Rocky Mountain Tracking

Daily GPS News

GPS and Autism

April 21st, 2010

By Harriette Halepis

Whether or not tracking a child using a GPS tracker is a violation of human rights is debatable. But, what happens when the child being tracked is autistic and has a history of wandering away? Two cases of this type recently made headline news across the globe.

GPS Tracking & Autism

One autistic eleven year old girl in Florida spent a number of nights in an alligator-infested swamp after wandering away from home. Another fifteen year old boy walked away from his home in Alberta, Canada, in the middle of the winter wearing nothing but a t-shirt and shorts. In both instances, the parents of these children are now investing in GPS trackers.

In fact, the Autism Society of Edmonton, Canada, has started to hand out GPS tracking devices to parents of autistic children. GPS trackers seem to be one way to prevent autistic children from getting in harm’s way while wandering away from home. While many human rights activists see this type of tracking as a violation of privacy, parents of autistic children often feel as though they have no choice.

While keeping tabs on most children is difficult, trying to follow the movements of a child who has autism is nearly impossible. Many of these children wander away from home during evening hours, and some simply wander away from public places never to be seen again. A GPS tracking bracelet could give the parents of autistic children peace of mind, while allowing their children a larger amount of freedom.

Even though a GPS tracking bracelet is a valid solution to keeping an eye on a child who wanders, there are some things that parents should be aware of before purchasing a GPS tracking device. Certain manufacturers sell personal information to other companies, and some GPS networks are not secure. Any parent considering the purchase of a GPS tracker for an autistic child should make sure to purchase this type of device from a reputable retailer.

Otherwise, preventing autistic children from dangerously wandering away from home is a great way to allow a child the freedom of movement without worrying about a child’s safety. Tracking an autistic child is not a violation of human rights; it’s merely a way to save a human life. GPS tracking devices can be worn as necklaces, bracelets, anklets, or placed inside of a pocket.

American Red Cross Uses GPS Tracking

November 28th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Recently, the American Red Cross division that services the National Capital Region announced that its vehicles will all be equipped with GPS tracking devices in order to facilitate better emergency service management, communication, and resource distribution. The use of GPS tracking on American Red Cross vehicles will allow managers to deliver better response time for emergencies as well as ensure safety of personnel on the road.

American Red Cross & GPS

GPS tracking will allow American Red Cross dispatchers to view the location of each vehicle in real time. They can monitor vehicles individually or all on one screen in order to facilitate more efficient use of resources and to enable quicker emergency response. When they know the exact location of each vehicle, dispatchers can notify the driver closest to the scene in order to eliminate waste of time and resources. Since minutes can sometimes make the difference between life and death in emergency situations, the GPS tracking devices will allow American Red Cross emergency responders to increase the chances of arriving in time to administer lifesaving aid.

The devices also allow perimeter monitoring, which means that if a vehicle is driven outside a specified perimeter, an alert will be activated which allows immediate notification of possible theft. GPS monitoring also provides motion alerts, allowing dispatchers to see when a vehicle is moving. If unauthorized motion takes place, police can be notified of theft and immediately begin recovery procedures. The American Red Cross loses vehicles and equipment to theft each year, and coordinators look forward to being able to reduce some of the thefts and increase recovery chances with the help of the new GPS tracking devices.

GPS tracking will also increase safety for the American Red Cross personnel. In both disaster and non-disaster zones, American Red Cross responders face danger as they perform their services. With GPS tracking, their vehicles will be under constant surveillance, allowing assistance to be dispatched immediately when problems arise.

American Red Cross personnel who serve the National Capital Region express excitement and increased confidence based on the new GPS tracking system. They look forward to being able to provide better and more efficient service to their region while also ensuring increased safety for their personnel and reduced theft of vehicles, equipment and supplies. With GPS tracking, the American Red Cross will be able to focus more completely on the job they do best-providing assistance to those in need.

Tracking a Golden Eagle with GPS

November 27th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Wildlife researchers in Wabasha, Minnesota have managed to carefully tag and track a golden eagle on his route over Lake Superior and the Hudson Bay. Affectionately dubbed Whitey for his lighter colored back, the eagle’s movements have yielded new insight into the behavior of this reclusive species.

Wildlife & GPS Tracking

The GPS tracker was installed last year after Whitey got caught in a mislaid hunter’s trap. He was taken to the veterinarians at the National Eagle Center, who operated on his broken leg and nursed him back to health. After Whitey was fully recovered and could fly again, researchers placed a small GPS tracker on his back that would minimize its weight and not interfere with his wings. The device includes a small panel that allows it to continuously update Whitey’s friends as to his whereabouts. Since being released, the eagle has flown north of Hudson Bay and summered above the Arctic Circle, demonstrating a remarkable tenacity for a bird whose leg not long ago was useless.

The National Eagle Center is a premier research and education center located in Wabasha. Visitors can view eagles cared for by the staff, including bald eagles and others. The Center has been tracking eagles in the wild for years, and of course their job has been made much easier with the advent of GPS trackers.

Speaking to a reporter from the local television station WCCO, Scott Mehus, an eagle expert with the NEC, expressed cautious optimism regarding the length of time Whitey will be able to use his new GPS tracker. They are hoping that the eagle will provide them with information concerning his whereabouts for at least five to seven years. The eagle’s current location is in Menomonie, and Scott told reporters that he hoped a team would be able to travel up and check on Whitey in the coming months.

Wildlife tracking is just one of the many fields in which GPS trackers are making exceptional advances. Circuit miniaturization and innovative power systems are making these devices more useful, efficient, and affordable all the time. Wildlife researchers can of course employ GPS trackers to keep tabs on endangered species and learn more about the migration patterns of air- and water-borne animals. Simple practicality dictates that even the most dedicated of experts couldn’t follow a golden eagle around on foot. Thankfully, the days without adaptable GPS tracking are long gone.

Tracking Storms with GPS

October 24th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Often what surprises people most about the versatility of GPS trackers is their ability to monitor something of nearly any size. Your dog can wear a special collar; your packages can include a small locator; and your car can be fitted with an integrated tracking device. But when we look at something several hundred miles wide, like say, a hurricane or typhoon, how in the world can GPS trackers even begin to help?

GPS & Storm Tracking

In August of 2005, a lone Air Force P-3 flew directly into the path of Hurricane Katrina to deliver some very particular cargo. 36 GPS dropsondes loaded with barometric readers were flung into the middle of the storm. For the hours following the drop, these specially-modified GPS trackers transmitted location and weather data while swirling around the storm. Thanks to their small parachutes, the dropsondes could remain aloft long enough to present a clear, multi-layered picture of the wildest parts of the storm.

Just recently, the Taiwanese government employed a network of GPS-enabled barometric readers to gauge the strength of an oncoming typhoon. These GPS trackers performed a similar function to the dropsondes in 2005 and provided valuable data to authorities involved in disaster response.

Neither deployment could prevent disaster, however. As both Katrina and the recent typhoon in Taiwan demonstrated, information alone won’t avert damage to homes or loss of life. However, properly managed, the data from GPS trackers can allow authorities to identify the path and progress of storms, as well as those occupied areas which will suffer the most.

As an alternative to radar and satellite, GPS trackers are gaining favor among scientists for their portability and adaptability, as well as the comprehensive temperature and barometric data each sensor can provide. Satellites and radar are limited in the kind of on-hand data they can transmit. Used in conjunction with GPS trackers, however, they can give authorities a highly detailed picture of nearly any kind of storm.

Like nearly every application of GPS, the technology simply provides information to decision makers. Whether the GPS trackers provide location data on truck fleets, shipping containers, or just Fido, how the user responds to the information will determine its effectiveness.

GPS Helps THose Who Live in Fear

October 21st, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Domestic violence victims often live in very understandable fear. Even if their abuser is not currently injuring them, the next day could be different. Or, if the abuser is arrested or the victim files an order of protection, sometimes the abuser will just become more violent and come back to kill the victim. Unfortunately, that has happened many times, leaving domestic violence victims justifiably afraid for their safety.

Personal Safety

An order of protection just won’t be able to protect victims from the abuser, and so they constantly wonder if their nightmare will suddenly show up at work or home, despite the order to stay away. And even if police are called about a violation, chances are they may not be able to get there in time to really help. But what if police and victims were able to know where the abuser is at all times, and the victim could be alerted any time the abuser came near?

With GPS monitoring, that is not just a dream, but a reality. When domestic violence offenders are released on probation or parole, judges will sometimes order the offender to wear a GPS monitoring device. With the device, police can identify exactly where the offender is and will be alerted the moment the offender goes into forbidden areas, such as the victim’s home, place of employment, or children’s school.

If the abuser enters those restricted areas or comes too close to the victim, the GPS tracking system will alert the victim in addition to the police. While the police are headed out to pick up the offender, the victim can quickly find a way to avoid the abuser.

GPS monitoring has another advantage. Many GPS devices are enabled with panic buttons, and if the victim carries a device as well as the offender, police will be able to find out where the victim is, which especially helpful if the abuser enlists someone else to contact the victim and lure her away, and the victim can use the panic button if she ever feels like she’s in danger.

Despite its many advantages, GPS tracking is still limited. Like an order of protection, it can do nothing physically to protect the victim. However, with the increased awareness GPS monitoring provides, domestic violence victims can feel and be safer, knowing that they will be alerted if the abuser comes into their safe zones, and that police will immediately know any time the abuser is near.

Face to Face With Wild Animals

April 18th, 2009

By Harriette Halepis

As the warm weather approaches, more and more people will be heading outside to get some exercise. While fresh air is great for your body, it also means sharing your space with some wild animals. From small creatures that roam urban neighbourhoods (raccoons, skunks, etc) to large animals that might cross your running or hiking path, it’s a good idea to know what to do when you meet a wild animal.

Wild animals don’t want to cause a problem. They don’t want to meet you any more than you want to meet them. Thus, most animals will go out of their way to avoid you. However, if you come too close to them, then they will instinctively attack. So, the first rule of thumb is to give animals their distance.

If you happen to see a bear or a moose on a trail, don’t run towards it – no matter how badly you want to snap a photo. Instead, leave the animal alone, don’t approach it, try to breathe normally, and let the animal go about its business. Most of the time, these animals will simply wander away after awhile.

If the animal that you see does not appear to have seen you, then breathe normally; walk away from the animal; and find another way to get around the animal. The worst thing that you can do in this situation is to draw any kind of attention to yourself.

If the animal has seen you, then it is even more important to walk in the opposite direction. Every animal is different. However, most animals really don’t want to fight you. Still, it never helps to familiarize yourself with the various ways to deal with different animals that are preparing for an attack.

Know about the creatures that surround your area. Learn how to fight back against them. Carry a GPS tracker that will help authorities find you if you become injured by an animal. Try and keep in mind that wild animals share our world, so we must learn to live in harmony with them.

Lastly, try and avoid any wooded areas during mating season. When animals are breeding (no matter what kind of animal it might be), it is never a good idea to bother them. From a distance, wild animals are majestic and awe-inspiring, but you don’t want to get too close.

What kinds of wild animals are in your area? Do you cross any of these parts on a regular basis? Do you know where these animals are likely to hide? Find out the answers to all of the questions listed above, and it just might save your life if you come face to face with a wild animal.

GPS Tracking Saves a Hiker – My Story

April 4th, 2009

By Jonathan Tipton

Hiking One of my favorite things to do in the early spring is go up to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in the North-western section of Ontario. Sleeping Giant has many trails and is an amazing source for seeing wildlife up close. My story is about nature getting too close and how my GPS tracking device allowed me to survive. I have been going to “the Giant” for some years now, and I like to go off-trail to see what I can discover.

Two summers ago, what I found was a bear cub unattended. I stupidly thought this would make an ideal photo and began snapping away. The cub was happily playing alone across a clearing in the woods while I took my pictures. Unfortunately, I didn’t pay attention to the wind until I heard a bellowing roar from the other side and saw the mother bear charging at me. Have you ever heard the joke about how you only have to outrun your companions? Well, when you’re alone, you have to outrun the bear!

I fled for my life, running blindly away from the 700 lb. killing machine that was in hot pursuit. Zigzagging may be what is recommended by the experts, but I found that afternoon that it slows your escape and allows the bear to close the distance much too quickly. In my dash, I didn’t notice that I was coming close to the sheer cliffs until it was too late. I was forced into a skidding turn to avoid plunging over the edge, only to trip and fall into a deep fissure in the top of the cliff. This probably saved my life. I got banged up pretty badly from the fall, but wasn’t seriously hurt and the bear couldn’t get to me. She tried, she kept trying to swat at me for what seemed like an eternity until she gave up and returned to her baby.

I stayed stuck in my hole for a few hours, too afraid to move. But as the sun began to go down, I knew that I had to get out of the park or else I could freeze during the night. My escape had taken me a long way from where I was and I didn’t recognize any of the landmarks when I emerged. Luckily one of the things I always carry with me is a GPS tracking device. I like to use it with google maps to see where I have been in the park. I called the 1-800 number that came with the device and asked to speak to an operator. The young lady who came on the line was pleasant and very helpful.

I explained my predicament and asked if she would be able to use my GPS tracking device to help me navigate out of the woods. With her assistance I was able to determine my current location and began the slow process of finding my way to the ranger’s station. I don’t know what the standard procedure is in these situations, but she called ahead to the park wardens to inform them I was coming and promised to call me every 20 minutes to check on my progress. Her updates helped me to make course corrections and allowed me to get to the safety of the station in good time, without suffering through the cold night. My GPS tracking device was a lifesaver! For more informaiton about tracking devices, call Rocky Mountain Tracking at 888-242-0500.

Rain or Shine – GPS Tracking Works Anytime

March 22nd, 2009

By Harriette Halepis

For some reason, most of us never think of the future in stormy terms. When we picture what we might do today or tomorrow, we always tend to think of these events as being held in perfect weather. Even for those that think about potential accidents, the thought of snow, rain, ice, or other weather never seems to cross our minds. However, the truth is that most accidents and incidents happen when the skies are less than picture perfect blue.

Whether a car accident or a pedestrian accident, most collisions of any kind occur amidst lousy weather. Cars careen around corners during windy snowstorms. Pedestrians are hit by cars while crossing the street during a rainstorm. Bicycles often wind up entangled with cars when the clouds are covering the sky. Massive car pile-ups happen when the weather is unexpected and treacherous. It is rare to hear of an accident occurring on a sunny day. This is not to say that days filled with sunshine can’t be dangerous, but accidents are far less likely to happen under these weather circumstances.

When bad weather does cause an accident, most people are completely unprepared for the aftermath. Hardly any motorists carry emergency kits in their cars. Most cyclists never bother to take anything with them on a trek, and pedestrians aren’t likely to think about accidents while crossing a street. The amazing thing is that you can be prepared for whatever comes your way with a bit of planning. Always carry a first aid kit inside of your car or with you on your bicycle. Make sure to bring identification cards with you if you plan to cross busy streets. Lastly, consider carrying a GPS tracking device on you at all times – it could save your life.

Most GPS tracking devises are weather resistant. This means that your GPS tracker can be out in the cold, underneath the pouring rain, or stuck in a snow bank, and it will still work. Sometimes accidents don’t happen the way that we imagine them. If you wind up in an accident and you can’t call for help, make sure that your GPS tracker can withstand the elements. While we never picture accidents happening on perfect days, we also never think about what might happen if an accident sight cannot be located. With innovative, weather-proof, GPS tracking systems, you’ll always be prepared for any kind of stormy weather.

Keeping Tabs on Your Child with GPS Phone Tracking

March 21st, 2009

By Harriette Halepis

Track a cell phone online Hundreds of children run away from their homes every year. Most of the time, parents never see these children again. Even though numerous video camera tapes are sent to police with the hopes that a runaway child might appear, these tapes often lead to a mere wild goose chase. By the time police and parents can identify a child on a video tape, that child is usually long gone. So many parents spend years following video tapes, though these tapes hardly ever lead to the missing child.

What if there was a way around losing track of a runaway? What if police could find runaways right away? Well, all of this is possible with a real time GPS cell phone tracking system. Now, you may be thinking that any runaway would simply remove a GPS tracker from its hiding spot right away, and you might be right – if the child knows about the device, that is. Concerned parents across the globe have found out that being a bit secretive with their child might mean preventing runaways. How?

Many GPS trackers are incredibly small. These small trackers can be sewed into clothing, backpacks, or everyday jackets – they can even be placed on bicycles. Since many of these trackers are also weather-proof, they will work no matter where you child may roam. The best thing about a GPS tracker is that it monitors movement in real-time. While video surveillance can only capture delayed images, a GPS tracker will tell you where your child is at any precise moment. If your child is carrying a GPS tracker, police will be able to find them right away. Do parents really have to be this proactive? Even if you think your child would never run away from home, you might be surprised to learn that most parents never think their child will run.

Children run away from home for numerous reasons. They may be facing tough times at school, they may not enjoy family life, or they may have had something miniscule (such as a bad mark) happen to them. Within the mind of a child, these are all valid reasons for escaping reality by running away. Aside from the obvious, the problem with this childish plan is that most children have no idea where they are running to.

NavIQ Mobile Many of them wind up on city streets alone, embarrassed, and out of money. This often leads to drug abuse, abuse, and sometimes even death. This sad scenario can be prevented with the help of a cell phone GPS locator. For simple peace of mind, consider adding a tracker to your child’s clothing or backpack – when it comes to missing children, there’s nothing more important than real-time movement tracking.

The Perfect Camping Tool

March 20th, 2009

By Harriette Halepis

Camping was never meant to be a dangerous pastime. Camping trips are supposed to be filled with fun, barbeque, friends, midnight swims, and marshmallows over a toasty fire. Camping trips are not supposed to be filled with danger, abandonment, and fear. The truth behind camping is that this type of outing can turn into a nightmare without proper preparation.

You probably learned how to ward off bears in Boy Scouts, and you may have learned how to create a smoke signal in Girl Scouts, but did you learn how to find your way home if you become lost? Every year, hundreds of campers wind up getting lost on hiking trails – most of these campers leave markers behind them during a hike in order to find their way home. So, what happens? Often, those markers that are left behind become useless. If these markers are not placed in a precise manner, then they lead campers on a quick trail to nowhere. This results in numerous hikers becoming lost inside of thick forests every single year.

Cell Phone Tracking
While rescue workers will search for lost hikers for a period of time, this search will be abandoned after a week or so. If no sign of campers can be found, most states simply cannot afford to keep looking for lost hikers. The way around becoming lost in the woods is not to remember those smoke signals (these are hardly ever seen by search and rescue crews). Instead, carry a simple GPS phone tracking with you on every camping trip. These trackers are lightweight, easy to carry, and weather-proof, but the most important thing is that rescue workers will be able to find you no matter where you are with this device.

Even if you think that you will never become lost on a camping trip, does it hurt to be a bit preventative? You probably carry some kind of safety kit with you while you are camping, right? You may even carry items that will help to scare away wild animals. So, why not carry an item that will ensure your safety? While we never intend for camping trips to turn out badly, sometimes it’s possible to simply lose your way along a trail. For these times, nothing works better than mobile phone tracking. Go ahead and rely upon those camping survival skills that you learned as a child…but just in case, bring a bit of backup protection too.

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