By Greg Bartlett
GPS technology has brought many benefits to the world of traveling and navigation. While most people are familiar with GPS navigation systems such as Garmin and Tom Tom and many are familiar with the term GPS tracking, many of those same people don’t understand the difference in the two concepts. Hearing the term GPS conjures images of the box that attaches to your windshield or dashboard and displays a map complete with voice directions indicating where you should turn to reach your destination. This application is one use of GPS, but GPS tracking systems may be even more beneficial to a broader range of people than their navigational cousins are.
GPS Points You in the Right Direction
GPS, or Global Positioning System, was developed by the military for use with ballistic missiles and works by measuring the distance from the GPS device to four or more of the GPS satellites orbiting the earth. By calculating the time it takes for the signal to reach the satellites, the device can determine precise location to within a few feet and sometimes within a few inches.
Unlike GPS navigation systems, GPS tracking devices do not provide maps or help you determine where you are going. They perform the more basic function of determining the location of an object, person or vehicle. By attaching a transmitter to the item, you can monitor its location remotely at any time. The uses of GPS tracking are many. Parents can use the technology to keep an eye on their kids while at work and adult children of elderly people can pinpoint the location and be assured of the safety of their parents at any time, an especially helpful ability for children of Alzheimer’s or dementia patients.
Business owners benefit from the technology by using GPS vehicle trackers to monitor fleet vehicles. They can determine whether employees are conducting personal business on company time, monitor fuel usage, and check routes to see if efficiency can be increased. Outdoor athletes find GPS watches useful as they allow family members to keep track of their loved one’s location whether he’s hiking in the mountains, biking in the desert, or jogging through the neighborhood. GPS tracking can also help you monitor possessions such as laptops, jewelry or automobiles and can give the police valuable information to aid in recovery of these items in case of theft.
No matter what your situation, there is a benefit to GPS tracking that will help give you peace of mind as you keep in sight the things that matter most to you.
