gps tracking

What is GPS Tracking? Benefits & Drawbacks

Technology

One of the most cutting-edge innovations of our time is the GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. More fleets worldwide are utilizing it as it develops to obtain driving instructions and to keep track of their cars.

Although GPS trackers are widely used, many people are unaware of how they operate and the variety of applications they may be used for. Continue reading to learn more about how GPS tracking functions and to find out some of the main advantages of this technology.

What is GPS Tracking?

A portable tracking gadget that enables users to track and monitor their locations is named a GPS tracker. While GPS trackers and GPS tracking systems have certain similarities, there are also some significant distinctions. GPS navigation systems give driving advice after displaying the user’s location on an electronic map.

However, GPS trackers make advantage of GPS technology to monitor a vehicle’s real-time position and past travel patterns. A PC, phone, or tablet will then receive the GPS data broadcast.

How Do GPS Trackers Function?

To pinpoint their location, GPS trackers connect to a constellation of satellites. The tracker employs a technique known as trilateration to calculate latitude, longitude, and time by comparing its location to that of three or more satellites in the GNSS network and calculating its separation from them.

You will know how easy to use a GPS tracker. The tracker is often powered inside the car by the internal battery, cigarette lighter, accessory socket, or OBD-II connector. The data it gathers is then sent to the program, which enables the user to collect and evaluate the data.

How does the program interact with GPS trackers? Some of them can provide you with a real-time glimpse of global locations and also managed services can be looped into this kind of tracker.

Due to the fact that they only store GPS information for later viewing, passive trackers are often less costly than active ones.

Uses for GPS Trackers

Fleet managers and car owners employ GPS trackers to monitor the locations of their cars. For fleet managers, GPS monitoring devices may be helpful in a variety of situations, including:

Business owners and fleet managers that regularly supervise cars can utilize GPS fleet tracking to keep tabs on their locations and keep track of their mileage. This is useful for determining the current location of employees and their cars as well as their daily travel patterns.

When a car is stolen and a GPS tracker is fitted, the location of the car may be relayed to the police so they can find it more quickly.

Benefits of GPS Tracking for Fleets

The key benefit of GPS monitoring is that it improves asset security and provides reassurance. Additionally, businesses can employ monitoring software to streamline procedures when a greater number of GPS tracker need to be monitored.

Fleets who use their GPS tracking solutions wisely frequently observe improvements in their entire company procedures.

For examples:

A fleet manager can provide better customer service by giving more precise arrival times and locating the driver who is closest to a service call using real-time fleet status.

  • Route optimization: GPS data can assist fleet managers in understanding traffic and road conditions so they can send their drivers on routes that are more effective.
  • Increased cargo security: Fleet managers worried about cargo theft can use GPS monitoring devices to replay a route to identify unlawful excursions. The majority of fleet monitoring systems enable the creation of geofences, which may send out alerts to a vehicle’s position when it departs a specific area or set of borders.
  • Understanding driving behavior: Fleets may monitor certain driving patterns via an engine control module (ECM) link, alerting management to behavior that drivers can be instructed on.

In addition to standard GPS fleet trackers, companies are also beginning to integrate vehicle video to improve fleet management.

To guarantee that things are delivered precisely and on time, use both GPS data and video confirmation.
Obtain video proof of any equipment missing or vehicle damage.

With crash footage collected, drivers and the reputation of the firm are protected.

Drawbacks of GPS Tracking

The biggest drawback of GPS trackers is that they require data from at least three (2D position) and four (3D position) satellites; if they connect with fewer satellites, the positioning cannot be more accurate and does not permit real-time monitoring.

The term “GPS tracker” should not be used to describe devices that do not use at least three satellites to establish a moving vehicle’s position.

GPS Fleet Management and Communication

GPS technology can help fleet managers run their businesses more effectively and profitably.

How does a GPS tracker for companies function? The Seeworld IoT tracking solutions lets fleet managers manage their corporate cars more effectively by using GPS tracking technology. Thus, they can:

Receive a notification if an employee departs from a predetermined path or location (also known as geofencing)
Utilize vehicle speed data to comply with safety rules.

Knowing if a vehicle is utilized after hours might help to protect the property of the company.

To increase company profit and provide better service to clients, plan more efficient routes for drivers.

Summary

The GPS works by giving accurate information about a person’s or a vehicle’s specific location. The GPS signal is transmitted by a cellular or a radio frequency internet connection.

Currently, 24 satellites and associated ground stations make up the global radio navigation system known as GPS.

GPS may offer both active and passive navigational data about a voyage.

The most useful applications include tracking down lost persons or pets and preventing theft of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and electric bikes. The battery life of a tiny tracker depends on its size.

You can link a GPS tracker and a mobile phone with a GPS tracking app. Mobile communication technologies from different generations (3G, 4G, or IoT) are used to send location information to smartphones about a car, a person, or an object.

Because the GPS technology is reliable and complete, the 2G network is now the best way to utilize in preventing the theft of e-bikes.

We can always use our smartphones to check the precise position of vehicles, equipment, and assets thanks to GPS tracking applications.

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I am Marketing Manager at Digitalize Trends. My role is to research & ideate on trending topics & need to write the niche content as per industry norms. To help & provide relevant information to the community on trending technologies.

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