GPS Tracking Device - Don't Get Lost

We all have seen it in movies - a small device is attached to someone's car and their location is no longer secret. It looks like every spy and superhero always has one ready to use. But what about ordinary people? You don't need to be a superhero to use GPS tracking in every day life. Find out how GPS works and how it can help you.

From the image Hollywood created around GPS it sounds almost like magic. Does it really work so well that you can tell somebody's precise location at any given time? Actually yes, it works just like that and there is no magic behind it, just modern technology.

Originally GPS was intended as a military technology. It was created in the late 70th by the United States Department of Defense. It consisted of 24 satellites with 17 of them positioned on the horizon at all times. As a result, they were able to "see" anything anywhere around the globe.

The military advantage of this technology is obvious. But there are many uses for ordinary people too. Car GPS is probably the most common - it helps you find your way in any unfamiliar place. Another popular use of GPS is GPS tracking systems that can track anything - cars, people, and animals.

Common uses for GPS tracking

- Track your car in case it gets stolen

- Track your teenage kids driving activity

- Tracking lost pets

- Tracking wildlife

- GPS tracking used by police and private detectives

The best thing is that the technology is owned by the US government and the service is free. You don't need to pay monthly fees or anything like that. All you have to do is to get a GPS receiver and special software for your computer that will convert received data for you.

Types of GPS tracking devices

There are many types of GPS tracking from the cheapest and most simple, usually built in collars to track pets, to sophisticated that make the most of the global positioning system technology. One popular solution is a device that gets the coordinates and then sends it regularly as an instant message. You can receive messages on your mobile or on your computer. This is a very convenient system.

On-Star is a popular GPS tracking system for cars. It used to be installed only in most expensive cars but not any more. Ordinary cars by Ford, Chrysler, Chevrolet, and other companies now use ON-Star tracking. If you are wondering how it works, the principle is rather simple. Satellites send radio signal, then measure how long it takes for the signal to reach your vehicle. For more accurate results the signal coming from 4 satellites is usually measured at the same time.

As you can see there are many ways we can use GPS tracking devices in everyday life.

Tanya Turner is an editor of GPS System Central This site provides you with information and buying advice about different types of GPS tracking systems