GPS tracking
A GPS tracking unit is a device that uses the Global Positioning System to determine the precise location of a vehicle, person, or other asset to which it is attached and to record the position of the asset at regular intervals. The recorded location data can be stored within the tracking unit, or it may be transmitted to a central location data base, or internet-connected computer, using acellular (GPRS or SMS), radio, or satellite modem embedded in the unit. This allows the asset's location to be displayed against a map backdrop either in real time or when analysing the track later, using GPS tracking software.
GPS tracking unit Architecture
A GPS tracker essentially contains GPS module to receive the GPS signal and calculate the coordinates. For data loggers it contains large memory to store the coordinates, data pushers additionally contains the GSM/GPRS modem to transmit this information to a central computer either via SMS or via GPRS in form of IP packets. The diagram depicts a hardware architecture of an advanced GPS tracker.
Types of GPS trackers
Usually, a GPS tracker will fall into one of these three categories, though most smartphones, being GPS Phones, can work in all these modes, depending on which mobile applications are installed:
Data loggers
A GPS logger simply logs the position of the device at regular intervals in its internal memory. Modern GPS loggers have either a memory card slot, or internal flash memory and a USB port. Some act as a USB flash drive. This allows downloading of the track log data for further analyzing in a computer. The tracklist or point of interest list may be in GPX, KML, NMEA or other format.
Most digital cameras save the time a photo was taken. Provided the camera clock was reasonably accurate or used GPS as its time source, this time can be correlated with GPS log data, to provide an accurate location. This can be added to the Exif metadata in the picture file. Cameras with GPS receiver built in can directly produce such a geotagged photograph.
Data pushers
Data pusher is the most common type of GPS tracking unit, used for asset tracking, personal tracking and Vehicle tracking system.
Also known as a GPS beacon, this kind of device pushes (i.e. "sends") the position of the device as well as other information like speed or altitude at regular intervals, to a determined server, that can store and instantly analyze the data.
A GPS navigation device and a mobile phone sit side-by-side in the same box, powered by the same battery. At regular intervals, the phone sends a text message via SMS or GPRS, containing the data from the GPS receiver. Newer GPS-integrated smartphones running GPS tracking software can turn the phone into a data pusher (or logger) device; as of 2009 open source andproprietary applications are available for common Java ME enabled phones, iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, and Symbian.
Personal tracking
- Law enforcement. An arrested suspect out on bail may have to wear a GPS tracker, usually an ankle monitor, as a bail condition.
- Race control. In some sports, such as gliding, participants are required to carry a tracker. This allows, among other applications, for race officials to know if the participants are cheating, taking unexpected shortcuts or how far apart they are. This use has been featured in the movie Rat Race.
- Espionage/surveillance. When put on a person, or on his personal vehicle, it allows the person monitoring the tracking to know his/her habits. This application is used by private investigators.
- These devices are also used by some parents to track their children. The supporters claim that if cleverly used, this actually allows children more independence.
- GPS personal tracking devices assist in the care of the elderly and vulnerable. Devices allow users to call for assistance and optionally allow designated carers to locate the user's position, typically within 5 to 10 metres. Their use helps promote independent living and social inclusion for the elderly. Devices often incorporate either 1-way or 2-way voice communication which is activated by pressing a button or sliding a switch. Some devices also allow the user to call several phone numbers using pre-programmed speed dial buttons. Trials using GPS personal tracking devices are also underway in several countries for use with early stage dementia.
- Internet Fun. Some Web 2.0 pioneers have created their own personal web pages that show their position constantly, and in real-time, on a map within their website. These usually use data push from a GPS enabled cell phone or a personal GPS tracker.
- Adventure sports. GPS tracking devices such as the SPOT Satellite Messenger are available that allow friends, family, and rescue personnel to track the position of a person and receive messages from them, even when the user of the device is outside of cellular range.
- Monitoring the employees. GPS handled tracking devices with builtin cell phone are used to monitor the employees by various companies, specially the employees which are engaged in field work job.
Asset tracking
- Solar Powered. The advantage of some solar powered units is that they have much more power over their lifetime than battery powered units. This gives them the advantage to report their position and status much more often than battery units which need to conserve their energy to extend their life. Some wireless solar powered units, such as the RailRider can report more than 20,000 times per year and work indefinitely on solar power eliminating the need to change batteries.
- Animal control. When put on a wildlife animal (e.g. in a collar), it allows scientists to study its activities and migration patterns. Vaginal implant transmitters mark the location where pregnant females give birth.[6] Animal tracking collars may also be put on domestic animals, to locate them in case they get lost.
Data pullers
GPS data pullers are also known as GPS transponders. Contrary to data pushers, that send the position of the devices at regular intervals (push technology), these devices are always-on and can be queried as often as required (pull technology). This technology is not in widespread use, but an example of this kind of device is a computer connected to the Internet and running gpsd.
These can often be used in the case where the location of the tracker will only need to be known occasionally e.g. placed in property that may be stolen, or that does not have constant source of energy to send data on a regular basis, like freights or containers.
Data Pullers are coming into more common usage in the form of devices containing a GPS receiver and a cell phone which, when sent a special SMS message reply to the message with their location.
Uses in Marketing
In August, 2010, Brazilian company Unilever ran a promotion where GPS trackers were placed in boxes of Omo laundry detergent. Teams would then track consumers who purchased the boxes of detergent to their homes where they would be awarded with a prize for their purchase. The company also launched a website (in Portuguese) to show the approximate location of the winners' homes.
GPS or Global Positioning System is a satellite course-plotting coordination system. GPS Satellite Tracking is an essential instrument, which is exploited for even map-configuring, land researching and navigational purpose. Although Gps Tracking is required, almost everywhere few are still hesitant to install it. Apart from providing specific time reference, this device can give quality information regarding position, pace and altitude with highest level of precision. Every industry should have the service of GPS tracking for improving the quality of their work culture.
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