The GPS tracking system is a technology used to track the location of objects or individuals in real-time using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. It involves using a GPS receiver that communicates with the GPS satellites and tracking software that processes and displays the location data received.
Brief History of GPS Tracking System
The United States Department of Defense initially developed the GPS tracking system for military purposes in the 1970s. It was made available for civilian use in the 1980s and has since become an essential tool in different enterprises, including transportation, coordinated operations, policing, and individual well-being.
Importance of GPS Tracking Systems in Today’s World
GPS tracking system plays a crucial role today, where businesses, governments, and individuals depend on real-time location information to make decisions. With the rise of e-commerce, GPS tracking systems have become essential for tracking packages and optimizing delivery routes.
The transportation industry has enabled fleet managers to monitor their vehicles’ location and performance. GPS tracking systems are also used in personal safety devices and mobile phones, providing individuals with a means of tracking their location in emergencies.
How the GPS tracking system works
GPS Satellite Network
The GPS tracking system uses a network of 24 GPS satellites orbiting the Earth. Each satellite transmits a signal containing its location and the time it was sent. The GPS recipient on the ground gets signals from something like four satellites and computes the distance between the receiver and each satellite using the time it took for the signal to travel.
GPS Receiver
The GPS receiver is a device that picks up signals from the GPS satellites and calculates its location on the Earth. It uses the information received from the satellites to triangulate its position, speed, and direction.
Communication Network
After the GPS receiver calculates its position, it sends the location data to a communication network. This network can be a cellular network, satellite network, or internet-based network. The communication network relays the location data to a central server or tracking software that processes the data and displays the location on a map in real-time.
Data Processing
The tracking software processes the location data received from the GPS receiver to provide useful insights. It can track the movement of objects, monitor their speed and direction, and trigger alerts when there is a deviation from the expected path.
The software can also store historical location data to provide insights into past movements and help predict future movements.
Types of GPS Tracking Systems
Personal GPS Tracking System
Personal GPS tracking systems are designed to track the location of individuals for personal safety and security purposes. They can be worn as a watch, carried in a pocket or backpack, or installed in a vehicle. Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and children commonly use personal GPS tracking systems.
Vehicle GPS Tracking System
Vehicle GPS tracking systems are designed to track the location of vehicles in real-time. They are commonly used in the transportation and logistics industry to monitor the location of delivery trucks, buses, and taxis. People can also use vehicle GPS tracking systems for personal vehicles to track their location, speed, and direction.
Fleet GPS Tracking System
Fleet GPS tracking systems are designed to track the location of a fleet of vehicles in real-time. They are commonly used by businesses with large fleets of vehicles, such as trucking companies, to optimize their routes, monitor driver behaviour, and reduce operating costs.
People can also use fleet GPS tracking systems to track the location of assets, such as trailers and equipment.
Asset GPS Tracking System
Asset GPS tracking systems are designed to track the location of valuable assets, such as equipment, trailers, and containers. They can be installed with sensors to monitor the asset’s condition, such as temperature, humidity, and vibration.
Asset GPS tracking systems are commonly used in the construction, mining, and logistics industries to monitor the location and condition of their assets.
Conclusion
As technology evolves, GPS tracking systems will become more advanced and sophisticated. Integrating GPS tracking systems with other technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), will provide more accurate and valuable insights into the movements of objects and individuals.
