A GPS tracking unit allows us to use the Global Positioning System to track the precise location of a vehicle, person or object to which it is attached and to record the location at regular intervals.

The recorded data can be stored within the tracking unit, but in our industry application it is usually transmitted to a central location data base or internet connected computer using a cellular (GPRS), radio or satellite modem embedded in the unit. The transmission of this data allows the vehicles location to be displayed against a map backdrop in real-time using customized software.

Usually the kind of device used in our industry is a data pusher – which sends the position of the device, at regular intervals, to a computer server that can easily analyse the data. A GPS received and a mobile phone sit side-by-side and at regular intervals the phone sends a text message via SMS containing the data for the GPS receiver to analyse.

ASSIGNED ROUTE
This amazing technology allows the trucking company to know that a vehicle is following its assigned route, exactly where it is located, whether the engine is running or stopped, whether the truck is on time or late. In the unlikely event of a hijacking the GPS device will allow the vehicle (and its contents) to be located very quickly.

Some vehicle tracking systems integrate several security systems, for example by sending an automatic alert to a phone or email if an alarm is triggered or the vehicle is moved without authorization.