workers which shelf a part they are looking for is on or provide mechanics with additional information on components.

Augmented reality in the Teamwire app: how it works

With the new AR function in the Teamwire iOS app, the live locations of your colleagues are no longer just displayed on a two-dimensional map. Instead, you can use your smartphone camera to scan the real room and see directly where your team members are located. Small 3D pins visualize the positions in your environment.

What are the specific benefits?

Immersive orientation: Instead of searching for pins on a map on the display, you immediately recognize where someone is – visually in the room, intuitively understandable.
Faster coordination: This visual support saves valuable seconds, especially in hectic situations such as large-scale operations or evacuations.
Better overview in the field: In confusing terrain (e.g., at festivals, in city centers, or during natural disasters), AR offers a decisive situational advantage.

Use case: Augmented reality in everyday police work

A practical example:

A police unit is deployed in a confusing industrial area. The task is to locate several people and arrest a wanted suspect. In the hectic rush, information is quickly lost, radio connections are overloaded or insufficient to pass on precise descriptions (of the perpetrator or victim).

Thanks to the Teamwire AR function, an incident commander activates his camera and immediately sees where his colleagues are:

One unit secures the southern exit, another positions itself on the roof, and a third moves towards the target building.

The situation overview is no longer abstract but directly visible in space. This means that tactical instructions can be issued more quickly and more targeted without misunderstandings.

The result:

Better coordination, greater safety for everyone involved, and increased efficiency in use.

Why is this innovation crucial?

Every moment counts, especially in safety-critical areas – for the police, fire department, BOS, or KRITIS companies. The combination of secure communication and state-of-the-art visualization technology takes the Teamwire app to a new level of operational capability.

The new AR function is not a gimmick, but a strategic tool:

It combines state-of-the-art technology with the proven security, GDPR compliance, and intuitive operation of the Teamwire app.

AR as a bridge between digital information and real use

Augmented reality makes information visible where needed – in real time and direct context. This means a better overview, coordination, and safer decisions for authorities, emergency services, and critical infrastructures.

The new AR function in the Teamwire iOS app further proves that modern communication can be secure, fast, and visually intuitive.

Curious to find out more?

You can test the new AR function free of charge for 14 days, or let us show you everything in detail in an individual demo:

Request a demo

Discover our Case Studies for more practical application examples.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the AR function in Teamwire

How can I activate the AR function?

The function is included in the current iOS version of the Teamwire app. Open a map with shared live locations and tap the AR icon to use it.

Do I need special equipment?

No, an iPhone is all you need. The function uses your device’s integrated camera and sensors.

Is its use GDPR-compliant?

Yes, like all Teamwire functions, the AR display is data protection compliant and secure. Location data is transmitted in encrypted form and is subject to European data protection regulations.

Can the function also be used in poor visibility?

The AR function is primarily designed for daylight or well-lit environments. However, it can also be used in poor visibility conditions with other Teamwire functions, such as push-to-talk or status messages.

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