GPS Vehicle Tracking Devices: Real Time GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems

GPS tracking system is a technology that employs the Global Positioning System, to find out the exact position of a vehicle, person or any other asset to which it is connected. The article throws light on the GPS vehicle tracking technology and different devices used for it.
GPS Vehicle Tracking Devices: Real Time GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems
GPS technology was developed and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and it not only detects the location of an asset but also records its position at regular intervals of time. The recorded data can be stored in the tracking unit, or can be transferred to a database or an internet based computer, utilizing a cellular (GPRS), satellite modem or a radio enclosed in the unit. This helps the asset's position to be exhibited against a map backdrop either in real-time or while analyzing the track using customized software. GPS equipped vehicles assist you in planning your trips correctly with a moving map display. Many emergency service units like police cars, fire trucks, or ambulances are employing GPS receivers to find out the locations of their resources, hence enabling the most immediate response in emergency situations.

GPS technology requires at least 24 satellites orbiting at 11,000 nautical miles above the Earth's surface, completing each orbit in 12 hours. The receivers can be part of the car accessories or the highly precise military type equipment that receive transmitted satellite signals from 4 GPS satellites. These signals are extrapolated to arrive at the correct position in three dimensions. Each satellite is fitted with an accurate clock which allows it to broadcast signals along with a precise time message. The accuracy of the clocks should be better than ±3 nanoseconds. This precision is very important as the receiver should be able to find out the time it takes for the signals to travel from each satellite. The deviation in the time when the signal is sent and received, multiplied by the speed of light, helps the receiver to account the distance to the satellite. Though it needs 3 satellites to determine the latitude and longitude of the receiver's position, it requires one more satellite signal to calculate the altitude.

GPS Vehicle Tracking Devices

Some of the real time GPS vehicle tracking devices are as follows:
  • Spark Nano Real Time GPS Tracking Device
    It is the most powerful and the smallest GPS device which is battery powered, water proof and totally covert. It is self-contained, requires no external connections or antennae, and hence can be simply placed in a glove compartment or a similar discreet location. Extremely sensitive features like receiving ability for real time location and updates on any computer connected to the Internet, enhance its sensitivity to work in places where traditional GPS trackers fail.
  • Livewire Fast Trac Real Time GPS Tracker
    This GPS tracking device is battery powered and entirely covert. It is the fastest real time tracking device with unrestricted tracking and no contracts. It has a built-in motion sensor which provides a 10 day battery life. All you need to do is to place the device in a glove compartment or a
    discreet location and start tracking. It is 100% web based with no software installation and is accessible from any web-enabled computer.
  • Bolt AVL GPS Fleet Tracker
    It enables you to monitor and manage an entire fleet from a central computer. It achieves the real-time location updates and provides the latest information. This fleet tracker enhances your asset security and increases productivity. It monitors routes and evaluates historical data to find better driving or delivery routes, hence reducing fuel costs.
GPS vehicle tracking is the fastest-developing GPS application. GPS equipped fleet vehicles, courier services, transportation systems and delivery trucks utilize GPS receivers to monitor their locations in no time, hence improving overall efficiency. Whether an isolated desert or the deep blue ocean, GPS always comes to the rescue.

By Kanika Khara
Published: 6/29/2009
 
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