Looking back, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has significantly transformed how we navigate, track, and manage assets—providing unmatched accuracy and reliability, from personal use to large-scale fleet management, and more. In 2024, the need for accurate location data is at an all-time high. But what exactly do we know about GPS? And how do tracking devices work?
In this article, we’ll look at how GPS tracking works and how Traxxis GPS utilizes this technology to deliver advanced solutions to the world. Read on.
The Basics of GPS Technology
As mentioned, GPS technology has transformed how we navigate and interact with our environment by leveraging GPS satellites signals. These specialized devices deliver accurate location data that reinforces safety, efficiency, and productivity across industries.
What is GPS?
Global Positioning System, or simply GPS, is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their exact location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) anywhere on Earth by calculating the time it takes for these signals to travel from the satellites to the receiver.
As of writing, there are over 30 active satellites in the GPS constellation, with at least 24 active satellites maintained to remain constantly active. These satellites continuously emit radio signals that are received by GPS receivers on the ground. [Source: gps.gov]
Note: GPS devices were originally developed for military use, and are now used widely in various applications like transportation, mapping, personal navigation, etc.
The Core Components of GPS Tracking Devices
GPS tracking devices from Traxxis GPS consist of several essential components that work together to provide accurate location data. We’ve listed down one by one the core components of a GPS tracking device with a brief explanation of its purpose and importance. They’re as follows:
GPS Receiver
At the heart of every GPS tracking device is a GPS receiver, which plays a crucial role in how GPS trackers work. A GPS Receiver picks up signals from orbiting satellites and calculates the device’s latitude, longitude, altitude, and the precise time the signals were received. *The information it collects is critical for providing accurate GPS data.
Cellular/Satellite Communication
A GPS device transmits the location data they collect through cellular or satellite networks.
Brief example, all Traxxis GPS counts on cellular communication to send real-time location information to a user’s device or a central server. This connectivity is required for monitoring and managing assets efficiently.
Antenna
The antenna captures satellite signals and transmits them to the GPS receiver. Its importance lies in its ability to ensure that the GPS tracking device receives strong and accurate signals, which are essential for reliable tracking.
Processor
All GPS tracking systems have a built-in processor that performs complex calculations to determine the device’s position, speed, and direction. This processing capability is critical for interpreting the data received from satellites and providing real-time information to users.
Power Source
A GPS tracking system is typically powered by a rechargeable battery or by connecting it directly to a vehicle’s power supply; ensuring uninterrupted tracking. A reliable power source is essential as it allows the GPS tracker to function continuously during long trips or in remote areas.
RECAP: How do GPS tracker work?
The receiver, communication methods, antenna, processor, and power source components all serve significant roles in the accuracy and reliability of GPS tracking. How a GPS tracker works is by leveraging these integral parts effectively.
How GPS Tracking Devices Determine Location
The GPS process of determining a device’s location can be broken down into a few key steps, there are four:
- Signal Reception
- The GPS receiver gets signals from at least four satellites. These signals are like radio waves that will tell the receiver where the satellites are and when they send the signal.
- Distance Calculation
- The GPS measures how far it is from each satellite by timing how long it takes for the signals to arrive by using the formula: Distance = Speed of Light x Time Delay.
- Trilateration
- Once it knows the distances to the satellites, the GPS receiver uses a method called trilateration to find its exact location on Earth. This means it looks for the point where the circles (or spheres) around the satellites overlap.
- Data Transmission
- Lastly, the GPS trackers connect and send their location to a central server or user device using cellular or satellite signals.
Practical Applications of GPS Tracking Devices
GPS tracking devices offer a range of practical uses across various industries. The following applications highlight the value of GPS tracking devices in efficiency, security, and optimization of operations across various sectors.
Fleet Management – tracking vehicle locations in real-time, optimizing routes, reducing fuel consumption, and improving delivery times.
Asset tracking – 24/7 monitoring of valuable equipment and goods during transit, reducing the risk of theft or loss.
Personal tracking – convenient monitoring of the safety of individuals, such as children, elderly family members, or employees working in remote areas.
Law enforcement – police and security teams use GPS tracking to monitor suspect movements or recover stolen vehicles.
Field service management – convenient dispatching of technicians and monitoring their work progress, in real-time.
The Benefits of Traxxis GPS Tracking
Traxxis GPS delivers advanced GPS tracking solutions that empower users with real-time location information and historical data. Additionally, using Traxxis GPS Solutions, can:
- Provide precise location information from a few meters up to considerable distances in the world
- Works anywhere on Earth, day or night, and under various weather conditions
- Instantly locate and set up updates, in real-time, making it ideal for navigation and tracking fleet
- Set up geofences and receive instant alerts for unauthorized movement or boundary breaches
- Optimize routes and reduce fuel consumption by analyzing historical data
- Improve overall employee safety by monitoring and addressing certain risky behaviors
- Guaranteed peace of mind
Final Thoughts
GPS tracking is everywhere. They’re integrated into mobile phones, planes, and even land vehicles. Over the years, they’ve come a long way from simply showing dots on a map. Any organization that uses vehicles, whether big fleets or small local ones, can gain a lot from GPS tracking. They get data that helps them address both major and minor problems like accountability, compliance, efficiency, and safety. In short, GPS makes their fleets operate more profitably and overall “better”.
GPS tracking devices have revolutionized the way businesses manage their assets. Traxxis GPS is at the forefront of this technology, offering reliable and user-friendly solutions that leverage the power of GPS technology.
By understanding how GPS tracking devices work and the role they play in our daily lives, we can harness their capabilities to make our world more efficient and secure. For more info, please visit Traxxis GPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a GPS tracker work to monitor vehicles?
A GPS tracker helps find where vehicles are by using signals and cellular networks from satellites. It gets information about the vehicle’s location and speed and sends this data to an app or computer. They can also keep track of routes, and driving habits, and help send alerts for things like speeding or if someone uses the vehicle without permission.
What types of data do GPS tracking devices collect?
GPS tracking devices gather location information to find the exact place, speed to check if the vehicle is going too fast, and route history to see where the vehicle has been. They can also track the distance traveled, note the times the vehicle arrives and leaves places, and monitor driving habits to improve safety, etc.
How do GPS tracking devices improve safety?
GPS can make driving safer in many ways, like giving real-time updates on where a vehicle is (which is important during emergencies). They also track how someone is driving, like if they are speeding or braking hard, so unsafe habits can be fixed.
With geofencing, alerts can be sent if a vehicle goes outside set areas, and some devices have SOS buttons for emergencies. If there’s an accident or if a vehicle is stolen, GPS trackers can help find them quickly, improving recovery chances.
How does GPS tracking work without the internet?
GPS tracking can work without the internet by using satellite signals and storing data locally. The GPS device talks to satellites in the sky to find its exact location based on how long it takes for the signals to reach it. Many trackers can save this information, like where the vehicle has been and how fast it was going, even without an internet connection.
Does GPS work if you have no data?
Yes, GPS can work without a data connection. GPS can use signals from satellites to find its location, and these signals don’t need the internet. Many GPS devices and apps can work offline by downloading maps in advance, so users can get directions using only satellite signals.
GPS devices also save location information on their own, recording movements even if there’s no internet. Once a connection is available, they can share or update this information.
