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By Greg Bartlett

You won’t be surprised when we tell you that we keep an eye on what people are reading about GPS tracking technology. It’s our business, after all. Those of you using Google (which is almost all of you, except those who’ve switched to Bing) may be interested to know that search trends are compiled by the California-based company and made available to the public. With a little patience and research, you can use Google’s Insights for Search technology to find out how popular particular search terms are over time. Our overview yielded the top five most popular GPS tracking topics for news and discussion in 2009 . . . thus far.

Coming in at number five is the concern over privacy. Big brother is the subject of countless news stories, and employers also wish to determine exactly what kind of GPS tracking technology is or isn’t considered a breach of their employees’ rights.

The fourth most popular topic is the impact GPS tracking has made on the shipping industry. Regardless of size, shape, or value, containers the world over are increasingly being tagged and shipped with GPS trackers. GPS technology has helped companies identify inefficiencies in their logistics chain as well as recover lost cargo. Tracking systems have helped minimize corruption in the diamond industry and have deterred the theft of other precious goods.

Number three is the home and family use of GPS tracking. Whether it’s a speed chip for a teen driver or a tracking collar for Fido, the personal benefits of GPS technology will always be a hot topic. More and more people are discovering new ways GPS trackers can improve their lives.

The second most popular topic is the use of GPS tracking by law enforcement and military personnel. These groups often get to play with the latest GPS tech, and the innovations seen on the battlefield and in the streets will often find their way to the private sector years later. Also, people concerned for their family’s safety will often be interested in how sex offenders and other criminals are tracked by authorities.

And finally, the most popular search topic by far is the use of GPS tracking in vehicles. GPS trackers are revolutionizing the way we think about driving, and how companies are thinking about fleet management. The efficiency and security offered by GPS tracking technology is sure to be a popular topic for years to come.