How Do GPS Trackers Work: Everything In One Article 

All of us, sometime in our life have opted for a GPS application to reach or search for a destination nearby. From going to the nearest coffee shop to tracking our assets, GPS has revolutionised the way we travel and monitor our belongings.

 This article will dive into the basics as well as the complex intricacies that make a GPS system functional. We will be focusing on how GPS trackers work along with various types of GPS trackers and their working mechanism in detail. 

What is GPS ?

Before diving into the query of this article, let us first understand what GPS actually stands for. GPS is the short form of Global Positioning System. It is a navigation system which is dependent on multiple satellites navigation to provide accurate location and time information anywhere on Earth. 

It was first developed by the United States Department of Defence which has now been globalised for civilian and commercial uses. The system relies on a group of satellites that are orbiting the earth in space. The data sent by these satellites are received by the GPS trackers that analyse the data to determine its location anywhere on earth.

Role of satellites in GPS system

Satellites act as the backbone of the GPS system. They transmit location data in a continous cycle. When a GPS receiver picks up this transmitted data, it can accurately determine its precise location. It uses a calibration method called trilateration.

The receiver is able to calculate the exact location by analysing the distance to each of the satellites in the orbit and comparing that data to the timing of the signals received.

Components of a GPS tracker and their roles in tracking

A GPS device depends on some specific components that together function to enable location tracking. If the roles of all these major parts are put together, we can understand the how a GPS tracker actually functions in real-life. The major components consist of:

1. GPS Receiver: As its name suggests, the receiver helps to detect signals transmitted by the satellites.

2. Processor: Performs data analysis from the information received through signals from satellites. It then determines the accurate location of the GPS device.

3. Power Source: Conventional GPS trackers contain a battery that powers the GPS device. Some GPS devices are made to be attached to a vehicle’s battery or other power sources.

4. Communication Module: Crucial to transfer location data to a central monitoring server or the GPS device owner’s phone.

5. Memory Module: Stores the analysed data for it to be transferred through bluetooth, USB or wifi as per convinience.

All of these above mentioned components play different but important roles for a GPS tracking device to work accurately.

Trilateration: The Core Principle Behind GPS Tracking

Triliteration is a method by which the location of an object can be determined if its distance from multiple points is known to the calculator. In the case of GPS devices, satellites act as these points. When a GPS receiver gets signals from a minimum of four satellites, it can easily determine the exact location of itself. A GPS device would merely need a few seconds to determine location in three dimensional space i.e with respect to latitude, longitude and altitude.

How Does a GPS Tracker Determine Location?

Now that we have understood which components and calculations help a GPS tracker to be so accurate, we can easily connect the links to see how the whole device comes into action.

The GPS receiver present inside the tracker receives signals from multiple satellites orbiting above it. The processor uses triliteration to analyse the distance of the GPS device and the satellites, calculating real-time location within milliseconds. The location information is then transmitted to the user thus completing the process of GPS tracking. This process continues in a chain thus providing us with real-time location tracking.

How GPS Trackers Transmit Data

GPS devices can send real-time location data either to a central server or to the user’s device. The method of transmission varies according to their types and uses. Some data transmission methods are:

1. GSM Network: Transmission of data is done through cellular network signals. Most real-time GPS devices use this process of data transmission.

2. Satellite Communication: Used by GPS devices that are used in remote locations where cellular network is unavailable. Satellite GPS trackers rely solely on satellites to receive and transmit location information.

3. Radio Frequency (RF): Radio waves are used as the carrier of data to the user and can only be used in a short range or indoor tracking purposes. 

4. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: Location data is transferred through wifi or bluetooth connection when connected with a nearby device around the GPS tracker. All the stored data and location history will be collected at once.

Types of GPS Trackers

Although GPS trackers have one common and primary function i.e to track location, they come with other features too. As technology has advanced, various devices have been developed that are specific for different use cases. GPS devices also have been categorised accordingly to suit the needs of different users:

 Personal GPS Trackers

These trackers are tailored for personal tracking. Parents and guardians use these devices to safeguard children and older people from harm.Personal GPS trackers are generally small, portable devices that provide monitoring and communication features like push to talk, two-way communication, SOS button and other useful additions for protecting loved ones in case of an emergency.

Vehicle GPS Trackers

Vehicle GPS trackers are designed for tracking a plethora of vehicles ranging from scooters to excavators. These can be hardwired into the vehicle’s electronic system or come with in-built batteries. Users can conveniently track their fleet or personal vehicle using this GPS. The featuires provided with the trackers are geofencing, real-time tracking, remote engine on/off control, parking mode, distance tracker, idle/running status, etc.

Asset Trackers

GPS trackers which are designed to monitor valuable assets such as courrier, shipment, machinery are called asset trackers. They can be wired or wireless depending on its use. The shipment or asset is secured during delivery until it reaches its destination as the owner can track real-time status of location and movement through their mobile device.

Pet Trackers

Specialised GPS devices that are extremely lightweight and small in size. Pet owners use these trackers to keep an eye on their beloved pets preventing them from getting lost. These devices can be attached to the collars of cats and dogs tracking them wherever they go.

Types of GPS tracking

GPS trackers that are available commercially perform mainly two types of GPS tracking: real-time (active) tracking and passive tracking. Here’s the difference between them:

Real-Time Tracking: This type of tracking involves live location tracking in a continuous manner until the tracking is deactivated by the user. GPS trackers with this type of tracking are highly accurate and precise. This tracking system is ideal for fleet management or personal safety tracking where real-time data monitoring is crucial.

Passive Tracking: This type of GPS tracking involves tracking the location data and storing it as a record inside a memory chip for retrieval afterwards. GPS trackers using this type of tracking do not transmit data real-time and is used in scenarios where live tracking is not needed.

Benefits of GPS Tracking Technology

GPS tracking offers multiple benefits that helps you to stay at ease along with tracking location . Here are some of its notable advantages:

Enhanced Security

Users get an advanced level of security while tracking their valuable assets or loved ones. Real-time location and location history can help locate a robbed or lost asset,vehicle, person. This adds a sense of peace for the GPS owner.

Improved Fleet Management

For companies that own and manage numerous vehicles, GPS tracking is an efficient way to track each vehicle individually. Daily travel monitoring can reduce unwanted fuel expenses and uninformed journeys made with company vehicles.

Increased Personal Safety

GPS trackers made for personal use helps to monitor the safety and wellbeing of individual people. They allow real-time tracking enabling parents and caretakers to monitor the whereabouts of children and older people who are prone to getting lost. Employers can also use GPS tracking to ensure the safety of their employees working in dangerous environments.

Efficient Asset Tracking

Assets can be secured with GPS asset trackers. They provide a reliable way to monitor valuable items in the logistics industry. From tracking shipments to ensuring timely delivery, GPS finds optimal use in the courier sector.

Applications of GPS Trackers

GPS tracking finds a wide range of applications in industries and fields. Below are some of the major uses a GPS tracker is used for worldwide:

Law Enforcement

Government and private law enforcement agencies often use location tracking devices to monitor suspects for the purpose of gathering evidence. Timely and accurate tracking of individual criminals or groups can lead to early prevention of crimes and mishaps safeguarding civillians and the innocent.

Healthcare, Children and Elderly Care

Patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s often tend to wander and get lost thus are equipped with personal GPS trackers for their safety. The tracking devices provide peace of mind to families and caregivers, ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.

Wildlife Tracking and Conservation

Conservationists monitor wildlife using special GPS tags that can be attached to animals without much hassle for the animal. Migration patterns, habitat use, and behaviours of endangered species are analysed. The gathered data is very much crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies and protective measures.

Sports and Fitness Tracking

Modern fitness devices make use of GPS tracking to track daily individual activities like running, cycling, and hiking. This data helps to provide insights to the user regarding calories, distance and activity rate. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use these devices to measure their progress and set health goals. 

Conclusion

GPS tracking is undeniably one of the most innovative and helpful inventions that has improved our daily life. It has transformed how we navigate, secure, and monitor both people and assets. Knowing the fundamentals of GPS tracking, from signal receiving and processing to data transmission process, is important to use the technology efficiently. 

Certain cons like signal obstructions and privacy concerns can undermine the efficacy of these devices, but the benefits outweigh these limitations. As technology is improving, GPS devices are also becoming more accurate and easy to use. Whether for personal safety, asset tracking, or fleet management, GPS trackers offer indispensable services that help us stay connected and informed.