GPS car trackers work by connecting to a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, known as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Using a process called trilateration, GPS car trackers measure how far they are from three or more satellites. Through this, they can work out their exact location and time, then transmit the information.
Anyone who owns a car or phone has benefited from using GPS. This tech has slowly integrated itself into every modern technology and has quickly become an integral part of our lives. So, it’s only right that we get to know more about the small device that has such tremendous influence.
GPS car trackers offer a range of benefits that bring great value to many businesses. To better appreciate this technology, let's dive into what exactly makes GPS car tracking work.
The Global Positioning System, or simply GPS, is primarily used to track cars, assets, pets, and even people. It does this by integrating the use of tracking units, satellites and signals. With vehicle tracking, a device is usually powered through the onboard diagnostics connector (OBD II), the internal battery, or a cigar lighter socket.
What exactly does that mean? Let’s unpack it:
A portable GPS device is discreetly fitted by a qualified installer. From there, you can install a mobile app or use a laptop to connect to the device. You’ll see your tracked asset on your screen anytime you want.
Modern GPS car trackers do more than just show you a moving dot on a map. They can also provide real-time information on both the vehicle and the events surrounding it. Thanks to the vehicle data collected and telematics, the device can inform you about the speed, location, and even driver behaviour.
For a GPS car tracker to work, the use of modern technology is needed: satellites, signals and a GPS car tracking device. These three things come together to create the global tracking system we commonly use today.
A network of 24 satellites orbiting around Earth is used to specify the location of an object or person attached to the GPS device by sending signals to the satellites. The physical location of the device is found based on just three GPS satellite receivers tracking the device's position, time, space, and speed. This whole process is called trilateration.
Trilateration is simply the process of measuring distances. To find your exact location, three satellites are used to calculate your distance from each one. Using these three distances, trilateration can pinpoint your precise location.
The installation and use of the GPS network require extreme precision, which only trilateration can provide. Trilateration is the process behind how portable gadgets like smartphones, in-car navigation systems, vehicle trackers, and aeroplane navigation systems pinpoint location.
Typically, a GPS car tracker uses the same technology that some cellular networks run on, the Global System for Mobiles (GSM). This technology is what makes real-time location possible.
GPS is made up of three different components, called segments, that work together to provide a three-dimensional position and send information based on the tracked object. The three elements of GPS tracking are space, ground control, and the end user.
Here’s how they work:
Within the three elements of GPS tracking, there are two types of ways GPS can give you information on the tracked object. It can either be passive or active.
If you're looking to invest in a GPS car tracking device, it's important to know which type would suit your business or individual needs, since each type performs a unique function.
Not all tracking devices work the same or provide users with the same benefits. It all depends on what you need. So ask yourself, are you looking for simple vehicle tracking software commonly used by everyday motorists? Or do you want tracking software that gives you actionable cost-saving insights that could help your business?
Anybody who cares about their assets and wants to keep their valued possessions safe should look into the extra safety benefits of tracking devices. Through the years, GPS car tracking devices have started to pop up in numerous industries worldwide. It’s safe to say these devices have become a necessity in almost every business.
Owners of large fleets, for example, use this technology to easily locate fleet vehicles while implementing driver safety measures and monitoring driving patterns.
The monthly fee for a GPS car tracker depends on the features you need. Cartrack tracking device packages for individuals start from R99 per month. With this, you get a live-tracking feature and a stolen vehicle recovery service. However, if you’re running a business and want actionable, cost-saving insights, you can reach out to us and request an estimate.
The days of GPS car trackers having one primary purpose are long gone. Today's tracking services do more than simply plot a vehicle, person, or cargo on a map. As a result, they’ve become more expensive over the years.
GPS devices for tracking vehicles have monitoring abilities that are seen as valuable technology, because they’re used in multiple industries around the world. The primary benefits are 24/7 visibility, being able to retrieve vehicles if stolen, and monitoring the health of each vehicle.
You can also benefit from other features that allow you to:
Ever since fleet managers integrated GPS technology into their daily fleet monitoring, it’s been a game-changer for the industry, transforming companies into multi-billion dollar corporations. Through this technology, fleet managers can better coordinate daily operations.
No, GPS car trackers don’t need Wi-Fi to function. They primarily use the Global Positioning System to determine location. Most GPS car trackers use SIM cards for cellular data. The Wi-Fi is normally used as a backup in places where the satellite signal is blocked.
Tracking devices can send data to the cloud, store it in internal memory, or use a SIM card that can connect to the internet without the need for Wi-Fi. Since we never know where your lost property might pop up, these alternative methods are essential for easy retrieval.
While it's perfectly legal to install a GPS car tracker in your vehicle or any possession you own, it’s illegal to install a GPS device on other people’s possessions without their knowledge. Rather refrain from doing so to avoid legal implications.
Consequences for this offence vary from country to country. In South Africa, installing a GPS car tracker without consent is considered harassment, and the person affected may lay a protection order. Should the protection order be violated, then it’ll be a criminal offence. Ensure you’re always informed about the local laws surrounding GPS technology. They always change according to unique cases that arise.
When it comes to fleet management, it's important to operate within the guidelines of the law as one wrong step could jeopardise your business.
Some pointers you should note:
If your employees don't trust or understand how you’re using the data from GPS car trackers, it can result in low employee morale or worse, a legal issue.
Fleet managers can save time and energy by simply using available resources and fleet management software. With the right fleet management technology by their side, they’ll have access to reports about everything related to the fleet displayed in a user-friendly format.
Fleet managers on the lookout for efficient ways of improving daily duties should look toward GPS tracking and fleet-friendly systems. Telematics and fleet management solutions can make mundane tasks like getting vehicle registration, fuel cards, invoicing, and calculating vehicle expenses more efficient.
Telematics does more than just track vehicles, it allows fleet managers to keep tabs on their vehicles that are on the road, while providing vital data about driver events as they happen. With its integration of tracking, remote vehicle controls, telecommunications and scheduling, telematics takes fleet management to a whole new level.
Telematics technology can help your company complete jobs with fewer miles, fewer hours, and lower fuel costs. Information about engine performance, fuel efficiency, and mechanical issues is gathered, stored and sent to you. This gives you more than enough info to optimise fuel, manage your vehicle maintenance, and ultimately save the business some cash.
Any business that occupies more than five vehicles tasked with delivering assets, providing a service or for just about any transporting purposes, can be classified as a fleet company. So, if fleet optimisation is what you seek, then GPS car trackers are what you need.
GPS was originally invented by the military and is currently being used to track troop movements, aircrafts, and sea navigation. For military troops stationed in unfamiliar countries, or for those on the move at night, this is a critical piece of technology.
What type of delivery service do you own or operate? Do you transport food, flowers, or local packages? Some tracking companies, such as Cartrack, offer fleet management software for businesses that transport perishable goods, medical supplies, and meat products. They benefit from the use of the temperature tool feature that comes as a standard feature for their fleet packages. This feature lets you change, regulate and get notified if the temperature ever changes.
With the growing demand for quick deliveries, you’ve probably seen many motorcycles roaming around your city. They’re a quick and inexpensive means of getting around for food delivery companies. Rent-to-own and fleet-based models are common for delivery riders who can’t afford to buy a bike outright, but there’s no doubt that theft is a concern for bike owners.
GPS will ensure that the bikes are easily tracked anywhere in the city. This adds an extra layer of protection for companies that lease out hundreds of delivery bikes.
Because oil and gas is such a high-stakes industry, it's important to have every piece of machinery present and accounted for at the end of every shift. When these materials are being transported, they must remain secure to protect the driver and other drivers on the road.
One wrong move could mean millions for the company, and might jeopardise the safety of the driver. GPS tracking solutions will allow the location of the vehicle to be monitored, and ensure the safety of the drivers, vehicle and transported minerals.
These two amazing technology systems work together to make sure a day in the office is as smooth and informative as possible. Over and above the many advantages mentioned throughout this blog, here are a few additional benefits:
When looking for a partner to improve your staff’s work ethic, look no further than Cartrack. Cartracks’ fleet management solution won’t only improve your employee productivity ratings, but also those of the other employees who work in different fleet departments.
We offer different packages specifically designed for fleet managers that can be tailored to your business needs. Visit our website to find the perfect fleet package to take your fleet management skills to the next level.
Get a free quote now.
Track your vehicle's safety with our GPS car tracker. Embrace the integral role of GPS technology in modern life.
