Article: GPS Vehicle Tracking
What is GPS vehicle tracking?
GPS vehicle tracking is an electronic device that uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to find the accurate location of a vehicle. GPS vehicle tracking works by sending microwave signals between satellites and the actual device. Information can be transmitted in real-time to another receiver, or can be downloaded at a later time.
GPS tracking was originally used in fleet management. Today, since the equipment is inexpensive and mobile, GPS vehicle tracking devices can be found in private cars as well as corporate fleets.
How does GPS vehicle tracking work?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed by the United States Department of Defence. Today, the technology is available for use by public and private groups.
GPS runs through a number of satellites. Three or more satellites send out microwave signals which are received by the GPS device. The multiple signals allow the device to calculate precise information about the vehicle’s speed, location and direction.
Information about the vehicle can be instantly transmitted or downloaded at a later time to a computer where the journey can be analysed or charted on a map.
There are different types of GPS tracking systems. Passive GPS devices record your location and speed. Once you have completed your journey, the device can be removed and data downloaded to a computer for analysis.
Active GPS tracking systems collect information about your location and speed and sends that data simultaneously through cell phone or satellite technology to a computer at another location.
There are also subsets of active and passive GPS devices.
Data logging GPS tracking systems record the position of a vehicle at regular intervals. Information is recorded onto a memory card or USB port which can be removed and downloaded later. These sorts of GPS devices are often small and mobile and can be carried outdoors.
A data pusher GPS device sends the location of the device to a server using communications technology. These kinds of GPS devices are often found in mobile phones, coordinates sent as a form of SMS message. Data pushers are the most popular form of GPS tracking device, used for fleet control, anti-theft prevention, and even animal control and security surveillance.
What is GPS vehicle tracking used for?
GPS vehicle tracking was originally used by shipping companies. With fleets of vehicles scattered around the world, managers needed to know where each vehicle was at any time. GPS tracking systems allowed greater flexibility and communication between drivers and fleet managers.
Today, many private vehicles have GPS tracking devices installed for navigation or anti-theft prevention.
The most common use of GPS for a civilian is in the private car. Most cars are fitted with a GPS device of some sort. These can be built into the car in the factory or added as an optional extra at the time of purchase.
GPS is used in automotive navigation systems. New cars have small television screens displaying maps of cities and local areas. You can enter the address of a location and the GPS navigation system will plot a route for you.
As you are driving, some systems will announce your location, speed and up coming directions.
Some new cars that do not have automotive navigation systems have GPS devices in anti-theft systems. If the car is stolen, the device can be activated, allowing authorities to locate the vehicle quickly.