If you’re a businessman who has a fleet to monitor or is simply looking for a reliable tool that will help you with directions, then a GPS device for fleet tracking is something you will find very useful. Global positioning system, or simply known as GPS, has been used by the military until it was opened for public use during the 1980s and became fully operational in 1995. It involves a network of satellites that provide accurate location, time, and even weather information for commercial, personal, and military purposes in the form of different GPS trackers.
Users receive the information through a GPS navigation device or also known as GPS receivers. This can be either found in your smartphone or are available in your local electronics shop. Basically, different GPS trackers are units capable of providing accurate information no matter where you are in this world. They do, however, vary in terms of their features.
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How GPS Trackers Work
It has long been a practice of humans to look up to the sky for directions. Satellites that strategically circle the earth send out information to the GPS units, which constantly listen to analyze all the signals sent. The GPS units then calculate how far they are from these satellites and help determine location through GPS. All these pieces of information are then shown through the screen/application of the GPS unit.
Simply put, GPS tracking is basically a system of determining the exact location of something or someone. A GPS tracker can be placed on a pet, a loved one, a vehicle, and even baggage to be able to trace where they are in case they get lost or are misplaced. These devices also have their uses in the commercial, industrial, and military fields. Overall, GPS tracking is an efficient and versatile technology that can be used for different purposes.
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Different GPS Trackers and Their Uses
Just as GPS technology can have different purposes, there are also a variety of GPS trackers you can find in the market.
1. Portable GPS
Portable GPS are convenient for those traveling either through a vehicle or by foot. They are not typically pocket-sized, though, and measure 4 inches wide and weigh 10 ounces. But they can be used by simply attaching them to a pet’s collar, a backpack, and even in car compartments. Because this type of tracker is wireless and portable, it can easily be transferred to other pets, backpacks, or vehicles.
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2. Pocket GPS
As the name implies, this lightweight GPS tracker can be slipped in small compartments. Despite its size, the pocket GPS is more costly than portable units. Even though it is small-sized and lightweight, this kind of tracker is still packed with features that you’d also find in regular trackers.
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3. In-Dash Receivers
These receivers are mounted on a car’s dashboard. They are either installed by companies themselves or are already a built-in feature in automobiles. One big advantage users can expect from in-dash GPS receivers is that they don’t pose the risk of ever getting misplaced or lost due to the fact that they are permanently attached to your dashboard.
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4. Fitness and cycling trackers
Fitness and cycling GPS trackers are perfect for those who live an active lifestyle. Joggers, marathon runners, and even cyclists take advantage of its wristwatch-like design. More and more trackers are being developed in the market nowadays with features that range from measuring steps, pacing, calories burned, and distance covered.
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5. Motorcycle GPS
Basically, motorcycle GPS trackers have the same function as those installed in cars. The difference is in its size and features, which include being waterproof, conveniently sized, and even resistant to vibration. Others available in the market have more advanced features like being able to send speed limit warning, having Bluetooth technology, and being fuel-spill resistant.
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6. Marine GPS
Marine GPS are understandably the most advanced on this list. Its functionality includes a marine database and detecting sound signals and even buoys. These kinds of trackers are mainly for use by the military or the government, often in strictly confidential missions and projects.
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Choosing the Right GPS
Cost effectiveness, features, and actual use are three important factors to consider when buying the best GPS device in the market. You can practically shop for this just about everywhere at a reasonable price. Look for different GPS trackers that are reasonable and have good customer reviews. New brands can also be considered, and they usually come with a trial period and you will be completely reimbursed should you encounter issues.
Essential Features of GPS Trackers
When shopping around for the GPS tracker that will fit your needs, it helps to know the essential features that a good GPS tracker should have. Those features are the following:
1. Real-Time Tracking
Real-time monitoring should be the first thing you should look for in any tracker. By “real time monitoring,” it simply means that the location of the person, object, or vehicle is tracked as it from point to point on a map. You shouldn’t have to worry too much as almost all GPS trackers have this function. They provide their users with accurate location updates at regular intervals of usually 10, 30, and 60 seconds. Such a function is especially helpful when you’re using the tracker to monitor a car or a even a fleet of vehicles. And they can go beyond just telling you where your vehicles are as they can also tell its activity at the moment, such as when your vehicle is idling or when it is speeding.
2. Alerts
Alerts are another essential feature for GPS trackers. But there are different kinds of alerts that these devices can offer. Speed alert is one, and it allows you to be updated when the person, object, or vehicle you’re tracking is moving at an extremely fast speed. Motion alert is another, and it’s when you’re alerted about when the wearer or vehicle the tracker is attached to is in motion. A tracking device can also tell when your device is idling or when it’s making too frequent stops. Geo-fencing alert is another function you’ll be thankful for, as it allows you to customize a certain safety zone for your tracker. Anytime the boundaries of that zone are exceeded, you will receive an immediate alert. Finally, SOS alert should be another function you should look for as it enables the wearer or user to send out an instant call for help in the event of an emergency or crisis.
3. Accessibility
In this day and age when everyone and everything is connected to each other, it’s imperative that you invest in a tracker that allows you to access its data anywhere you might be in the world. You should also be able to access the said data through various platforms such as an app or a website. It also helps if the tracker you get has multiple tracking capabilities. For instance, aside from GPS, it should also offer GSM, Bluetooth, and WiFi capabilities. Finally, your tracker should have worldwide access so that wherever you go in the world, you can readily access the data on your tracker.
4. Historical Reports and Summary
If you own or manage a business, a tracker that can provide historical reports and summaries is a good investment. Having such functions enables you to be much more consistent and up to date with your reports. With such functions, tracking fleets of vehicles and running an inventory on your assets is no longer a difficult and tedious task. There are some devices that give you data stretching back to at most five years. Having such metrics at your hands helps you to monitor and operate your business in an efficient way.
5. User-Friendly Aspect
Most people who don’t use GPS trackers are intimidated by a misconception that such devices are too complex and thus are too difficult to use. But that’s not what you should expect when you invest n a good quality tracker. When shopping around for a tracker, you should look for one that offers a user-friendly interface and overall an easy-to-use device. Some devices in the market are ready to use out of the box.
Conclusion
One thing you should take note of when looking for the right GPS tracker is that not all trackers are created equal. Some trackers are more packed with features than others, and some are more expensive. But don’t think that you can’t have both function and affordability. It is possible to find a tracker that can offer you all the above essential features while not exactly busting your budget.
Trackimo is exactly that tracker. It uses state-of-the-art technology and services and is sold at a fair price. Trackimo comes with a portable device and a mobile application, which users can use to keep track of everything from their vehicles to even personal belongings. It comes packed with a wide range of features, including the essential ones we detailed above. Last but not least, it comes at a low monthly subscription rate, which ensures that you will get to enjoy all the advantages that GPS trackers can give without necessarily breaking the bank.
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