Spot Satellite Messenger

Michael Mauro, award-winning wildlife photographer in Arvada, Colo., talks about why he can't live without the Spot satellite messenger.

As a freelance nature photographer, my work takes me out to the wilderness all the time, which can often be a bit dangerous. As you can imagine, it's usually far from any emergency services or cell phone signals, so I'm pretty much on my own. I'm always looking for new technology that can help me do my work better as well as safer. When I found the Spot messenger a year ago, I knew it was just what I needed.

I've worked on every continent, and being off in the bush in Africa or in Florida swamps, anything can happen -- and often does. Just knowing I have the Spot in my pack gives me much more confidence and a sense of security, so I can focus better on my work. It's also given my wife a little more peace of mind, knowing I'm fine. While I've never had a reason yet to use the 911 button, it's great to know all I have to do is hit that and help will be on the way.

Pressing the OK button sends a signal both to my email and my wife's. It includes the GPS coordinates and helps me track exactly where certain photos were taken if I need to return to the exact same place later. When my wife gets the email on her iPhone, she can just pull up Google Maps and see exactly where I am. I can also set it to send regular signals every ten minutes, so others can track where I am as I travel. This is one tool that will stay in my pack from now on.