Rocky Mountain Tracking

By Greg Bartlett

Each year the United Kingdom has a celebrity bike ride to raise money for Sport Relief, which will build schools, shelters, and healthcare facilities for poor communities around the world. Donators of the Sport Relief Celebrity Million Pound Bike Ride can watch the long race from John o’Groats, Scotland, to Land’s End, England. How can they follow along as the various celebrities take their turn riding?

GPS Tracking & Cycling

By GPS tracking system, of course. The Sport Relief bike race will use real time tracking systems so that the movements of the riders can be followed on an internet map. The devices transmit signals regularly, which allows for an accurate route to be seen. A GPS tracking system not only records the location, but also the speed of the object or person it is tracking. Passive GPS tracking devices record this information as well, but they do not send out signals to a satellite. Instead, the tracker must be retrieved and then the information can be downloaded onto a computer for viewing. Although passive trackers can be very useful in a variety of circumstances, real time trackers are most helpful for races and other competitions, so that fans can watch the contest live on the internet. These tracking devices have been used in many different races like the Pure Michigan Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race.

By using real time GPS tracking systems, this bike race can be followed and enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Fans could feel like they were a part of the action throughout the race. The fact that the race could be tracked and viewed online grabs people’s attention which will help Sport Relief to raise their goal of one million pounds (around $1.5 million U.S. dollars) for their charity.

Real time GPS tracking systems are not only helpful for tracking races, but they can be used in a variety of other ways. These devices have become very popular for fleet management. Whether it’s taxi cabs or delivery trucks, a GPS tracking system will help keep tabs on all of the vehicles and make sure that they are used to their full potential. These tracking systems can also be used to protect vehicles from theft. Stolen vehicles can be easily recovered if they are protected with a vehicle tracking device. All the owner has to do is contact the police and give them the exact location of their vehicle. This helps the law enforcement officers out a great deal and ensures the speedy return of the stolen vehicle.

By Greg Bartlett

Safety has always been at the forefront for recreational facilities such as ski slopes and national forests. One of the difficulties in maintaining adequate safety precautions in these situations is that there tend to be many people spread across a large area, making it difficult or impossible for personnel to watch everyone simultaneously. Some ski resorts have addressed this problem by incorporating a GPS tracking device into their offerings for skiers.

Skiing and GPS Tracking

Safety on the slopes can be tricky, since the same slopes are used by both beginning and advanced skiers. Some resorts have approached this problem by requiring all children taking lessons at the slopes to carry a GPS tracking device in their clothing. With the device, personnel can monitor the location of each child and immediately check out any problems that arise. The transmitter, contained in a pocket of the ski clothing, sends signals at intervals to a computer or receiving device. The information can be monitored in real time, or can be viewed as a report.

While the resorts typically only require a GPS tracking device on those taking ski lessons, they have made them available for other skiers as part of the ski package for a small additional fee. Not only can ski personnel increase safety precautions using the devices, but skiers can log on to the resort’s website and view where they have been over the course of the day. In this way, safety combines with fun to enhance the experience of all skiers.

Hikers can take advantage of a GPS tracking device as well by carrying a transmitter with them on the trail and making sure a friend or family member has access to their location information. Too many hiking stories end with someone becoming lost or injured with no way to contact anyone, but GPS tracking can make those stories a thing of the past. Even in areas where cell phone coverage is non-existent, a GPS tracking device can keep your loved ones informed of your whereabouts and safety, allowing them to take immediate action when something goes wrong.

Part of the thrill of hitting the ski slopes or the hiking trail is the inherent sense of controlled danger. You know that while the possibilities of being injured may not be extremely high, those possibilities must still be considered. Carrying a GPS tracking device allows you to enjoy the adrenaline rush of the slopes or the trail while still knowing that your safety has top priority.

By Harriette Halepis

Kids are generally safe while taking part in any mountain’s ski school program, but Whistler Blackcomb in Vancouver, British Columbia, has taken child safety to a whole new level. This year, kids that have signed up for the Whistler Kids, Ride Tribe, or any other private Whistler Ski School program will be fitted with GPS tracking devices.

GPS & Children Skiing

The resort hopes that by providing children with GPS trackers, parents will be able to “… look forward to a little more peace-of-mind knowing that we’ll be able to track their children, using flaik’s GPS system, no matter where they are on the mountains (Ski Rebel Magazine).”

Not only will parents have the ability to track their children, but young skiers looking to increase their speed and time will also have a chance to view their ski patterns. The GPS trackers have the ability to keep track of the number of trails kids attempt, speeds, and the amount of time that kids spend on the mountain - those kids who aren’t cut out for skiing won’t be able to escape to the lodge this year!

There’s no doubt that these new tracking devices will also provide Whistler with valuable marketing information, such as the most popular lifts used, and which trails kids love to explore. When all is said and done, the addition of GPS trackers to ski resorts is a novel idea any way that you look at it.

By Greg Bartlett

A lot of people enjoy skiing during this time of year, but some parents are understandably concerned. Is it really safe to let their children wander out alone on the slopes, away from parental supervision? What if the child gets lost or injured? Will anyone realize and be able to help the child in time?

Skiing & GPS Tracking

With GPS monitoring, yes. Parents and resorts can now use GPS units to track skiers and equipment. GPS monitoring will keep track of the skier’s location, speed, and distance traveled. Parents can sit back in the resort or head out on the slopes themselves while still monitoring their children’s locations in real time and ensuring that the children aren’t in danger. Some GPS devices even have panic buttons so that if something does happen to the skier, he or she can press the button and alert the resort to send help at once.

GPS monitoring devices, in addition to helping keep track of where the skier is located, can also be helpful for skiers. They can find out which lifts they used and which runs they explored, what their speed was and how much vertical they achieved, plus how far they went while exploring the runs. And, just for fun, some GPS devices will even provide the skier with a map of the area he or she traveled that day. And, of course, should an emergency arise and the skier calls for help, the resort will know exactly where the individual is so that the emergency rescue team doesn’t have to waste time hunting for the injured or lost skier.

If you’re a skier or a parent bringing your family out for a day on the slopes, GPS monitoring is a good way to protect your family and give you peace of mind. As a parent, you can stay at the resort or can go out on the slopes yourself and you don’t have to worry every minute about where your children are and what they’re doing. GPS devices provide that extra bit of safety which could save a life, especially if the skier gets lost and then injured, away from the normal trails and difficult to find. Furthermore, they’re fun for the skier, too. So this year, when you head out to the slopes, don’t worry so much. With GPS Tracking, you can safely let your entire family explore the mountain and run the slopes.

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

Learning any sport has its frustrations, but imagine trying to learn how to ski.  Sure, you have the ‘bunny hill’ to help you learn on smaller grades, but even so it can be both frustrating and even dangerous.

Skiing and GPS Tracking

Whistler Blackcomb ski resort in British Columbia, Canada is going to outfit children in both the skiing and snowboarding programs with GPS Tracking tags that attach to the skiers’ clothing.  The benefit to those who are tagged include being able to locate them at a moment’s notice, but also being able to track their progress and the hills that are traversed.

GPS Tracking is a great addition to any outdoor sport.  Additional uses of GPS Tracking devices for ski resorts include:

Resort Vehicles

Trucks, SUV’s and other vehicles that are used by resort personnel can be tracked by GPS Tracking units.  This helps resorts monitor the use of these vehicles and make sure that they are used properly and also provide location information should they become stolen.  But the most important service of GPS Tracking units in these cars and trucks might be the safety factor.  With treacherous driving conditions, location of vehicles is important should there be an accident.

Resort Snowmobiles and ATVs

Using these vehicles in moving about the resort property can be dangerous work.  Hazardous weather conditions along with the ever-present danger of avalanches provide the impetus to use GPS Tracking on these assets.

Tracking units can be outfitted to a specific vehicle or used as a portable battery powered unit.

Ski Resorts are enjoying a good season so far.  It can be made better with the implementation of GPS Tracking devices.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking devices to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

By Greg Bartlett

For many people, owning a motor sport vehicle is part of the American dream. Some long for a boat to take to the lake on weekends, while others plan for an ATV to keep at their mountain cabin. With the acquisition of these vehicles, however, comes not only the joy of ownership, but also the problem of how to protect them from theft, especially if you keep them somewhere other than your home. GPS vehicle tracking can alleviate your worries by keeping you informed of your vehicle’s whereabouts at all times and letting you know if it’s being moved.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could receive advance warning before a thief makes off with something you own? With GPS vehicle tracking, you may not receive advance warning, but you can come as close as possible to getting immediate notification. A GPS transmitter placed in your motor sport vehicle will keep you informed of the vehicle’s whereabouts at all times. It can tell if the vehicle is moving, what direction it’s traveling, and how fast it’s going. Some GPS models also allow you to set up perimeters, so that if your vehicle is driven outside a specified area, you’ll receive an alert over email or text message.

MotorSports & GPS Tracking

Not only does GPS vehicle tracking provide information you need in case your motor sport vehicle is stolen, but it can also keep your family informed as to your location when you’re out alone. Getting out alone in nature on your ATV or boat can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be a cause for concern on the part of your family and friends if you’re out longer than you intended to be. When your vehicle is equipped with a GPS unit, they can log on to the computer and see whether you’re still cruising around or whether you are stopped. If something looks out of place, they can call you or send someone to check on you. Many GPS tracking devices feature an alert button that you can press if something is wrong, letting your family know you need help.

GPS vehicle tracking offers you the ability to enjoy your dream of owning a motorcycle, boat, or ATV while reducing the danger of theft and the problem of being out of contact with family and friends. You’ll be able to enjoy yourself a lot more when you know that your GPS tracking device is watching out for your best interests.

By Greg Bartlett

My dad likes hunting, and my family is very “outdoorsy.” We’ve been on hikes, camping trips, and so on ever since I can remember. Since there are seven people in my family, we’ve never really had to worry about someone hiking alone, but for those people who don’t hike, camp, or hunt with family or friends, being alone could be a serious safety hazard.

GPS Tracking & Outdoors

For instance, a while back a hiker fell on a trail, broke a leg, and couldn’t get to civilization, which was a few miles away. He had a cell phone, but the mountains around him blocked his reception. For many people in his situation, death from injuries or exposure would occur soon if help didn’t arrive quickly. Even if family or friends realize the hiker is missing and call park rangers to assist with a search, finding him is unlikely without knowing the hiker’s exact location.

However, this hiker’s story had a happy ending. In addition to his cell phone, he was carrying a GPS tracking device. His family was able to find his exact location, and before long rescuers found him alive and, other than his leg, healthy.

Yesterday another man went through a similar experience. While hunting in Vermont, he became lost and had to spend the night in the woods. He called his friend, and his friend was able to help park officials to use the information from the GPS tracking device he had in order to find him by late morning. Naturally, the hunter was cold, tired, and hungry, but he was safe.

For those who want to hike, especially in dangerous or isolated areas, bringing along a companion can make the difference between life and death. For those who can’t bring someone, a cell phone is helpful, but the battery could die or the reception could be blocked. A GPS tracking device gives an added level of safety, whether or not you’re hiking, hunting, or camping with someone else. It keeps track of your exact location, where you’ve been, and your speed, and, in the event of an emergency, could save your life. If your GPS tracking device has a panic button, when you press it immediately it will send an alert to family, friends, or emergency personnel, making them instantly aware that you need help and giving them your exact location so that they can actually help you in time.

By Greg Bartlett

There’s something especially satisfying about taking a long run or walk through nature, especially when you need to clear your mind or focus on a particular issue. People who place a high priority on physical fitness are nearly unanimous in their agreement that working out at the gym can’t compare to getting your workout in the fresh air. But sometimes being on your own in the middle of nowhere without a cell phone signal can be cause for concern. A single misstep can lead to a sprained ankle, leaving you incapacitated with no way to contact friends or family. Walkers tend to be targeted for robbery as well, especially those who don’t dress out in exercise clothes. Equipping yourself with a GPS tracking device for personal safety provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones when you’re out enjoying the fresh air.

Exercise Safely - Take GPS Along!

Today’s GPS tracking device can do more than provide your location to concerned friends or family members. Many models come equipped with alert buttons that you can press if you’re in trouble, sending an email or text message to let someone know you need help. Fitness aficionados with a techie bent will enjoy the GPS devices created especially for exercisers. These devices, often taking the form of a wristwatch, can also keep track of heart rate, distance covered, calories burned, steps, and exercise intensity. Some can log these statistics over time, allowing you to view your progress and keep track of where you are in relation to your fitness goals.

Runners and walkers who dress in workout clothes often avoid robbery situations because would-be thieves don’t expect them to carry their wallets on them while their exercising. People who walk for enjoyment in regular clothing, however, are sometimes not so fortunate. News stations often report stories of older people being targeted for robberies while they’re out walking. If you’re equipped with a GPS tracking device, you can immediately notify someone that you’re in trouble by pressing the alert button. If you’re injured or you don’t come home when expected, your family can immediately find you and bring help.

Outdoor exercise breathes life into many people who otherwise spend their time commuting between home and office. By equipping themselves with a GPS tracking device, lovers of the outdoors can commune with nature without leaving themselves unprotected in the event of injury or other unforeseen circumstances. GPS tracking gives you and your family the peace of mind you need in order to truly find inner calm during your outdoor excursions.

By Greg Bartlett

Would you believe that one of the latest fads in GPS tracking is devices designed for golf? GPS-aided golf equipment comes in many forms, from range finding units on their hole flags to GPS yardage finders in golf carts. You can also purchase a personal yardage finder unit that is handheld.

GPS & Golf - A Great Match!

These GPS tracking units allow golfers to focus on making a precise hit and not about measuring the exact distance that he needs for the shot. Starting around $100, the more simple rangefinders show the distance to the hole as well as the distance to the green. The more expensive GPS tracking rangefinders contain thousands of golf course layouts. The course can be viewed as an animation or a satellite image, giving golfers exact distances of the entire course, including the hazard areas. The touch screen systems will even give an aerial view of the course, much like what you would see when watching golf tournaments on television.

In addition to its yardage finding capabilities, these GPS tracking golf systems also work as scorecards. Some can even suggest different golf clubs to use for shots. Some of the more sophisticated systems can even give commands with an automated voice, which allows the golfer to focus on his game instead of constantly stopping to consult his rangefinding system.

With the addition of new technological aspects of golf, people are wondering if this is fair. While some people may feel that golf will not be as enjoyable if you have a GPS tracking unit that tells you how far of a shot to make, others appreciate the help that these systems give them. But even those who believe that using a GPS tracking device is cheating must admit that the system cannot actually give you a huge advantage. Golfers still have to make all of their own shots. The system only improves your game.

Professional golfers have made GPS tracking rangefinders a necessary part of their game. But now as devices become more sophisticated and prices continue to drop, golfers of all skill levels can improve their game with GPS technology.

Rangefinding units are just the beginning for GPS tracking golf systems. In the next few years, golf developments will likely include smart golf balls. These golf balls will contain a microchip that can be tracked using the GPS tracking capabilities of a cell phone or laptop.