GPS (Global Position System) has proved itself to be an essential tool for managing fleets throughout the United States of America. Businesses that have installed a GPS tracking system have benefited from increased visibility over their vehicles, which has led to a boost in driver productivity, added vehicle security and improved customer service.
The majority of GPS vehicle tracking systems provide their users with real time mapping functionality. This feature actually plots the location of their vehicles, in real time, against the on-screen virtual map and allows the user to easily monitor their vehicles movements. In addition, many tracking systems are also able to provide real time alerts to highlight any exceptional events such as if a vehicle enters or exits a user specified location.
A common feature included with many tracking systems is a ‘satellite overlay’. This feature allows the user to switch between a map and a satellite (aerial) photograph when viewing their vehicle’s locations. This helps users to further identify their vehicles locations and environment when they are in located in area unfamiliar to them.
Many tracking systems are able to show the ‘snail trail’ of a vehicle’s journeys. This is when a historic journey that was completed by a vehicle is re-plotted on a map, providing the user with a clear understanding of the vehicle’s travels.
