Companies that have staff on the road in cars or transport goods would like to know whether that transport is going according to plan. Means of transport and products are therefore equipped with a GPS tracker. The route of the goods can then be followed accurately. If the route is deviated from or if something else goes wrong, the company is automatically notified. Consumers are increasingly using the GPS tracker to keep an eye on where animals and people are. It often happens that parents give their child a GPS tracker, so that they know where the children are at all times.
History of GPS
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is designed to track people, goods and animals. The system was put into use by the US military fifty years ago. The system has been allowed for commercial use since the 1980s. GPS determines the position of objects using satellites orbiting the Earth. The system has become very popular, especially because it is used as a navigation system in cars. Big Brother-like applications, where people, animals, cars and goods are monitored, are also very popular.
How does GPS work?
A GPS tracker can calculate its own position based on the position of satellites. Software in the tracker maintains contact with the global Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network via a SIM card. That network has information about all satellites about their location, time, speed and direction. By combining that data, a GPS tracker knows what its position is. That position is indicated in coordinates. Position determination with GPS is very precise, up to 2.5 meters. A tracker can provide real-time information about its position, but can also store this information. A route can therefore be checked afterwards.
Passive and active systems
Many GPS trackers in the transport sector are equipped with additional sensors, such as for light, sound, movement, impacts, air pressure and opening/closing doors. The data from the sensors is added to the position data and stored on a memory card. All data can be used afterwards to analyze the progress of a transport. In contrast to these passive GPS trackers, active GPS trackers send the information in real time to a central system. Information from active GPS trackers is used to monitor packages, people or vehicles. In the event of an emergency, action can be taken quickly.
Monitor goods with a GPS tracker
All kinds of trackers are available for real-time monitoring of valuable products. There are very small trackers that can be hidden in the packaging of the products. Some of these trackers can be followed via platforms such as Google Maps. Other types automatically send periodic status messages via email or SMS. To monitor stored products for a long period of time, there are trackers with batteries that last for years. Anyone who has locked up their products can use a GPS tracker that sends a signal as soon as the lock is tampered with.
GPS tracker in the car
GPS trackers that are built into the car now also have many additional functions. Of course, it still sends information about the position of the car. But many trackers also have an immobilizer. This is extra protection against theft. The immobilizer ensures that the car will only start if the driver can identify himself. Another useful function of the GPS tracker is a warning system that goes off if the speed is exceeded. There is also an alarm that gives a warning if the car leaves a certain area.
GPS tracker for people
Thanks to a GPS tracker in combination with GeoFencing technology, it is possible to keep an eye on people. With GeoFencing an area can be defined where the wearer of the tracker is allowed to go. If the tracker moves outside that area, an alarm is automatically sent. A GPS tracker in combination with Google Maps is very useful for elderly people who become forgetful. If these elderly people have a tracker with them, they can continue to do their shopping independently and walk their dog. If they lose their way or are away for a long time, their partner can quickly find them via the GPS tracker.
Keep an eye on children
Parents like to know what their children are doing. But as soon as the children are out of sight, doubts arise as to whether the children are running too far away. A GPS tracker and a smartphone put an end to all those doubts. The tracker is connected to the smartphone, so that parents can see exactly where their children are. 'Safe zones' can even be set up. As soon as a child comes out, an alarm goes off. The children are not bothered by the trackers. They are small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or bag.
Other methods of tracking
A GPS tracker is the largest, but not the only technology for tracking products. RFID tracking is also extremely popular. With RFID, goods are provided with a very small chip with information about the product. The chip can be read with a radio signal. RFID is best known for securing products in stores, but there are also more advanced forms of RFID tracking. Bluetooth has a tracker that is used to find things. If the tracker is attached to a key ring, it can be found with the corresponding app on the smartphone.
GPS tracker offer
In the Mediawinkel.eu webshop you will find a wide range of GPS trackers from all well-known brands. There are trackers to track products, but also trackers for cars and to keep an eye on people. They can easily be compared in the webshop. Compare them on price, technology, function and ease of use. Anyone who needs advice can contact our expert customer service. At Mediawinkel.eu you don't pay too much, especially if you take advantage of one of the promotions for loyal customers. This can result in a nice discount with a GPS tracker.
