Rocky Mountain Tracking

Daily GPS News

Dementia Sufferers Gain Independence through GPS

June 2nd, 2013

It may sound cute to some people who hear of pet owners purchasing GPS tracking units for their cat or canine. It may seem practical to learn of bicycle and vehicle owners attaching GPS trackers to their bikes or cars to help prevent or react effectively against theft. But it would appear now that there are some who feel that we may be taking the usage of GPS tracking too far when we place it with the elderly among us when they go out for walks.

Many who have heard of the recent development of GPS tracking devices for the shoes of dementia sufferers have seen it as controversial; perhaps too close to “Big Brother” for comfort. But there are certainly many others who see this development as an ingenious means of granting individuals who suffer with dementia the same independence to which they are accustomed.

How the system operates is fairly straightforward: GPS tracking units are installed in the back of the shoes of an individual with dementia, and professionals and family members are then able to monitor the route of the individual as they go out walking. Changes in route, erratic behavior which could denote confusion in the individual, or irregular pausing can be detected early by those monitoring the GPS units. This makes for a much shorter response time in the case of emergency.

Why place the GPS device in the shoe? Manufacturers say that the decision came about in light of the fact that, for those suffering dementia, unfamiliar objects of accessory are unappealing. Although bracelets, and necklaces, and similar things containing GPS units have been available before now, individuals with dementia have been known to dislike the new accessories and have removed them, rendering the purpose of the device void. Shoes are a safer alternative, according to manufacturers, because they are objects which individuals with dementia are far less likely to discard or lose.

So is this taking GPS tracking too far over the boundaries of privacy? Are we seeing a slight compromise in the respect of human independence? Or is this perhaps a brilliant plan; one that would allow the elderly and mentally afflicted to maintain a sense of independent self? Guidelines and limits are necessary wherever monitoring of human beings is concerned; however, can it be denied that some monitoring can be helpful, not only in giving friends and loved ones peace of mind, but in restoring independence to those who suffer dementia?

Controversy in OK Over GPS Tracking of Police

June 1st, 2013

In Lowell, Oklahoma, patrolmen and patrolwomen work through a union–and because of that, negotiating can be a tricky process. When a new initiative came about that would add new levels of accountability to Lowell patrolmen, the union raised its eyebrows: That move involved tracking all police officers’ vehicles with GPS devices.

The Burden of Transparency

The use of GPS in law enforcement, for better or worse, is starting to swing both ways. Yes, GPS tracking has become undoubtedly useful during investigations. Tracking a suspect’s vehicle with a GPS device is exponentially more cost-effective than an elaborate tail involving multiple vehicles and perhaps even air support. The thing is, GPS tracking of police officers’ vehicles additionally adds a new level of transparency to the people: Vehicle movements can be monitored to ensure safe driving, conformity to regulations, and proving that police reports are accurate.

Unions and Accountability

When it comes to unions, however, such changes are potentially unwelcome. What if that data is used to build evidence that would lead to a disciplinary act against a police officer and union member? What about the atmosphere of paranoia that ubiquitous police car tracking would provide–the feeling that someone, somewhere is watching all the time? How should a union react to the idea of GPS tracking?

In the case of the Lowell Patrolmen’s Union, the reaction was to negotiate higher pay for officers. In order to guarantee support of the tracking program, officers received a quarter an hour bump in pay.

Benefits of GPS Police Tracking

When it comes to GPS tracking in the police department, the knife cuts both ways: GPS trackers are fantastic law enforcement tools. But they are also quickly becoming essential tools for ensuring that our nation’s law enforcement officers perform their task within the boundaries of the law. At the end of the day, those devices make not only our streets safer, but the officers who drive police vehicles as well. In addition, the simple fleet tracking functions of GPS devices ensure that government-bought police cruiser vehicles are being driven safely, in a manner which maximizes the vehicle’s operational life. GPS tracking is, then, not only a two-edged sword, but a win-win for law enforcement and for citizens.

Zoologists Use GPS to Track Endangered Kenyan Antelope

April 16th, 2013

GPS tracking is one of the easiest new ways to keep tabs on pets. Dogs and cats are fitted with monitoring devices so their owners can know where they’ve been, where they’re going, and what their habits are. Apparently pet lovers aren’t the only ones to use electronic monitoring on their furry friends. Conservationists and zoologists are now using GPS tracking to learn more about endangered species of animals. For instance, in the northeast part of Kenya a herd of rare antelope, the hirola, is being tracked in hopes of saving their breed.

Conservationists and the Zoological Society of London are concerned that the hirolas’ numbers are dwindling dangerously low— having lost almost 90% of the population in just 30 years. In hopes of learning more about the less than 500 antelope left on the planet and how to bolster their population, conservationists have fitted nine hirola of seven separate herds with GPS trackers to follow them on their migration patterns. Primarily done by studying their hoof prints and refuse left behind, the distinction of the herds was difficult to determine because lack of water in the region has caused the rare antelope to retreat to areas with more numerous watering holes and better access to food, a main reason for the hirolas’ endangered population besides poaching by hunters, removal of their natural environment, and being killed by animals who prey on their herds for food.

Thanks to GPS tracking, conservationists can now learn the information they need to know not only to hopefully protect the hirola from extinction but also to bolster their dwindling population. The tracking devices used will automatically detach from the tagged antelope in summer of 2014, but in the meantime zoologists will be able to study their normal travel habits. The GPS equipment will record the coordinates of the hirola intermittently, about three hours apart, for the year.

A similar method has been used to track endangered South African rhinos by embedding a GPS tracking chip deep within their horns. The rhinos are monitored, and based upon their activity whether sprinting, sleeping, or leaving the predetermined location, wardens are always at the ready if needed to respond to poaching attempts.

New Research Studies Use of GPS Tracking of Those With Dementia

April 11th, 2013

Confused individuals easily wander from home and get lost, but GPS tracking of those with dementia may be a way to help find them more quickly. A recent study in Norway examined the possibilities available to patients and caregivers through this technology.

The Problem

Later in life, a significant number of individuals experience some degree of dementia. This confusion can cause a person to forget where they are or how to return home. Incidents of wandering or fear of such occurrences are a significant stressor for caregivers and frequently result in the placement of such patients in extended care facilities.

The Study

A Norwegian research project studied more than 50 patients with dementia in the five municipalities of Drammen, Baerum, Trondheim, Bjugn, and Afjord. These patients were fitted with GPS trackers that continually recorded their location. The individuals studied lived in a variety of environments including private homes, institutions, and other shared accommodations.

The Positives

Researchers found that wearing GPS trackers had a number of positive effects. Those suffering with dementia were not resistant to this form of monitoring, and the devices enabled them to enjoy higher levels of mobility, independence, and freedom. Caregivers also appreciated GPS tracking of those with dementia as it provided them with a sense of security, especially in the beginning stages of the illness. This reassurance of their loved one’s safety often enabled caregivers to continue their employment and made them better able to cope with the situation. These effects will likely enable individuals with dementia to remain longer in private homes thus decreasing the money drawn from the government for institutional care.

The Challenges

The study exposed the need for a centralized system for handling alarms generated by these GPS tracking devices. Ideally, such a system would relay alarms to local law enforcement for follow-up. In addition, there is a demand for a GPS application developed specifically for those suffering from dementia. While some systems already in existence will fill the basic need, they do not address all of the sometimes specialized requirements of these patients.

This study is an important step in the application of this technology to a very needy segment of the population. Hopefully, GPS tracking of those with dementia will continue to move forward and become a routine part of caring for these individuals.

India: Autorickshaws in Jaipur Get GPS

March 25th, 2013

Officials in Jaipur have announced that about 12,000 of the city’s autorickshaws will have GPS trackers installed, giving police the ability to locate them quickly in an emergency, as well as to protect women from being harassed by their drivers.

What led to the decision to install the GPS devices on the vehicles? A senior police officer said that it is necessary to keep a close eye on public transportation in order to keep its passengers safe, especially after the brutal gang rape in New Delhi of a physiotherapist last December. Five men are charged with the crime of gang raping and assaulting a 23 year old medical student on a moving bus. The victim died weeks later in a Singapore hospital.

“About 12,000 auotrickshaws ply in the city every day. In the state government’s traffic control board meeting held recently, it was decided that these autos should be enabled with GPS,” said the officer. “After the implementation of the project, we would be able to track down any auto running in the city. In case of an emergency, like a passenger being harassed, the GPS would enable us to respond quickly.”

The installation of the GPS devices is expected to begin soon. A route will be set for each auto and will remain fixed, while officials in a control room will keep a close eye on their travels.

“Autos plying on a particular route will be painted in similar colors to differentiate them from those running on other routes,” said the official.

The idea of installing all autorickshaws with GPS tracking devices was not met with open arms. At the end of last year, autorickshaw and taxi unions went on strike to protest the mandatory GPS devices due to their high cost. They demanded a subsidy on the GPS devices, as well as the ability to raise fares.

Truant Students Issued GPS Trackers

March 15th, 2013

Concerns about habitually truant students have caused some schools to issue GPS tracking devices to some of their students. The program, which is being tried in schools both in California and Texas, hopes to encourage students to attend school regularly to gain full benefit from the education available to them.

How It Works

Students who chronically skip class are given the opportunity to participate in the tracking program. If they and their parents agree, they are issued a small GPS device, about the size of a cell phone. They are required to check in five times a day — when they leave the house in the morning, when they arrive at school, at lunchtime, when they leave school at the end of the day, and at eight o’clock in the evening. The device registers their location at the time of these check-ins to verify that their position is as they are reporting. It can also detect if the tracker has been given to a different student than the one to whom it is assigned. Some programs also offer wake up calls to get the student out of bed in the morning. They are also paired with a coach who contacts them on a regular basis and encourages them to stay in school.

The Benefits

These GPS trackers can have several positive results. For many students, just the discipline of checking in and knowing that they are carrying the device gives them the accountability they need to attend school regularly. Others need the knowledge of the consequences that come with continued skipping — likely juvenile court prosecution for truancy for the student and fines for the parents. If the program succeeds in its goal to encourage students to attend class, however, they receive a better education and are less likely to become involved in gangs and illegal activity. Some school districts are able to offset the cost of the devices using grants. In other districts, the devices pay for themselves since the schools receive funding based on the number of students attending and increased attendance brings more funds. At least one school has seen an increase in student attendance from 78% to 90%.

Although some have raised concerns that these programs are invasive and violate student privacy, the concept seems to be well received in the districts that have attempted it. It is likely that GPS trackers will become a more common method of discouraging student truancy in the future.

GPS Tracking and the Trucking Industry

January 8th, 2013

GPS tracking has revolutionized the trucking industry in recent years. Gone are the days of drivers’ filling out complicated and time-consuming log books, struggles to find destination directions en route, and coverage of a load delivery in case of illness or family emergency.

How does GPS tracking improve the efficiency of long-haul drivers?

Automatic electronic logging of the driver’s minute-by-minute activities has replaced completing it by hand. The GPS tracking device installed within the truck records when the driver is moving or stopped, for how long and how fast. Knowing he is being monitored, the data discourages the driver from either spending too much time off duty on break or encourages him to follow D.O.T. regulations requiring him to pull over after a long shift and get the proper amount of rest—to prevent drowsy driving and vehicular accidents. The driver is also held accountable for the speed at which he travels; GPS tracking records whether he is breaking speed limits and will notify his superiors.

GPS tracking also enables service team leaders to plot the most fuel-saving and quickest route for each of their drivers. Because electronic tracking is of-the-moment, those routes can change as construction or highway accidents require, and GPS trackers aren’t always 100% reliable or updated along with new roadways.

Sometimes a driver is contacted about an emergency requiring his presence back home. Because all drivers are GPS tracked, and service team leaders know the exact time and location of each, managers can dispatch a nearby driver to pick up the original load and continue its transportation so the driver can come back immediately.

How does GPS tracking improve the shipment of products?

It’s not unusual for products to get misplaced or left behind somewhere while in transit. With GPS trackers installed with each load, companies can find and follow their shipments at each step of the way. Such monitoring minimizes the likelihood of a mistake during transportation; the product can be easily found at any time and ensured to be put on the right truck.

Companies can also use overall data from GPS tracking to determine at what times of year each product is in more demand (or less) and use the findings to more efficiently ship supplies as the market requires.

Become a Shark Tracker

November 14th, 2012

At least since the release of a certain blockbuster movie, the great white shark has had a reputation as one of the planet’s most fearful residents. Even while we are mesmerized by seeing them on television, most of us have no desire whatsoever to get close enough to a great white to look into its big, black eyes. For those who are interested in following these animals and keeping up with scientists as they make brand-new discoveries about just what they do, GPS tracking has come to the rescue.

It’s not very easy to catch a great white shark, and even less easy if you intend to keep the fish alive and release it again into the wild. But researchers have done just that with 36 sharks, fitting them with small, rugged GPS trackers so that they can remotely follow their subsequent movements. This is a real breakthrough in marine research, since great whites are loners, skittish, and notoriously unfriendly. Tracking via GPS lets scientists observe patterns without disturbing the fish at all (aside from the initial catch and release, of course!).

Fortunately for us, those in charge of this project decided that offering the tracking data to the public would be a great way to reintroduce the great white shark. On the website of Ocearch, the organization supervising the project, you can view the locations of the tagged sharks on a global map. You can’t view the sharks in real time like on a webcam, but you can see where they are and where they have been. In spite of yourself, you’ll find it hard to stop playing amateur marine biologist, asking why the sharks used certain routes and what they were doing in certain areas.

In some cases, you’ll discover information that science already knows—migratory patterns and nursery areas, where baby great whites are born. But one of the tracked sharks shows an unexpected trip down the coast of the U.S. from New England to Florida, and the researchers aren’t sure why. In past decades, the public has had no opportunity to watch ongoing research in such detail, and if scientists have their wish, it will give the public a new appreciation for their hard work.

U.S. Navy One Step Closer to Star Trek-ish Weaponry

October 19th, 2012

Someone in the United States Navy seems to be playing a lot of video games. The Navy announced this past July a cool program called HVP, or Hyper Velocity Projectile. The program aims to make super fast bullets that use GPS guidance systems to maneuver at high speeds. Here’s where the video game part comes in: They’re rail guns, just like those found in video games like Halo.

What’s a Rail Gun?

Okay, so what’s a projectile weapon? It’s a weapon that shoots a projectile. Ideally, that projectile is powerful enough, sharp enough, explosive enough, etc. to kill an enemy. So the difference between most projectile weapons would come down to two essentials: First, how does the weapon cause damage? Second, how is the weapon propelled?

Let’s take a gun, for example. The weapon causes damage because it is a blunt object, a chunk of hot lead shot at high speeds. It is propelled by explosives, compressed gunpowder exploding in a controlled manner to shoot that bullet forward.

Based on those two differentials, here’s what a rail gun is: How does it cause damage? The same way a bullet does: it’s big and heavy and blunt and stupid fast. How is it propelled? Ah, there’s what makes a rail gun cool and different: It’s powered with magnets. Based on awesome, Star Trek-ish scientific principles, they create a magnetic field that can propel a projectile as far as, in some cases, two hundred miles. Because they don’t use explosive propulsion like a bullet or missile, the potential is there for unbelievably accurate targeting.

What Does This Have to Do With GPS?

So here’s where these proposed Navy rail guns get even cooler: The bullets have GPS trackers installed. That means they can adjust their course in mid-air using GPS tracking technology.

How that works exactly is unknown. It seems a little impractical for an object traveling seven times the speed of sound to have to bounce a signal off of a satellite in order to target properly. How can the signal travel more quickly than the projectile itself?

Either way, Naval rail guns sound like a cool invention, one which might transform warfare for generations to come. How quickly these inventions will end up on the warships of the future is unknown.

GPS in the World of Drug Crime

October 4th, 2012

If you thought Lawrence, Massachusetts was a quiet little Northeastern town with little going on, think again. Law enforcement just took down a complex ring of criminals that had been conducting the kind of activities that most of us hope only happens in the movies. And GPS trackers played an integral part in the distasteful story.

The story began with organized drug smugglers—a large group of criminals that worked to import drugs from South American countries onto the streets of cities in New England. This activity is, of course, a major target of local and federal agencies, but in this specific case, the drug smugglers were actually unlikely victims.

An opportunistic fellow by the name of Danny Veloz apparently decided that, since these smugglers had plenty of cash on hand, they would be ideal for kidnapping and demanding ransom money. He assembled a team of men and began the process of getting some drug money for himself. The only problem was that drug smugglers are also heavily armed and protective—it’s not easy to sneak up on them.

That’s where the GPS trackers came in. Once one of Veloz’s operatives got close enough to a smuggler’s car to hide a tracker on it, Veloz was able to take his time, watching the car’s progress on a big TV screen right in the comfort of his own home. If he simply waited long enough, his target would eventually become separated from his companions and vulnerable to capture. A swift attack, a short ride to a hideout in New Hampshire, and the ransom demand would begin. The police did find out just what happened to those prisoners in the hideout, but we’ll spare you the very ugly details in this post.

As with any tool, GPS trackers can be used for good or evil. Commercial companies, private individuals, and law enforcement departments are all trying to figure out just how to incorporate GPS into our everyday lives, and organized crime rings seem to be doing the same. It is, of course, highly disturbing to contemplate the possibility of a kidnapper tagging a victim’s car with a tracker, and we can only hope that officials will find a way to keep devices out of the hands of those that would use them in such a manner.