The recorded location data can be stored within the tracking unit, or it may be transmitted to a central location database, or to a computer using a cellular GPRS. GPRS facilitates instantaneous connections through which information as packets of data can be sent or received immediately as the need arises, depending on the network coverage of providers.
GPS tracking solutions have applications in virtually every industry.
Location can be determined even if the objects are in line of sight of less than 4 satellites, but the accuracy of information cannot be guaranteed in such cases. The control centre receives the packets of data over GPRS sent from GPS vehicle trackers securely, with low latency and with low overhead.
The backend cloud engine continuously ingest, filter, transform, and route the data streamed from connected GPS devices. This data is then decoded, decrypted and displayed on AVL fleet management software. It helps fleet managers to take actions based on the data and route it for further processing and analytics.
It can support thousands of devices and millions of messages, and can process, route those messages to AVL software and to other devices reliably and securely. Information from the control centre is sent directly to AVL software AVLView that supports essential application services, such as Location Based Services for visually displaying assets geographically and geofences for receiving alerts if a truck ply outside of a given region.
AVL software and additional platform capabilities provide the foundation for remote asset management, GPS tracking and mapping, reporting, and M2M data integration. Control is power, and nothing provides as much value to managers than real-time visibility of their fleet operations and control over their vehicles, in addition to saving time and money. It has incredible capabilities to optimize driver output while virtually eliminating idle time with the help of a variety of actionable data.
In addition, the ability to streamline driver and dispatch interaction improves communication for any business. If you are mapping a specific area, make as many waypoints as you can for an accurate map. The more data the program has, the better the final product. Download the latest map updates if your directions are incorrect. If you are using a phone this will happen automatically, but some GPS devices need to be manually updated. This will give you the latest information, topography, and directions. If this is more than 6 months old, you will need to update.
Plug your GPS into an internet-enabled computer using the cord that came with the unit. Know that GPS uses satellites to locate you. There are over 25 satellites orbiting earth that receive signals from your GPS and use those signals to determine your latitude and longitude.
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Developed by the army, GPS can accurately tell your location anywhere in the world by several feet -- as long as the signal can reach the satellites. Get into the open. GPS needs a clear view of the sky to accurately communicate with the satellite's, so move away from overhangs or tall trees and head outside if you have issues. Generally, if you can see the sky, the GPS can as well. Tunnels, caves, and basements may all keep your GPS from communicating to satellites and working successfully. Initialize your GPS when you buy it.
Most GPS devices are built in Asia, and are used to communicating with satellites over that area. Initializing your GPS acquaints it with your local area. Turn your GPS off and restart it if you are having problems. Make sure you have a clear view of the sky. You may need to reset your GPS the first time you buy it by clearing the memory.
What is vehicle tracking?
Refer to the manual for instructions. Use "Satellite Lock" before you head out. This is especially useful when hiking. In the parking lot, find your GPS's satellite lock setting and have it get to work -- it usually takes several minutes. Know that GPS's are not replacements for maps and compasses. Because a GPS can run out of battery, lose signal, or break, you should never rely on it completely to get around. While useful, you need to be prepared in case you cannot use it for some reason.
Find shops, restaurants, and events near you.
A primer on GPS, and GPS vehicle tracking system
Most GPS devices can find much more than addresses these days. This can be incredibly useful when you are in a new city, or if you just feel like finding the closest burrito shop. Apps and Internet enabled GPS like those found on phones will always have this feature. Many portable GPS devices have a section labeled "Nearby Locations" or "Find Locations" that list businesses within a short radius of your current location. Geocaching is when people hide objects in the world with GPS coordinates.
The vehicle data collected in the software might be made available for a smartphone app or be downloadable in excel or PDF format or the vehicle tracking system can be able to create alerts looking for specific vehicle positions of vehicle activity. All these variables depend on the complexity and completeness of the vehicle tracking system - there is a wide variety of software packages and systems in circulation, ranging from very basic tracking features to complete software suites with various features and reports fleet managers or anyone in charge of a fleet can create or use.
As regards its origins, vehicle tracking is not an extremely recent technology, as it started to be used around , at the time when the first GPS satellite was launched into space. The first use of vehicle tracking was primarily for military purpose. Despite the initial indifference and scarce interest for GPS tracking to be used by businesses or organisations for efficiency purpose, around late 90s progress was made in order to use the potential of vehicle tracking for purposes different from the military one.
The new interest for GPS tracking led to the development of navigators satnavs for end users but also of the technologies that today can streamline the work of fleet managers and anyone responsible for a number of vehicles. Vehicle tracking systems usually rely on a hardware and on a software part. GPS tracking hardware collects data in combination with the GPS coordinates of a vehicle for example, specific vehicle information such as speeding is gathered together with position of the vehicle and time of the data collection.
GPS tracking software displays data collected in different forms to software users: Hardwired GPS trackers are extremely common and fleets using them go through a 3-wire-installation connecting to engine, power and ground sources in a vehicle. An example of a hardwired GPS tracker. A plug-and-play OBD tracker.
The complete guide to vehicle tracking for fleets
In the next future vehicles will automatically come from the manufacturer with some type of vehicle tracking technology incorporated. There is quite a good number of problems that vehicle tracking technology is able to tackle successfully if accompanied by an intelligent management. This is just a quick overview of some of the issues fleets commonly have, that vehicle tracking technology is able to address and solve. Vehicle tracking systems, depending on their complexity or completeness, may offer a different number of features.
When thinking about more basic gps tracking, software products typically offer these features:. There is also a number of add-ons available for companies having drivers using different vehicles, willing to get other fleet metrics or having other requirements:. More complete vehicle tracking systems, also known as fleet management systems, offer other advanced features:. Vehicle tracking technology needs a hardware component able to collect vehicle data, while a software program displays it into tables, maps and reports.
Very commonly GPS trackers are black boxes that are installed under the dashboard by means of a 3-wire-connection. Inside the trackers there is a sim card collecting vehicle data. Choosing between traditional black boxes, OBD trackers and asset trackers might depend from the sector or expectations of your business. In the next future vehicles will come directly from the manufacturer with tracking devices built-in telematics boxes , as trends are shifting to what is known as connected vehicles technology. Vehicle tracking software basically collects vehicle data by means of the black box or the OBD or asset tracker installed on the vehicle and converts data into different types of reports.
Very typically it shows vehicles on a map where users can set a locations database as well as a geofencing perimeter, but can as well provide the data in the form of tables or downloadable reports for example, tables would indicate the activity of a specific vehicle, where it has been, the starts and stops. More complete vehicle tracking software usually known as fleet management solutions might include further information in the forms of charts, for example.
Installation is different depending on which tracking device you choose your vehicles to be equipped with. As regards hardwired black boxes, they are positioned under the dashboard and generally speaking they need a 3-wire installation that can be carried out by your maintenance department, basically the power, ground and ignition of your vehicle are connected via wires to the tracker.
Manufacturers usually recommend the installation of the tracker to be in a safe, dry, mechanically protected area not receiving direct sunlight or not at an extreme temperature. For this type of tracker they also advise to install the GPS antenna and cables as far away as possible from the radio antenna or other electrical devices to avoid any possible interference. As regards OBD trackers, they basically do not require installation but are plug-and-play trackers, you basically plug the black box into the OBD II diagnostic port of your vehicle and the tracker starts collecting vehicle data that is later reported in the software system.
As per asset trackers, they work with a battery and are designed to work to track mobile assets, so they do not need external wires or antenna and ensure protection against dust, water spray and temperature. Despite the general idea that only logistic and transport companies use vehicle tracking, this technology can actually be used and is used by fleets of different sectors and industries and different sizes as well.
Potentially any company that uses vehicles in order to perform part of its activity can enjoy the advantages of using vehicle tracking technologies.
We have been dealing with cases of cleaning companies where the staff uses vehicles and the technology is used for risk prevention as well as for the correct scheduling of tasks, since cleaners have to drive to the places where they work, companies in the construction with big fleets use them to make sure they know the position of their assets at any time and to protect them from theft.