What is GPS tracking?
by Fiona Taylor
There is lots of talk about GPS tracking, but what exactly is it? How does it work? Is it actually going to help you or your business?
Let’s start at the beginning. What is GPS tracking?
GPS tracking is the remote surveillance and data storage of the location of a specified object, a vehicle in our case, using GPS (Global Positioning System.) The GPS is a worldwide satellite navigational system formed by 24 satellites orbiting the earth and their corresponding receivers on the earth. The system can pinpoint longitude, latitude, ground speed, and the direction the vehicle is moving.
The satellites are about 12,000 miles above the earths surface, and make 2 complete orbits every day. The orbits are arranged in such a way that at any one time your receiver will be able to ‘see’ at least 4 satellites.
Each satellite sends digital radio signals out that contain data about where they are and the exact time that it is (they each have an atomic clock that are precise to within a billionth of a second) to receivers that are on earth – like your vehicle tracking unit. The receivers can then work out how long the signal took to reach them from the satellite, the longer it takes then the further away the satellite is. The data travels at the speed of light, so this is a pretty quick process.
By knowing how far away each satellite is, the receiver can pinpoint its exact location using a process called trilateration.
Imagine you are stood somewhere under satellite A, if you know how far away from satellite A you are then you know that you are somewhere on the red circle. If you then work out how far away you are from satellites B and C you can work out your position based on where all 3 circle intersect.
This is basically what your vehicle tracking unit does but with spheres rather than circles.
The more satellites the tracking unit can see, the more accurate your reported position is.
Simple really!
If you want to make use of the GPS and the orbiting satellites just let us know and we will happily arrange for a receiver to be fitted into your vehicles so you can see their location, speed and direction of travel whenever you want. Give us a call on 01274 587748 and we’ll be happy to help.
Fiona Taylor
Fiona Taylor is the Sales Manager at award winning Satmo Vehicle Tracking. If you feel you need help with your fleet, want to gain back control, save some money and time then please get in touch.
