How GPS Tracking Devices Works

How GPS Tracking Works

First off, we must understand what GPS means. GPS stands for Global Positioning System. GPS is a satellite navigational system. GPS consists of more than 12 satellites orbiting earth right now. Each of the 12 satellites transmits signals which can be received by GPS receivers to determine speed, exact location and direction.

How GPS Works
In order for GPS tracking to work, it requires both GPS access and a GPS receiver. GPS receivers are able to receive radio signals transmitted by GPS satellites. When the satellite transmissions are received by the GPS receivers, information such as location can be calculated.

GPS receivers need to receive transmissions from at least 3 or more satellites to calculate position effectively. The GPS receiver can measure the time delays between transmissions and reception of each of the satellites GPS signal.

GPS Tracking
GPS Tracking is used to find the location of a vehicle, piece of property (asset) or person using the GPS technology. Recording of the target takes place within the GPS receiver unit and can also be transmitted to a central location where it can be accessed by a device with internet access.

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GPS trackers can use cellular GPRS, satellite modem technology and radio waves for transmiting data to the central location where the data is recorded. Most GPS tracking devices can be viewed real time and have maps in the background for easy display of the current location of the target.

There are currently three categories of GPS tracking units. The categories are split into how GPS data is logged and retrieved. There are 3 types of GPS tracking devices; data logger (most basic type of GPS tracking), data puller (send data when the unit reaches a specific location), and data pusher (common in fleet and vehicle tracking).