GPS tracking systems function

A GPS tracking system actually has a number of uses. Some of the available GPS tracking enable the user to interact with the tracked unit in a number of ways. Thus, the communication goes both ways so that from a base station, the user can check the status of its target object and send new instructions to it like remote commands if necessary.

Most GPS tracking systems function by creating a geofence around a company’s assets like construction equipment. The systems can be activated over the telephone or by computer. When the asset travels outside the perimeter, an alarm is then immediately sent to a dispatch center. The police are then notified and able to track down the missing equipment, often within an hour.
GPS tracking is fast becoming a staple in society these GPS tracking systems can be used in growing number of cases.

GPS tracking system mapping

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is no longer an unusual technology with most new cars now fitted with it and numerous new uses being launched every day. Since all GPS tracking systems work through the use of satellites, there is no doubt that you will find benefit in any of these mapping abilities. GSs tracking systems offer several types of mapping for you to select from. Some units will offer multiple choices on the one unit. Others will be specialized for one use. In any case, you will want to determine the real need that you have for the unit and then notice how appropriate one unit is for your needs.

gps tracking system : Cell Phone GPS Tracking

The development of communications technology has long since surpassed the sole ability to access others when they are mobile. Today, mobile communication devices are becoming much more technologically advanced and offer more than the ability to just carry on a conversation. Cell phone GPS tracking is one of those advances.

GPS or Global Positioning System tracks your location by interpreting the data received from 3 or more satellites. This has made GPS a popular feature in cars as a navigational aid.

All cell phones constantly broadcast a radio signal, even when not on a call. The cell phone companies have been able to estimate the location of a cell phone for many years using triangulation information from the towers receiving the signal. However, the introduction of GPS technology into cell phones has meant that cell phone GPS tracking now makes this information a lot more accurate.

With GPS technology now more commonplace in many new cell phones, this means that the location of anyone carrying a compatible cell phone can be accurately tracked at any time. Cell phone GPS tracking can therefore be a useful feature for business owners and fleet managers who need to be able to keep track of their vehicle movements.

Cell phone GPS tracking can also be a useful feature to the emergency services or police when responding to a 911 call from a GPS cell phone. For this reason, the FCC has legislated that wireless networks provide location information for 911 calls made from cell phones. These are known as E911 calls.

As technology advance even further, future features will be even more powerful. Imagine GPS cell phones used as a navigational device. Based on the cell phone GPS tracking signal, they could be used to find your way to a location, calculate your speed based on your location change over time, from this calculate your estimated arrival time, suggest an alternative route and even phone the person you are calling to see with your ETA! Of course in car GPS navigation systems can already perform many of these tasks, however it is the portability of cell phones that makes them so useful for this technology.

Cell phone GPS tracking could also be used to locate the whereabouts of your children and offer protection to elderly relatives should something happen and they need urgent assistance.

These features will help to secure the future of cell phone GPS tracking providing advantages for all.

By Alan Chestnutt

gps tracking system : The Evolution of GPS Tracking Device Technology

As GPS technology has become more main stream and accessible to consumers, the variety of GPS enable devices has also increased at an incredible rate. Most of us know someone with GPS in their car or we own a unit ourselves. As the technology gets more advanced even smaller and more versatile, handheld portable GPS devices are becoming increasingly popular.

Portable GPS systems for serious use

GPS technology is being used more and more each day for business matters and emergency use. Many of us already own GPS enabled cell phones. Emergency 911 operators can now pinpoint the caller in distress by locating their GPS cell phone. GPS cell phones report their location at all times they are turned on.

For businesses, PDA's can be used by delivery, sales and repair personnel to find their way and also have their positions tracked by the head office. There is time saving software which will plan the route for a delivery run based on the location of their drop-off points for the day. Surveyors use specialized GPS equipment to plan roads, and map out fields. Locating and re-locating survey markers and boundaries is also made much easier with GPS.

Laptop computers can easily be turned into PDA receivers or trackers with the addition of USB plug in devices and software. The possible uses really are limitless.

Using your portable GPS for fun

The accessibility of this million dollar technology to the general population has of course, opened up new recreational uses. As well as tracking your own location, you can use GPS to track other people's and or objects locations.

Geocaching is a type of hi-tech treasure hunt. A small item with a GPS transmitter is hidden, and then hunters with GPS devices compete to find it.

GPS enabled watches, cameras, pet collars all provide interesting applications to this technology. The cameras can imprint a precise geographical location on photos taken so you can re-locate that position easily. For pets who stray, what easier way than logging into a website to locate them. Some of these pet collars can even send messages to cell phones with Fido's location. If you are attending a large event and are separated from the main group, you could use GPS to hone in on a GPS watch signal to find them.

These are just a few instances of GPS technology and what it can do for you. The possibilities really are endless. Wherever it leads us, we will be able to track it!

By Chelsea Aubin

gps tracking system : The Road Less Traveled

The nice thing about GPS units is that you do not have to have them custom installed into your vehicle. Sometimes when you buy a new car it comes with its own navigational system. But to add that to a new car would be costly.

After delving into some of the more advanced features of GPS as you use it in your daily life. You will definitely notice the "little things" that it does beyond what you'd expected upon purchase. For instance let's say you went on a night on the town during the weekend and slept in, waking up up later than you usually wak up.

You find yourself having less time to get to work or you will wind up being late. What happens? Well turn on your GPS and allow it give you advice on how to get to your destination in the allotted time. Even though you've traveled the same path to work day in and day out, a GPS unit will be flexible enough to give you a broader range of ideas to get from point A to point B, often saving you much more time in the process than normally possible.

You will definitely never stop using GPS once you've given it a shot.

By Simon Wyryzowski

gps tracking system : How Much Data Do You Need

Before you jump in with both feet and purchase a GPS unit, it's important to take a few things in to consideration.

How much data do you need? Let's rephrase that, think in terms of your cell phone plan. Every plan is different and offers different plans accordingly. Some are regional, some are for specific states, and some are nation wide while further others provide plans allowing you to communicate to anyone in the world.

Similarly for GPS, you need to consider what coverage you want in terms of where you will be needing this satellite based directional guides. Do you travel frequently within one or two big cities, or does your work or personal life take you beyond- to unknown corners of the nation or the world?

There is no standardization in terms of maps available and preloaded- it varies depending on which models and which companies you buy your GPS from.

On top of that you need to consider how much features you need to use for your GPS. Do you want something that works out of the box and gives you clear and concise instructions on how to get from point A to B, or do you want to hack away and use some advanced features as well? This and more will need to be factored into your purchase decision.

By Simon Wyryzowski

gps tracking system : Global Positioning System (GPS)

Originally designated the NAVSTAR (Navigation System with Timing And Ranging) Global Positioning System, GPS system was developed by the US Department of Defense to provide all-weather round-the-clock navigation capabilities for military ground, sea, and air forces. Since its implementation, GPS system has also become an integral asset in numerous civilian applications and industries around the globe, including recreational uses (e.g. boating, aircraft, hiking), corporate vehicle fleet tracking, and surveying.

The GPS system employs 24 spacecraft in 20,200 km circular orbits inclined at 55 degrees. These spacecraft are placed in 6 orbit planes with four operational satellites in each plane. All launches have been successful except for one launch failure in 1981. The full 24-satellite constellation was completed on March 9, 1994.

The first eleven spacecraft (GPS Block 1) were used to demonstrate the feasibility of the GPS system. The orbit inclination used for these satellites was 63 degrees, differing from the 55 degrees used for the operational system. The Block 2 spacecraft began the operational system. The Block 2A spacecraft (A = Advanced) were a slight improvement over the Block 2. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was designed as a dual-use system with the primary purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of U.S. and allied military forces. GPS is rapidly becoming an integral component of the emerging Global Information Infrastructure, with applications ranging from mapping and surveying to international air traffic management and global change research. The growing demand from military, civil, commercial, and scientific users has generated a U.S. commercial GPS navigation systems equipment and service industry that leads the world. Augmentations to enhance basic GPS services could further expand these civil and commercial markets.

GPS systems receivers use triangulation of the GPS satellites' navigational signals to determine their location. The satellites provide two different signals that provide different accuracies. Coarse-acquisition (C/A) code is intended for civilian use, and is deliberately degraded. The accuracy using a typical civilian GPS receiver with C/A code is typically about 100 meters. The military's Precision (P) code is not corrupted, and provides positional accuracy to within approximately 20 meters. Numerous on-line tutorials on how GPS works and its applications are available, including those at the University of Texas and Rentec International. GPS systems satellites are controlled at the GPS Master Control Station (MCS) located at Falcon Air Force Base outside Colorado Springs, Colorado. The ground segment also includes four active-tracking ground antennas and five passive-tracking monitor stations.

GPS receiver technology has developed by leaps and bounds over the last few years. GPS receivers were initially the size of a suitcase with the antenna the size of a kid’s blow up swimming pool. Over time, the system has been developed into a civilian friendly program, and GPS receiver technology has miniaturized as well. Automobile GPS receivers are the size of a deck of cards. The gps receiver used in hand held devices is not much larger than a small cell phone. Many newer cell telephones have a GPS receiver integral in their hand set. As manufacturers develop the GPS receiver, they will have to work through display, power use and dexterity limitations. An individual will need a screen with a size that can be viewed from any angle and at a reasonable distance. The GPS receiver is generally always on while in use, so managing power will continue to be an on going problem. The ability to push the small buttons will limit just how small a GPS receiver can be. As touch screens develop and other input systems are introduced, we will see the GPS receiver continue to change in appearance and use.

by John B. Whitsell

gps tracking system : How To Decide Which Type Of GPS System You Need

I think by now just about everyone knows about GPS devices. Lots of people are using the technology today that once relegated to pocket protector geeks with black frame glasses. I know those of us who fish offshore would never leave home without it now, I don't know how we ever did without it. If you are still lacking a little in the knowledge of GPS and how the system works here are a few hints to get you started.

If you haven't ever used a GPS, a simple explanation is that it is like a live animation map that moves as you move. If you are looking for a specific location the GPS can take you there, if you don't know where you are the GPS can tell you. It is a super cool tool to have.

The GPS tracking technology has come a long way with GPS devices available today that actually speak to you. These gadgets will now tell you when to turn, how far ahead your destination is, and even how far to the nearest gas station.

So how do you decide which specific device you need out of all the GPS systems on the market? First, you can break all of the devices into four main categories which are: automobile navigation, marine navigation, outdoors, and the newer PDA-GPS hybrids like those available from Palm now.

The automotive systems are primarily used by people who travel for a living or use their vehicles in outside sales. There are many manufacturers now offering the option of having the units built into the vehicle and it has become a very popular option. These devices like their aftermarket counterparts are normally mounted to the dashboard in easy view for the driver. Some of the more desirable features to have are the detailed built in maps, voice guided directions and the points of interest database which will call attention to things like restaurants and service stations.

The handheld portable units are a great choice if you want flexibility and the option of using the unit outside of the car. For people who like hiking or hunting these are great. You should look for one that is waterproof with a color screen and a batter that will last for a long duration. Also look for programmable mapping features. You will want to be able to upload maps of rural areas you may be going to, or if using it near shore, you will want marine maps.

As I alluded to earlier, I am an avid offshore fisherman and wouldn't even consider fishing offshore now without a GPS. If you are fishing in tournaments you can't even begin to compete without one. These systems are very durable and since they are designed for marine conditions, they are waterproof. They will offer such features as chart plotting in full color, sonar, programmable maps, and even fishing hot spots.

The newer hybrid system now available offers a blend of the GPS technology with a PDA. These are relatively new and only a handful of companies are offering them. The one that I am most familiar with is the Palm Treo.

By Gregg Hall

gps tracking system : Make Life Easier for All of Us

GPS – Global Positioning System is a satellite navigation system. First conceived as navigation aid by the military now number of GPS satellites broadcasts accurate timing signals by radio to GPS receivers.GPS provides a set of coordinates which represent the location of the GPS unit with respect to its latitude, longitude and elevation on planet Earth thus allowing them to accurately determine their location anywhere on the earth at anytime. It has become an important tool for map making and land surveying and is also used for very precise time reference needed for scientific research like the study of earthquakes. GPS receivers come in various formats, from devices integrated into cars, to phones to watches.

The GPS satellites broadcast accurate clock information in two forms:

Coarse Acquisition code/C/A-This is used mainly for civilian navigation which broadcast at 1,023 MHz repeating every millisecond. Each satellite sends a distinct C/A code, which allows them to be identified.

Precise code/ P-code- The P-code broadcast at 10.23 MHz, but it repeats only once per week. The P code is first encrypted into the Y-code, or P(Y), which can only be decrypted by units with a valid decryption key.

Applications of GPS:

There are number of fields where GPS has been used such as:

Military

It plays an important role in the military by helping to find precise targeting of military weapons such as missiles and precision guided munitions. It also provides good location awareness thus helping in controlling of forces and command.GPS satellites also carry nuclear detonation detectors.

Navigation

If you are someone who are likely to always get lost while driving then GPS is what you need in your car. It is used as navigation aid in cars, ships and planes. Hikers and trekkers use hand held GPS receivers to find their way. Even visually impaired people use this GPS equipment to guide their way.

Surveying

Construction workers also use GPS receivers for surveying the land to locate boundaries, structures, and survey markers, and for construction of roads.

Geocaching

GPS receivers are also used in recreational activities like geocaching where a hand held GPS receiver is used.Geocachers use this to travel to specific longitude and latitude walking or hiking to natural locations, searching for particular objects hidden by the other geocachers. Aircraft passengers

Airline passengers can use GPS units in some airlines inside the aircraft except while landing and taking off as they have very little risk of interference. These airlines integrate aircraft tracking into the seat-back television entertainment system, available to all passengers even during takeoff and landing.

Precise time reference

For accurate time GPS is used. In time code generators GPS is used as a reference clock and also when sensors are deployed they are used to provide accurate time for each recording appartus.Even atomic clocks are set to GPS time.GPS time is counted in days, hours, minutes, and seconds, in the manner that is conventional for most time standards.

Location-based services

Location based services also use GPS to locate all mobile phones. It provides a location solution is dependent more on mobile phones and less on telecommunications network topology. This also helps to provide specific location information to the mobile phone.

The biggest problem faced in GPS is that the atmospheric conditions can change the speed of the GPS signals while passing through the ionosphere. This effect gets minimized when the satellite is directly overhead and becomes greater toward the horizon.

by Jeffrey Meier