GPS Tracking Device

Global Positioning System or GPS is used in vehicles to help companies determine the location of their drivers, who is driving, and any assets attached can be used to record the position of that asset at any regular interval.

The location data that has been recorded may be stored in the tracking units, or transmitted to a central location in a database. It can also be stored on a computer connected to the Internet or used by a GPRS or cellular, satellite or radio modem that is embedded into the device.

Asset location can be displayed on a digital map in real-time or it can be assesses later if the company uses customized software programs. Since 1982, amateur radio stations have used GPS on real time known as the Automatic Packet Reporting System or APRS.

APRS is an amateur radio system designed for real-time strategic digital communication. It delivers quick information values in a local area. The data is usually ingested in the APRS-IS or Automatic Packet Reporting System-Internet system. Information is distributed around the world for instant access.

• GPS trackers include
  
  Data loggers
• Data pushers
• Data pullers

Data loggers are designed to log the position of the GPS device during regular intervals and in the devices internal memory. Loggers today have memory card slots, USB port, and internal flash memory. Some are used as USB flash drives, which allow downloads of track log data to continue analyzing within the PC. Tracklists otherwise known as point of interest list can be GPX or in another format. Loggers are used by sport players.

Data pushers are more for security companies that push or send the position of the GPS device at regular intervals, which is sent to a determined server capable of analyzing data quickly. The devices became more affordable around the same time cell phones became affordable.

Data pullers send out the position of the GPS device at push technology or regular intervals. The devices remain on constantly, in which the user can query the device anytime he or she chooses as referred to pull technology. The technology has not been used globally, yet it is a type of device that is similar to a computer that connects to the Net and runs GPSD.

The devices can be used to track the location of a tracker randomly. Data pullers contain a GPS receiver and cell phone that sends SMS messages in reply to other messages in that location.

Data pushers allow a GPS receiver and cell phone to sit together in a same box, which functions on a battery. During regular intervals, the phone will send out text messages through SMS, which contain data from the receiver. Smartphone’s have GPS integrated and runs the tracking device programs in a way that it can be used as a data pusher. Android and iPhone today has both proprietary and open source applications.

Data pushers have the most sophisticated tracking device in the business environment, particularly in companies that hire mobile workforces, like commercial fleets.