GPS technology is everywhere today, and we use it without a second thought. But only a few understand how to maximize Global Positioning System Tracking to increase the operational effectiveness of your fleet.
For example, Fleet management uses GPS to monitor their fleets and other resources. The fleet managers need to have the knowledge that aids in the resolution of problems with compliance, effectiveness, and safety.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the GPS Tracking system. Let’s dive right in!
What is Global Positioning System Tracking
Let’s start with the acronym for the global positioning system, GPS. The system uses a satellite network circling the Earth and tools that you may use to locate an object or a person.
Initially created in the 60s for military purposes, GPS technology was finally made accessible to the general public in 1983, and developments and use cases have grown over the years. Today, GPS is used for various purposes, including multinational military training exercises and driving instructions.
Global Positioning System Tracking uses tracking devices installed in a vehicle, on an object (even on/in a person). The gadget then shows details of its precise position and all movements, allowing for real-time tracking.
Fleet managers may utilize a Global Positioning System Tracking gadget to find out where a vehicle or resource is on their path, inform on traffic patterns, and track how long every vehicle stays at a job site.
Basics of Global Positioning System Tracking Systems
The system utilizes the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network to give data on the present position, direction, time, and speed of the vehicle being monitored; this network’s satellites connect with GPS Tracking units.
What is the Model of a Vehicle Tracking Device?
Global Positioning System Tracking systems send unique satellite signals, and a receiver processes those signals. These receivers compute the GPS device’s time and velocity and track its precise location.
You may use four GPS satellite signals to compute and display these locations in three dimensions. Space, control, and user are the three components that make up GPS systems.
Space
Twenty-seven satellites make up the Global Positioning System, and they circle the planet. 24 satellites are active, and the remaining three serve as backups if one of the other 24 should fail. These satellites broadcast signals to GPS receivers every 12 hours as they circle the Earth.
Control
Numerous tracking stations dispersed all across the world are in charge of managing the Positioning System. The GPS receivers in these stations capture microwave carrier signals that the satellites deliver and transform them into information such as velocity, time, and location.
User
The signals supplied by GPS satellites are received by GPS receivers, which then utilize them to calculate the user’s current location in space and time.
GPS Systems Come In Two Types
A Global Positioning System Tracking system can function in a few different ways. Commercial GPS systems are frequently used to track the whereabouts of moving automobiles.
Passive tracking is the practice of some systems storing data within the GPS device itself. Other systems, such as active tracking or 2-way GPS, routinely transmit data through a modem to a centralized database.
Passive Global Positioning System Tracking keeps track of locations and records information on journeys depending on particular circumstances.
This kind of system can record the location of the devices throughout the last 12 hours. It keeps the information locally or on a memory stick and then downloads it to a computer for further analysis. The data can be frequently requested while traveling or retrieved automatically at a predetermined time in specific systems.
Real-time tracking systems which instantly communicate information to a centralized tracking gateway are part of passive GPS. Since this kind of technology enables caretakers to be aware of the whereabouts of their charges, it is employed in most commercial applications, including monitoring and tracking youngsters or the elderly. This device is also used to simplify a fleet’s operations and observe staff behavior while they work.
What Purpose Does Global Positioning System Tracking Serve?
The most popular applications of GPS technology, like mapping and surveying, finding directions, and monitoring kids, are known to most people. However, there are many different applications you might not have known about.
All applications utilized by the military, first responders, and various business and private usage heavily rely on GPS. Here are a few applications for GPS devices.
GPS In Military Use
GPS was created by the military and is currently used for tracking troop movements, aircraft, maritime navigation, etc. This is crucial for military troops stationed in uncharted regions or moving at night.
Search And Rescue
Additionally, search and rescue efforts make use of Global Positioning System Tracking. Rescue teams can use it to obtain data from a lost person’s phone or GPS gadget or to keep track of the areas they have searched.
Vehicle Global Positioning System Tracking
Commercial fleets frequently use GPS monitoring to keep tabs on their cars. Fleet managers can follow their drivers’ whereabouts and conditions and gain vital information about the effectiveness of their fleet by placing GPS devices on their cars.
Global Positioning System Tracking devices are an essential component of fleet tracking to follow the whereabouts and activities of fleet vehicles and to boost efficiency and safety. Global Positioning System Tracking also improves the accuracy and ease of routing and dispatching.
GPS Recreational Applications
Most wearable technology, including watches for bicycling, hiking, and running, uses Global Positioning System Tracking to provide users with information on their speed, distance traveled, and location in the wild.
Now that more people are using smartphones, practically everyone has Global Positioning System Tracking devices everywhere they go. This technology may be applied novelly, from location-based games to augmented reality (AR) applications. In the upcoming years, this usage will only become more prevalent.
Global Positioning System Tracking And Telematics
Together, telematics and Global Positioning System Tracking may provide valuable insights into your fleet’s operations. They are components of a complementing system rather than conflicting systems.
A tracking device that collects real-time information on the location and condition of the vehicle is at the heart of a telematics system. GPS data is obtained and sent to a centralized server using a telematics system.
Following processing, the data is transformed into knowledge that you may access via fleet management software.
Benefits Of Global Positioning System Tracking
For various reasons, Global Positioning System Tracking is a valuable tool for fleet management. You can see where your fleet vehicles are by using GPS trackers, but that’s not all they can do. Here are a few more significant advantages of Global Positioning System Tracking.
Improve routes
Reduce operating costs
Reduce fuel use and costs
Improve security
Reduce overtime and timesheet fraud
Improve asset utilization
Validation of completed work
Asset tracking
Improve fleet safety
Happier customers
Conclusion
GPS technology is undoubtedly very crucial in modern society. The technology offers many benefits for individuals and can also be used by corporations, governments, businesses, etc. Applying it will help you optimize your business to serve your customers better.
