GPS Vehicle Tracking

GPS stands for ground positioning system in which satellite technology is used to graph your vehicle’s global position.  It is the most accurate way to locate your vehicle.  It is accurate within 10 metres.

The most important question you might have right now- is how does the system actually work?  To help you understand this a little better we will walk you through the lay terms.  GPS is going to send a signal to the satellite which is up in space.  The satellite has the ability to transmit data in relation to time and location.  The vehicle tracking device is on the truck sending multiple signals to satellites- usually four satellites.  The satellite will take that data and transmit it to the server collecting the satellite data.  The server then translates the data of numbers into the longitude and latitude, and time.  The server is often part of the mobile phone network using a secure server tied to those towers.  The information sent from the satellite is sent at predetermined intervals.

To get a little more in depth regarding GPS vehicle tracking you will have GPS antennas that will receive and send the signals.  These antennas are what power the signal to reach the minimum of 4 satellites to give the accurate real time data.  The GPS constellation, which is what they call the group of satellites in orbit are actually a group of 32 satellites, with 24 operating all the time.  The reason there are so many satellites operating is so that everyone on earth can tap in to get an accurate location no matter where they are based.  The satellites move and the earth rotates, which means the satellites can be out of range at certain times.  This means another satellite has to take over for the one out of range.

GPS systems do have restrictions.  Locations and environments can restrict the signal.  Highly forested locales make it difficult for a signal to reach through the brush and up into space.  Other restrictions occur when the device is installed incorrectly.  It is very important that you have a professional install the GPS vehicle tracking system.  You will then know that the system has been installed correctly and there should be no problems.  Locations are a little different than environment.  Locations like tunnels, underground parking, and even vehicle depots can obstruct the antenna from sending a signal.  The system will read this vehicle as “unavailable” or “unknown.”  The signal will reappear when the signal is no longer obstructed.

GPS vehicle tracking systems can plot a vehicle on a satellite image overlay.  This is a “bird’s eye” view of the vehicle location.  You will be able to see where the vehicle was before it goes into a tunnel or warehouse. The antenna needs to be installed in the right position for the best results.  Typically this means in the line of sight like on the dashboard.  GPS is the most common vehicle tracking system available today for fleet and personal use.