subject: How is GPS Tracking System a Marvel of Technology? [print this page] How is GPS Tracking System a Marvel of Technology?
Global Positioning System or GPS refers to a system that helps you in finding out the location of any object or person. It incorporates a small chip attached to the object being tracked. The chip gives out signals that are tracked by satellite which sends data to earth. This helps in finding out the exact location of an object. The uses of GPS tracking have been recognized on a worldwide scale. Moreover, GPS tracking has many applications in enforcement of law and order. No doubt, police departments all over the world remain the biggest beneficiaries of this technological miracle.
A GPS tracking system describes a set of electronic components that include an embedded GPS receiver mounted over a printed circuit board with some kind of power supply and an RF modem in majority of cases. The device comprises of an on-board memory and a CPU. This facilitates the storage of basic commands in the unit. Moreover, the device also stores GPS location waypoints or records in the memory. Whenever the need arises, these can be downloaded for analysis. If an RF modem is inbuilt in the device, it transmits the data over airwaves to end-user for instant analysis.
While a GPS tracking system has a number of uses, certain units are designed for some specific purposes. The units having a self-contained battery pack for power source and an enclosed waterproof housing are suitable for being attached to trailers as well as mobile unpowered assets. Moreover, it enables the location of assets. Besides this, it also helps in alerting end-users when it moves and provides various analytical reports.
A GPS tracking system can be easily installed in a vehicle and could be utilized for obtaining its power requirements from host vehicles. In majority of cases, a tracking device can find out when the ignition of a vehicle is switched off or on. Therefore, the end-user is able to see where a vehicle stops, the duration of a stop or if a vehicle has stopped unnecessarily.
Despite the availability of a myriad of GPS tracking devices, there are many common benefits. All such devices help in identifying the location of assets or vehicles, their speed, time duration and movements.
