Nearly every aspect of modern life now includes GPS technology. The majority of us utilize it without thinking twice every day. But do you actually comprehend it? Do you know how to maximize GPS tracking to increase the effectiveness of your fleet’s operations?
GPS is a tool that fleet managers use every day to monitor their fleets and other assets. They have access to information that supports them in addressing problems with compliance, effectiveness, and safety. How does this occur, though? How exactly does GPS tracking operate?
What Is GPS Tracking?
The GPS, or global positioning system, is the first thing we should discuss. The system entails a network of satellites orbiting the Earth as well as tools that may be used to pinpoint the position of an object or a person.
GPS technology was initially created in the 1960s for military purposes, but it was only made publicly accessible in 1983. Over the years, GPS technology has advanced and found more applications. These days, GPS is used for a variety of purposes, from military training exercises around the world to route guidance for drivers.
What Does a GPS Tracker Do?
A tracking device must be installed in a vehicle, placed on an asset, or worn by a person in order to use GPS tracking. It is therefore possible to follow the gadget in real-time by receiving information about its precise location and subsequent movements.
Fleet managers can check where a truck or asset is on a route, report on traffic conditions, and keep track of how long each vehicle stays at a job site using a GPS tracking device. Discover more.
GPS Tracking System Basics
The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network is used by a GPS tracking system to do this. The tracking vehicle’s current location, direction, time, and speed are all reported by this network of satellites via GPS devices.
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How Does a Vehicle Tracking Device Work?
A receiver processes the unique satellite signals that GPS tracking systems broadcast. These GPS receivers calculate the GPS device’s time and speed while also keeping track of its precise location.
Four different types of GPS satellite signals can be used to compute these positions and display them in three dimensions. The spatial, control and user parts make up a GPS system.
The Space Segment
27 satellites that orbit the Earth make up the Global Positioning System. These 27 satellites have 24 active satellites and three backup satellites in case one of the other 24 spacecraft fails. Every 12 hours, these satellites orbit the Earth and transmit signals that GPS receivers pick up.
The Control Segment
Different tracking stations dispersed all over the world manage the Positioning System. These stations capture satellite-transmitted microwave carrier signals, which the GPS receivers then decode into information such as velocity, time, and position.
The User Segment
The position of a user in space and time can be ascertained using GPS receivers, which receive signals from GPS satellites.
Two Types of GPS Systems
A GPS tracking system can operate in several ways. During excursions, commercial GPS systems are frequently employed to track the location of moving automobiles. Passive tracking is the process by which some systems retain data directly within the GPS system. Active tracking, often known as 2-way GPS, refers to other systems that routinely transmit data by modem to a centralized database.
Location is tracked and trip information is recorded via passive GPS tracking, which is based on specified occurrences. This kind of system can keep track of the locations of the gadgets during the previous 12 hours.
It keeps the data on its own internal memory or on a memory card, which is eventually downloaded to a computer for analysis. In certain systems, the data may be downloaded automatically at a predetermined time or may be frequently requested while traveling.
Real-time tracking systems using passive GPS are those that instantly communicate information to a centralized tracking gateway. Since it allows caregivers to always know where their charges are, this type of technology is employed in the majority of commercial applications, including monitoring and tracking children or the elderly. This kind of device is also used to streamline a fleet’s operations and keep an eye on staff conduct while they’re at work.
What Is GPS Tracking Used For?
The majority of people are aware of the most typical applications of GPS technology, including mapping and surveying, getting directions, and monitoring kids.
You might not have known there were numerous other uses, though. In addition to being used by the military and first responders, GPS is also widely employed for business and private purposes. Here are some examples of how GPS tracking devices are put to use.
Military Use of GPS
GPS, which was initially created by the military, is still used to monitor troop movements, aircraft movements, maritime navigation, and more. This is crucial for military groups operating in the uncharted region or moving at night.
Search and Rescue
In search and rescue efforts, GPS tracking is also employed. It enables search and rescue crews to maintain track of their progress or even get data from a lost person’s phone or GPS system.
GPS Vehicle Tracking
To keep an eye on their fleet vehicles, commercial fleets frequently use GPS tracking. Fleet managers may follow the whereabouts and conditions of their drivers as well as gain crucial information about the effectiveness of their fleet by equipping their vehicles with GPS devices.
In order to track the whereabouts and activities of fleet vehicles, check efficiency, and increase safety, GPS tracking devices are a critical component of fleet tracking. GPS tracking also improves the precision and ease of dispatching and routing.
GPS Research Uses
The majority of wearable technology, including watches used for activities like running, biking, and hiking, uses GPS tracking to provide users with information on their distance traveled, their pace, or their location in the wilderness.
Nearly all of our travel with GPS tracking devices thanks to the rise in smartphone use. New applications for this technology exist, from location-based games to augmented reality (AR) apps. In the upcoming years, these kinds of usage will only grow.
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The legality of GPS Trackers
Laws governing the use of these monitoring devices have been created as a result of privacy concerns about GPS tracking. Installing a GPS on a car or other property you own is entirely lawful.
However, you must first confirm that doing so does not violate any current federal, state, or local laws before using a GPS tracking device on someone or in their car. It’s important to stay current on changes because these rules are always changing as a result of new instances. You must be aware of the following.
If you or your company own the asset or vehicle, using a GPS tracking device is legal. Employees must be aware that they are being observed while at work. Employers must make sure that their car tracking systems are solely utilized for work-related activities.
When and how you use GPS tracking data should be transparent and unambiguous. Employee morale may suffer if they do not trust you or comprehend how you are using GPS tracking data.
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