Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system that uses one or more earth-based receivers to receive and analyse satellite signals in order to identify the receiver’s geographic location. GPS functionality is integrated into or available as an add-on feature on a lot of mobile devices, such as smartphones. Some users utilise a portable GPS receiver, while others attach a receiver to an item like a car, boat, plane, or farm. It has become a general term used mostly in the mapping and navigation sector. When people mention GPS, the main thing that comes to mind is the ability to track the location of objects or determine the direction of a place, which is very accurate. The aim and most widely utilised application of GPS technology is to help people figure out where they are.
Types of GPS
➔ Assisted GPS (A-GPS)
Assisted GPS is mainly used in areas where satellite signals can’t easily reach, probably due to trees or tall buildings. However, there must always be cellular networks for Assisted GPS to work.
➔ Simultaneous GPS (S-GPS)
Simultaneous GPS (S-GPS) is a modification of GPS that allows both voice data and GPS signalling to be transmitted from a phone simultaneously. Both data types are sent simultaneously rather than switching the S-GPS signal and the reception for the telephone call, and there is a lot more better sensitivity.
➔ Differential GPS (D-GPS)
This is a correction technique used in increasing the accuracy of location data obtained from a traditional GPS receiver. D-GPS is an enhancement to GPS, providing a better sense of the actual location of a person or an object.
➔ Non-differential GPS
Non-differential GPS, as opposed to differential GPS, uses direct satellite signals to assume positioning. It is less accurate than Differential GPS, but has a remarkably more comprehensive range of use.
➔ Mapping and non-mapping GPS
Mapping GPS is a kind of GPS unit that comes with in-built maps. It is likewise possible to download maps to add to the mapping GPS. This is the type of GPS unit frequently found in mobile devices and other handheld devices. Non-mapping GPS is a sort of GPS unit that comes without maps. It will show you your location and the direction to get to another point without seeing roads or landmarks.
How Global Positioning System (GPS) Works.
GPS has three parts or elements. These components work together to make sure that the timing, navigation and positioning information sent across are normally accurate. The parts are space segment, control segment and receivers.
Guides To The Different Types Of GPS Trackers
All sorts of devices are being sold as trackers, from dog collars to black boxes wired into trucks. Let’s look at the different types of GPS trackers available and what really is or isn’t using the global positioning system.
- GPS Trackers For Vehicles And Equipment
- Personal Or Wearable GPS Trackers
1. GPS Trackers for Vehicles and Equipment
Most GPS trackers are for cars and larger equipment such as boats or trailers. They can be quite small, even smaller than a cellphone. Most of them draw power from the car, so they do not need large batteries to operate. Typically, these units take the information they muster and use a cellular connection to share it. Remote users can then access the tracking data using a cellphone app or via a secure web connection. Typically, vehicle mounted units report once a minute when the vehicle is running and once
an hour when it is not. Battery powered trackers often report once every 15 minutes after they sense motion and once every four hours when they are at rest. Basically there are three types available: Plug-in, Hardwired and Battery operated.
Some Popular GPS Car Tracker To Lookout For Are:
❖ Matrack MA-OBD Classic Plug-in Car Tracker
Matrack is one of the leading GPS service providers in the industry, and their MA-OBD Classic Plug-in rules the tracking market. With unimpaired 4g LTE coverage, the tracker can be easily installed in the OBD2 port of any vehicle. The tracker also offers to create Geofences, a virtual boundary, and you can receive instant notification if your car enters or exits the specific area. Packed with a wide range of features, the MA-OBD Classic Plug-in GPS tracker for cars is comparatively affordable and with unparalleled quality.
❖ Logistimatics Mobile-200 GPS Tracker
It has a new and unique feature. By calling the tracker’s phone number, you can listen to what is happening at your car’s location. This feature is very useful if you see your car parked at a suspicious location and want to know what is going on before you take any action. Audio monitoring is silent at the tracking location. The tracker offers updates every 30 seconds, alongside real-time location alerts. The tracker also offers all the features of a basic package like engine status, vehicle speed and Geofence. it is accurately 15meters from the actual location. The device also comes in a magnetic case that is durable, strong and can last in unfavourable weather conditions.
❖ Americaloc GL300 Mini Portable GPS Tracker
This is a real-time GPS tracker that sends you accurate and reliable location updates every 1minute. You can aswell increase the update frequency rate by 30 or 10 seconds without any extra cost. It offers different alerts to prevent theft or any other unwanted activity such as movement, parking, speeding, low battery, Geo zones, etc. With this, you can also keep an eye on your loved one’s driving skills and where they are heading.
❖ MOTOsafety GPS Tracker
This type of tracker for cars operates on a cellular network and records data every 60 seconds. The GPS provider claims that based on the end-of-the-day report on driving habits, users can avail of up to 30% discount on their insurance premium. The tracker comes with many features of a modern day GPS tracking device, including real-time updates of speeding, harsh driving, Geofence capability, hard braking and other unsafe driving habits are sent to your device.
❖ Accutracking VTPlug
This is one of the few GPS trackers that still supports the 3G networks, as well as 4G. As soon as it is plugged into your car’s OBD2 Port, it may start sending relevant information to you through its companion app. The app can be downloaded on any phone or tablet, enabling access to location and other data all round the clock. It can as well be integrated with Alexa, which may allow you to get your car’s location data with a simple question such as “Where is my car?”. The tracker can save information for about 30 days and can be accessible via Accutracking’s app. Apart from being exceptionally useful if your car was stolen, the tracker can also record the vehicle diagnostics, helping you schedule oil change or engine maintenance.
❖ Primetracking Vehicle GPS Tracker
This portable GPS tracker offers real-time location updates on Google Maps every 10 seconds and boasts a healthy battery life of just over 2 weeks. Even with the location data, the tracker possesses several other features that include detailed activity location, route history, and Geofence. Since the tracker has unlimited range, you can track the location of your car from anywhere using the app.
❖ Amcrest GL300 GPS Tracker
Coupled with their 4G LTE connectivity and sleek design, Amcrest GPS trackers are one of the best GPS trackers for cars in the market currently. Due to its compact structure, it is easily concealable and allows for discreet location tracking. It offers customizable bundles of features and capabilities under its GPS Pro service, including real-time tracking, regular updates, GeoFence and more. The premium services can also allow you to manage trip data and alerts.
❖ Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker
This small portable GPS tracker from Optimus comes with a 2-weeks battery life in standby mode. It is very perfect in tracking the location and movement of your car and it also gives real-time location using Google maps, along with live traffic and street view. Optimus is also equipped with Geofence features and can send alerts on low battery, speeding and SOS through email and text messages on any device of your choice. It works great for tracking assets, and dependent family members like teenagers, the elderly, and even pets. Their app can be downloaded on any Apple or Android device. You can easily access the app and look into data like parking history, distance travelled and more.
2. Personal or wearable GPS trackers
Personal or wearable is another category of GPS trackers, which are devices meant to be worn. Many of these GPS trackers could be quite small. Some trackers can be as small as a wrist watch. These kinds can be used by hikers and maybe hunters to share their location in case of any emergency. Some trackers even have a button that can broadcast or request for help along with their location usually via the cellular networks. Other units can be a little larger, like a cell phone, so they are not wearable. However, they can include a screen so they can act as both a GPS navigation system and tracker. Not all wearables are GPS units. They could be quarter-sized pendants to help you locate your keys, for example; Apple AirTag, Tile Pro, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag Plus, Vodafone Curve, Chipolo One, and many others.
- Apple AirTag
AirTags are ideal trackers for tracking lost items like keys, wallets, and bags. It can be a great way to find lost or missing items, but there are limitations, with distance likely to be the most important one. Like all item trackers, AirTag is capable of using Bluetooth to ping its location to a device nearby. Unlike other item trackers, it supports Apple’s Precision Finding and Find My network support, allowing the AirTag to be found with the help of other Apple devices connected to the same network. Bluetooth doesn’t sum up an AirTag, both Find My and ultra-wideband are designed to help where Bluetooth can’t. For example, when outside the Bluetooth range, Find My network can be used to find the general area of an AirTag,
making it possible to initially locate a lost or missing item from any distances. Once within range, Bluetooth can take over.
- Tile Pro
The Tile Pro has been around for quite a few years now, and thanks to a redesign that fits more easily in a bunch of keys, it remains one of the best Bluetooth trackers. The Tile Pro works reliably and has a replaceable battery. It is IP67 water resistant despite the replaceable battery. It takes a CR2032 battery that can last up to a year. The ringer is nice and loud which makes it easier to hear even if stuffed in a pocket or under a cushion. And will theoretically connect to the app up to 400ft away. You don’t get the precise directions like AirTag owners do which is set to be addressed in the long run.
- Samsung Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag Plus
The Galaxy SmartTag is a tracking device which can be attached to various objects that are easily lost with a small strap which is sold separately or by other means, such as a keychain. Objects include keys, luggage, purses, among others. The device can be located with an app using Bluetooth LE. The Galaxy SmartTag+, released in April 2021, uses ultra-wideband to locate devices. Within Bluetooth range (120m), the gadget can play a ringtone to warn the user of its location. If the gadget is out of range, Samsung’s SmartThings Find Network employs Samsung Galaxy phones to establish its whereabouts.. The device also carries a programmable button which can be used to control SmartThings smart-home products.
- Chipolo One and Chipolo One Spot
Chipolo beat Apple by making its existing One tracker compatible with Find My before Apple launched the AirTag. It’s better than the AirTag In some ways, as the hole means you can get it out of the box and attach it to your keyring without needing an accessory. It works solely with the Find My app and not Chipolo’s own app, which means that Android users are out of luck since it cannot be set up without an iPhone or iPad. It is an exceptional tracker, with a longer range with slightly louder ring than an AirTag and it is also cheaper.
- Vodafone Curve
The Curve is much more than a Bluetooth tracker. The Curve contains GPS and a built-in SIM so you can follow it anywhere there’s a mobile service. Curve is cheaper than most Bluetooth-only trackers, but it requires a monthly subscription. The rechargeable battery lasts up to a week, which can be an issue if you lose an item shortly before it needs recharging. It is a Vodafone exclusive and it’s not available in the US, Canada or Australia.
How Tags Work.
These trackers use a Bluetooth connection. It is also very important to know exactly how a tracking device is getting its location information. For example, some may use GPS and others may use a Bluetooth connection. If it uses Bluetooth you must be within 800 feet or often less, to receive its tracking information. Other devices can use cellular towers to figure their positioning. While this might be an accurate system, it is not GPS. Non-GPS methods are ideal for tracking small items and may allow a wearable to be lightweight. trackers report position compared to satellites with street address precision, which is wonderful for a car but not for house keys.
Unlike Apple AirTags that are limited to only iphone, or Samsung SmartTag that are only for Samsung, there are few AirTag alternatives that are just as feature-rich and suitable for Android users such as; Tile (Mate/Pro/Slim), Chipolo ONE Spot, Tracki GPS Tracker, Cube/Cube Pro and TrackR bravo. Tracki GPS Tracker has unlimited range and is the most affordable alternative to Apple Airtag compared to the rest.
Choosing The Right GPS Tracker For Your Car.
Choosing a GPS tracker should always depend on your requirement. If you are worried about the safety of your car when parked either outside your home or a public space, a small and easily concealed GPS tracker is your best bet. It will not avoid theft completely, but help you for easier and faster recovery.
The greatest way to prevent car theft is installing a hidden GPS based car tracker on your vehicle. GPS Vehicle trackers enable users find their automobiles using a PC, tablet, or smartphone. You can find your car in the parking lot and alert authorities its real-time location if it’s stolen. When your automobile is stolen, the authorities inquire if you have a tracking system to recover it.
The Risk Surrounding A Tracking Device
To most people, privacy is sacred. GPS tracking devices such as Apple AirTags are becoming increasingly popular. You might discover your keys, but you could be unintentionally broadcasting your every move. While these tools are great for finding items, their privacy consequences are worrying. There is nothing stopping someone from secretly placing trackers on people without their consent. Victims could be tracked by potential stalkers since trackers could be secretly placed in cars
to make them easier to steal later and spouses could be tracked by abusive partnersIt is also possible to install tracking software on someone’s phone as these devices can be placed discreetly without the subject’s knowledge.
Benefits of GPS Tracking Device
GP-S tracking systems offer much more than just the location information. They show where each vehicle has been, helping the owners confirm service calls or plan future routes. They show how long vehicles are at a single location. User determined alerts or notifications show if drivers exceed a certain speed, track vehicle maintenance and more. Some upgraded tracker systems even let owners divide their fleets into specific sub-groups such as sales and service vehicles to simplify management. Another benefit is marking important locations with a geofence. An owner may, for example, mark their warehouse so they receive alerts
each time a work truck leaves in the morning or returns at night and as such turn-off the engine with the help of the tracker when it goes beyond the usual range.
NOTE: If a device finds its position using the satellite network, it is a GPS device, but if the device uses some other way, such as triangulating its position against cellular towers, it isnot a GPS device.
