DES MOINES &#8212 Officials hope satellite technology will help people who fall ill or are injured while using trails in central Iowa.

Officials say satellite technology will map signs posted along biking and walking paths in four counties.

Gary Scott, the parks and recreation director for West Des Moines, said a trail user could use the sign system and a cell phone to guide emergency crews to their location.

“It could mean 30 seconds, but it could mean life or death in certain circumstances,” Scott said.

The counties participating in the system are Polk, Jasper, Dallas and Warren.

Dave Lockard, an employee with the Des Moines Police Department, said the network will make it easier to find a jogger or bicyclist who needs help.

“The closer we can be at identifying where someone is, the better,” he said.

Tim Stacy of Des Moines was attacked on a trail about two years ago and fled to a nearby house. He said the network will make people feel safer when they use the trails.

“I think it would give people a little bit of a sense of security to know they could be found if they had trouble,” he said.