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

GPS Tracking Goes Covert

GPS tracking has become an important tool for both companies, who need to keep track of their fleets and company vehicles and especially for law enforcement as an instrument for tracking suspicious behavior and for use in the prosecution of criminals. Since the GPS tracking system can be set at longer intervals, you can easily extend the battery life of the unit by placing it at thirty or sixty seconds, while still maintaining enough accurate information of the starts and stops of the vehicle that you need for your investigation. Four standard "AA" batteries actually operate the system for a full three months, or if you prefer to install on a permanent basis, you can use a connection assembly that has a battery backup.

These covert GPS tracking systems have no complicated wiring or antenna requirements and are so light weight, some weighing only 7.2 ounces, that they fit almost anywhere on the vehicle. The custom fitted waterproof magnetic case enables you to quickly and easily install the device anywhere from in the glove department, under the seat, under the vehicle or hood. The covert GPS tracking system is also great for use on industrial equipment, boats and lots of other items. You can program your unit to update the frequency of the information, which includes last stop, street address location of the vehicle, the speed the vehicle is traveling at and the time. All this is done simply by using your laptop or desktop computer. There is no need for you to be an engineering genius to operate these units.

To purchase Gps Products and Surveillance Products Read other related articles on our Spy products blog

Cell Phone GPS Tracking

The development of communications technology has long since surpassed the sole ability to access others when they are mobile. Today, mobile communication devices are becoming much more technologically advanced and offer more than the ability to just carry on a conversation. Cell phone GPS tracking is one of those advances.

GPS or Global Positioning System tracks your location by interpreting the data received from 3 or more satellites. This has made GPS a popular feature in cars as a navagational aid.

All cell phones constantly broadcast a radio signal, even when not on a call. The cell phone companies have been able to estimate the location of a cell phone for many years using triangulation information from the towers receiving the signal. However, the introduction of GPS technology into cell phones has meant that cell phone GPS tracking now makes this information a lot more accurate.

With GPS technology now more commonplace in many new cell phones, this means that the location of anyone carrying a compatible cell phone can be accurately tracked at any time. Cell phone GPS tracking can therefore be a useful feature for business owners and fleet managers who need to be able to keep track of their vehicle movements.

Cell phone GPS tracking can also be a useful feature to the emergency services or police when responding to a 911 call from a GPS cell phone. For this reason, the FCC has legislated that wireless networks provide location information for 911 calls made from cell phones. These are known as E911 calls.

As technology advance even further, future features will be even more powerful. Imagine GPS cell phones used as a navigational device. Based on the cell phone GPS tracking signal, they could be used to find your way to a location, calculate your speed based on your location change over time, from this calculate your estimated arrival time, suggest an alternative route and even phone the person you are calling to see with your ETA! Of course in car GPS navigation systems can already perform many of these tasks, however it is the portability of cell phones that makes them so useful for this technology.

Cell phone GPS tracking could also be used to locate the whereabouts of your children and offer protection to elderly relatives should something happen and they need urgent assistance.

These features will help to secure the future of cell phone GPS tracking providing advantages for all.

For more information on cell phone GPS tracking and other GPS products visit www.satnav-gps.info today.

GPS Tracking for Man's Best Friend

To say that our pets are our best friends is an understatement. There are many people in this world who see their pets as life long companions, and even an integral of their family. How would you feel if your pet has run away, or perhaps has gotten lost somewhere outdoors? It would make your heart beat fast, palms sweaty and extremely anxious wouldn't it? After all there is not another pooch or kitty that can ever replace the special personality that your pet has.

GPS or global positioning systems can help give you peace of mind in knowing when your pet has crossed outside the safety zone of the backyard, or somewhere in your neighborhood. Other scenarios aside from domestic issues are the kinds where you take your pets on vacation with you, or go hunting with. Why take chances and lose sight of one of the most valuable members of your family?

GPS tracking devices will not substitute common sense and vigilance in watching over your pets, but rather help complement and reduce the chances of your pet running off by accident. These small moments can add up to lots of time, emotional investment, and spiritual drain after a while.

Consider several types of GPS tracking devices, from those that allow you to program safety zones which alert you when your pet goes out of bounds so to speak, waterproof and weatherproof models if you live in temperate zones, and advanced features such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature to see if your pet is truly 100 percent safe from the inside out.

It is up to you as the owner and caretaker of your pet to decide what features are necessary and which are not. You will find that GPS tracking devices whether for people, pets, or objects, are relatively easy to setup and are getting simpler everyday. What are you waiting for? Your pet deserves the best!

Run to our site for GPS tracking services for people, pets, and objects. Also discover a range of car tracking device products to give you additional peace of mind.#

GPS Tracking: An Executive Summary-Who, What and Why

GPS vehicle tracking systems are a popular tool for business owners; Original equipment manufacturers from General Motors to Bobcat are including tracking systems in their vehicles. Here's some background information to help you:

Who uses GPS tracking? GPS tracking systems are used by businesses in the service, transportation and manufacturing industries. Businesses of all sizes, with fleets of 1 to thousands of vehicles, rely upon their tracking systems to add to their profitability.

Types of businesses using GPS tracking:

* Contractors who provide HVAC, plumbing or electrical services

* Limousine and taxi companies

* Uniform / Linen Services

* Food and Beverage Distributors

* Street Sweepers

* Pest Management Services

* Snow Plow Services

* Car Carriers

* Landscaping and Irrigation contractors

* Cable Company Contractors

* Bulk and Route Delivery

* Fuel / Oil Haulers

* Hazmat and/or Chemical Haulers

* Produce / Perishable Delivery

* Utility companies

* City, county and state motor pool fleets

What is it? GPS tracking systems consist of a device installed in the vehicle, a central server and software for the owner to access the information.

All GPS tracking devices use data from the U.S. Government's constellation of Global Positioning System satellites to determine a vehicle's location, speed and direction of travel.

The tracking device transmits data from GPS satellites overhead to a central computer server via either a communications satellite or, more often, via the local cellular phone network. The vehicle data is updated every 2 - 15 minutes, depending upon the owner's preferences and manufacturer's settings.

The central server makes the tracking data available to the system owner through the Internet. The owner logs onto the tracking company's secure web server and sees their vehicle data on a map and in text form. Some tracking companies make the data available for download, so the owner could archive it on their own computer.

Why do they use it? Users of GPS tracking systems have many reasons why they've installed them:

1. Tracking systems reduce vehicle costs by targeting speeding employees, who waste fuel, cause excessive engine wear and ultimately, drive up insurance rates.

2. Using the system's automatic mileage reminder reduces downtime and enhances vehicle resale values by encouraging scheduled, preventative maintenance. Your tracking system will remind you when it's time to rotate tires, change oil or perform other scheduled maintenance.

3. Many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected with tracking systems.

4. Productivity is improved by: a. documenting long lunch hours, b. exposing unauthorized breaks, c. comparing driver overtime requests with system reports of driver activity, d. logging personal vehicle use after hours or on weekends.

5. GPS tracking systems improve customer service by showing you which employee is closest to the client who just called. WOW your customers--give them precise arrival or delivery estimates, based upon the actual location of your vehicles at the moment they call.

6. Your system can tell you the exact time and date each employee reached each customer. If a customer questions when your employee arrived or left --prove it to them.

7. Is one employee more productive than another? --Check the data. Is it time to add a vehicle? --Use your system and there's no more guessing.

8. Use your system to correlate overtime performed with your employees' overtime requests. See who is putting in extra time.

9. Never make another phone call to find out where your employees say they are.

10. Simplify asset management by displaying everything on one computer screen. Make work easier for your dispatcher.

11. Tracking systems work without any input from the driver. No driver logs needed.

Purchasers of GPS vehicle tracking systems say they recover their investment in an average of six - 12 months, by both reducing expenses and improving productivity. While some users recoup their entire investment at one time by recovering a stolen vehicle, most users are repaid more gradually.

Ken Sink, owner of My Vehicle WatchDog, is a veteran with 20+ years of transportation experience, including fleet management of over 800 vehicles. Visit http://www.MyVehicleWatchDog.Info for more information about GPS vehicle tracking systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Networkfleet and Sprint/Nextel. Submit your info for a quick, no-obligation system quote. Quantity discounts for volume purchases

GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems: Do I Need One?

GPS vehicle tracking systems are more affordable and more popular than ever before, but do you need one? Take this short quiz and keep track of your 'yes' answers. I'll help you total your score and decide after you finish.

Step One: Take Quiz

1. Do I use vehicles in my business? Yes/No

(The definition of 'vehicles' includes heavy, medium and light-duty vehicles, construction equipment (dozers, graders, backhoes, etc), cars, motorcycles, RV's, pick-up trucks, vans, tractor trailers, buses, trailers, dump trucks, snow plows, limousines, taxis, etc.)

2. Have any of my vehicles been stolen in the past? Yes/No

3. I'd like to know what is going on and where my employees/vehicles are during the day: Yes/No

4. I'd like to reduce my fuel expenses and know if any of my vehicles are wasting gas: Yes/No

5. Being able to give my customers accurate and precise arrival/delivery estimates is important to me: Yes/No

6. It is important to know if any of my vehicles are used after hours or on weekends for non-business purposes: Yes/No

7. I'd like save up to 30% on my vehicle insurance: Yes/No

8. It is important to know if my employees are speeding or otherwise abusing my vehicles: Yes/No

9. If any of my employees are using my vehicles to 'moonlight' or do work without my knowledge, I'd want to know: Yes/No

10. Knowing about mechanical problems before they become expensive to fix is important: Yes/No

11. If any of my vehicles are ever stolen, I'd like to locate them within minutes: Yes/No

12. I'd like to have vehicle use data to compare with overtime requests as a way to guard against errors and fraud: Yes/No

13. I'd like a reminder when it is time to do routine maintenance on my vehicles: Yes/No

14. Occasionally, customers question when we were at their location, having the exact date and time recorded in our tracking system would really help in those cases: Yes/No

15. I'd like to help my employees be more productive by seeing where they go each day: Yes/No

Step Two: Total Your 'Yes' Answers

Add up your 'yes' answers.

* Fewer than 7 'yes' answers:Thanks for taking the quiz, you don't appear to want/need a vehicle tracking system.

* 7 to 11 'yes' answers: Thanks for taking the quiz. You could greatly benefit from a vehicle tracking system.

* More than 11 'yes' answers: Thanks for taking the quiz. You need a vehicle tracking system.

By the way, every question above (except question 1 & 2) is answered by using GPS vehicle tracking systems.

Step Three: Cost vs. Gain

The average business owner recoups their investment in GPS vehicle tracking systems within 6 - 12 months after purchase. Of course, your ROI may vary. Recovering one stolen vehicle may pay for your entire tracking system.

Vehicle tracking helps you reduce operating costs and boosts productivity.

Tracking systems reduce vehicle costs by putting a spotlight on speeding employees, who waste fuel, cause excessive engine wear and drive up insurance rates. Vehicle tracking systems will also remind you when it's time for preventive maintenance, like oil changes, helping you keep your vehicles on the road and making you money.

GPS vehicle tracking systems improve productivity by:

* documenting long lunch hours,

* exposing unauthorized breaks,

* comparing driver overtime requests with system reports of driver activity,

* highlighting unauthorized vehicle use after hours and on weekends,

* eliminating driver logs.

Many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected with tracking systems.

Step Four: Due Diligence

GPS vehicle tracking systems are outstanding tools for vehicle and fleet management, but you need to find the right system for you. Take a look at the different types of GPS vehicle tracking systems.

Check a company's hardware and software, as well as their monthly data access plan. You'll also need to decide whether to buy or lease your GPS tracking system.

Good luck.

Ken Sink, owner of My Vehicle WatchDog, is a veteran with 20+ years of transportation experience, including fleet management of over 800 vehicles. Visit http://www.MyVehicleWatchDog.Info for more information about GPS vehicle tracking systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Networkfleet and Sprint/Nextel. Submit your info for a quick, no-obligation system quote. Quantity discounts for volume purchases

Car Alarms With GPS Tracking For Vehicle Recovery

Today's most advanced car alarms offer GPS tracking capabilities that are extremely helpful in locating an apprehended vehicle. Beyond the ability to pinpoint the vehicle's location, these GPS tracking systems offer many two way communication options to car owners. Owners are automatically notified via phone call or text message if a car has been broken into. Owners can also contact the cars remotely through GPS tracking features of their car alarms.

From anywhere in the world, these car alarms GPS tracking devices can be armed or disarmed with a phone call or text message. Doors can be locked or unlocked by dialing into the GSM alarm. And, the car's status in many areas can be remotely determined. Wondering if the doors are open or shut? Wondering if the car alarm has been engaged? With the capabilities of GPS tracking car alarms you can wonder no more. These systems can even tell you if the engine is running, regardless of its location.

A highly desirable security feature of the GPS tracking devices is that they allow the car's owner to remotely immobilize the car at any time and from any location to thwart a robbery attempt. The car owner can also engage or disengage the vibration sensor, and even determine the reason why the car alarm activated before notifying the owner via phone call or text message.

Within moments of a break-in, the GPS tracking car alarm will call or text the car's owner to advise them of the situation. Because these systems are able to discern the particulars of the break-in situation, the owner notification also offers the owner important information about how to proceed. And, if silent mode has been selected, these things can be accomplished without ever alerting the thief that the alarm has engaged.

The additional cost of adding GPS tracking to your car alarm is actually quite reasonable when compared to the cost of otherwise trying to recover an apprehended vehicle. These GPS tracking car alarm features are being utilized by individual car owners as well as car rental and fleet management firms to manage their assets in a cost-effective, proactive manner. Any car alarm will offer some peace of mind to the car's owner, but these GPS tracking features take this to a whole new level in the global marketplace.

You can also find more info on Car Alarms and Best Car Alarms. Bestcaralarmreviews.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Car Alarm.