A GPS tracker relies on 24 US government-owned satellites orbiting the earth. These satellites are part of the global positioning system (GPS) that transfer locations and positions. Originally, this was designed solely for the military, because the GPS receivers were big and bulky devices. However, technological advances have significantly reduced the size of these devices. In fact, they can now be so small that they are nearly invisible. Not just that, the price of the technology has also come down tremendously. As a result, many people now use these devices for a variety of different reasons. One of the key benefits of this type of technology is that it can provide detailed reports, offering data on routes taken, times driven, speeds, journey lengths, and more. As a result, they are used both professionally and personally.
The Different GPS Tracker Devices
There are four key types of GPS trackers available and it is important that you understand what these are and what sets them apart. The four types are:
- Hardwired devices, which tend to be fitted to vans and cars. In fact, most new vehicles now have them fitted as standard. They are charged through the vehicle’s own power, meaning they switch on when a car’s ignition is switched on. Usually, the unit is somewhere under the bonnet, tucked in with the engine. Some also need an antenna to work.
- Loggers, which record and store information on routes taken. This data can the be downloaded onto a computer at a later stage, by removing the logger. They are passive tracking systems, which means that the information is not available to third parties while the device is on the journey itself.
- Personal trackers, which are usually installed in beepers and mobile phones. They can be carried in pockets or bags, strapped to a belt, placed in bags, and so on. They are often used by parents who want to keep track of their children or of elderly relatives. They also often come with a panic button.
- Real time tracker units, which provide exact information at any time, thanks to satellite navigation. These are the most commonly used in today’s devices, because their information is highly accurate and can be accessed at any point. The only difficulty with these is that there is a potential legality issue, as they can be in breach of privacy. It is allowed to install one on a vehicle, for instance, so that it can be retrieved if it is stolen. It can also be used to track people covertly by those who are licensed to do so (law enforcement officials, for instance). However, if one person were to track someone else just because they can, they would breach a number of privacy and confidentiality laws.
Hopefully, this information enables you to choose the tracker that is most suitable for your particular needs. Remember to make sure that you do not break the law by using them.
