A Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker is a device that allows the user to accurately determine and track the position of an object from any location on the globe. The principle of operation of a GPS tracker is based on the reception of signals from satellites orbiting the earth and using these signals to calculate the exact position on the ground.
The military originally developed this technology for navigation and positioning, but it is now widely used in various civilian applications. In this article, we learn together how a GPS tracker works.
Read More: How Do Airtags Work?
What is a GPS Tracker
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a powerful global satellite navigation system consisting of approximately 24 satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites form a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which continuously sends signals to Earth that are captured by devices equipped with GPS receivers and used to calculate position. GPS technology was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use but is now used in various civilian applications such as communications security, vehicle navigation, and personal and pet location tracking.
Civil field:
- Communication technology: It is widely used to encrypt cell phone communications and Internet data transmission, protecting data from unauthorized access and thus ensuring the privacy of business transactions and personal communications.
- Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS is widely used in daily life, especially in vehicle navigation and map services.
- Drone technology: The development of drones has benefited from the transformation of military technology, and they are now being used for commercial aerial photography, precision agriculture surveillance, and courier services, applications that have significantly improved efficiency and operational precision.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Used in business analytics, self-driving vehicles, and other fields. Examples include the Zeekr 007 Autopilot function and the Tesla Model 3 Autopilot.
- Enterprise use: Enterprises that need to track vehicles and manage logistics can use GPS devices to monitor the location of vehicles in real time, optimize routes, and improve transportation efficiency.
- Family use: Parents can properly use GPS devices to monitor the location of their children or elderly to ensure their safety.
How Does a GPS Tracker Work?
A GPS tracker is essentially a positioning device. It can be installed in a vehicle, integrated into a smartphone, or carried by an individual. It works by receiving signals from GPS satellites. Inside the tracker, a sophisticated receiver processes these signals to determine the exact location, speed, and even a 3D view of the travel route of the object or person being tracked.
GPS satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours and always send microwave carrier signals. These waves, which travel at supersonic speeds, are picked up by the receivers of GPS devices. The process of determining position using these signals is based on the principle of trilateration, which requires at least three GPS satellites to accurately calculate a 3D position.
Passive (data loggers) and active (data pushers) are the main types of GPS devices. Passive trackers store location data at specific intervals within the device itself, which can later be downloaded for analysis. In contrast, active trackers transmit their location data in real-time to a central server, which makes them particularly useful in real-time applications such as fleet monitoring, personal security, and anti-theft.
From navigation in cars and cell phones to tracking the movement of pets and valuable assets, GPS technology has had a profound impact on modern life. Its accuracy and reliability also support more complex operations such as mapping, and time synchronization across different technologies, and even assist in scientific research such as the discovery of exoplanets in our solar system.
Almost all modern smartphones are equipped with GPS. This not only allows for easy navigation and location tracking but also enhances the functionality of various applications. Through methods such as triangulation, mobile networks can approximate a phone's location even if the GPS signal is weak, which is particularly useful in less urbanized areas.
How GPS Tracker Works in The Car
The vehicle GPS tracker operates by receiving signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. The device calculates its position by determining the time it takes for the signals from the four satellites to reach the tracker. This information is then used to locate the vehicle on a map. Vehicle owners often use GPS trackers for safety, to monitor driving habits, or to track fleet vehicles.
GPS systems collect and analyze traffic flow data in real-time to provide information about road conditions. This can be very useful for drivers as the system can recommend the best route based on current traffic conditions and help avoid congested areas. For example, before a trip, an in-vehicle GPS may indicate that a route is heavily congested due to an accident or construction and then provide a faster alternative route.
How GPS Tracker Works in Mobile
In a cell phone, a GPS tracker functions in a similar way to that in a car. Mobile devices use satellite signals to determine their location. This feature is not only used for navigation, but also allows applications to provide services based on the user's location, such as weather updates, local news, or promotional offers from nearby businesses. Mobile GPS can also help locate a phone if it is lost or stolen.
Each application of GPS technology provides accurate, real-time location data to improve safety and efficiency in all aspects of life and business operations.
GPS Tracker vs Bluetooth Tracker
When discussing GPS trackers, many users also associate them with Bluetooth trackers. A comparison between the two is provided here to help better understand their differences and uses:
GPS Tracker
- Utilizing satellite technology, GPS trackers are capable of tracking a location globally and are suitable for locating any location.
- Due to the use of a global satellite network, GPS trackers are suitable for tracking items that move long distances, such as cars, bicycles, and pets.
- Traditional GPS trackers are larger and consume more power. Although new technology has made some devices smaller, the power requirement is still higher than that of Bluetooth devices.
- Due to the complexity of the technology, GPS trackers usually cost more than Bluetooth trackers.
Bluetooth Trackers
- Bluetooth trackers are small in size and have a long battery life, making them suitable for long-term use.
- Compared with GPS trackers, Bluetooth devices cost less and are easier to popularize.
- The effective coverage range of Bluetooth trackers is usually between 100 and 200 feet (30-60 meters), which is suitable for finding items lost nearby, such as keys or wallets.
- Dependent on other devices. Must be used with a smartphone or other Bluetooth-compatible device, which limits its ability to be used independently.
If you need to track items that may be far away from the initial location, or if you need to track them globally, a GPS tracker is a more suitable choice.
And if you just want to track small, often-lost items such as wallets or keys at home or in the office, a Bluetooth tracker is adequate and more economical. For example, Apple's AirTag and Seinxon wallet tracker utilize Bluetooth technology to help users locate keys, wallets, and other easily lost items.
Summarize
GPS trackers work by receiving signals from satellites in the sky. When your device captures signals from four or more satellites, it can calculate your exact location. This makes it easy to find your way around, monitor your vehicle, or ensure your safety no matter where you are.
Join Us and Get Exclusive Fan Benefits!
