Types of GPS Tracking Devices

A GPS tracking device is a unit that uses the Global Positioning System to figure the exact location of a vehicle, person or other subject it's attached to. The recorded location is stored internally or transmitted to a central location by use of a cellular system, radio or satellite modem. This allows any requested location to display against a map backdrop in real-time or for analysis later. Three distinct types of trackers are available.

GPS Loggers

This device logs the position of a unit at regular intervals. Modern units have a memory card slot or internal flash memory and a USB port to allow data downloading for analysis in a computer. It is especially suited for use by sports enthusiasts like joggers, backpackers or hikers. Competitive aircraft and glider pilots use them when flying over circuits as large as several hundreds of miles, allowing proof of task completion. Some private investigators also use loggers to track a vehicle from a discrete distance and allow for a backup when visual contact is lost.

GPS Pushers

Pushers are used in several applications to push the position of a device at regular intervals to a server that analyzes and processes the data. Organizations that employ a mobile workforce, like a commercial fleet, use pushers to monitor vehicles at any point live or as a complete route history. Other uses include personal driving aids for motorists to help locate a specific destination, stolen vehicle searching to allow owners or law enforcement to find a vehicle, and for animal control for personal pets or to allow scientists to study tagged animals in the wild.

GPS Pullers

Different from pushers, pullers send the position of the device at intervals, but are also always on for monitoring when required. To get the best of both worlds, pullers can act as pushers when necessary. The technology is not yet widely used, but is growing in popularity. These are often used in cases where the location of a subject only needs to be known at specific times, like when placed on individuals or in property that may be stolen. They operate by receiving a broadcast signal or text message, and then replying with their location in return.

What is GPS?

GPS went into full use on April 27, 1995, and is a global navigation satellite system in space to provide accurate navigation, and positioning data to users across the Earth regardless of location or weather conditions. GPS is composed of between 24 and 32 satellites orbiting the globe, several monitoring stations controlling the system on Earth and numerous receivers. GPS satellites transmit signals from space that areused by receivers to provide three-dimensional latitude, longitude and altitude data along with the current time to generate an accurate location.

Conclusion

GPS tracking devices make locating missing subjects or vehicles, monitoring company fleets and ensuring the location of sportsmen a simple thing. Advancements in technology are always improving, guaranteeing full-featured use and more exacting tracking to come.

References

• GPS For Dummies; Joel McNamara; 2008
• Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications, Second Edition; Elliott D. Kaplan and Christopher Hegarty; 2005
• Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking; Stephen W. Hinch; 2007