Rocky Mountain Tracking

Daily GPS News

GPS Tracking Helps in Arctic Wolf Surveys

February 28th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Arctic wolves are a mysterious bunch to say the least. Where do they go? How much area do they cover? Are they always alone? Or do they congregate into clans or families? Traditionally this research involved long cold hours of observation. Hard to find and hard to see, the data was scant and incomplete. Conflicting reports were published about exactly what happens to the wolves because it was impossible to know with any empirical certainty exactly what they do.

The help of GPS tracking can be used to find out exactly what happens to these creatures. Once a wolf or wolf family has been found, they can be anaesthetized and collars can be put on them with GPS tracking equipment attached to the collars. They hardly notice the collars and do not realize that they have had a close encounter of the human kind. They are released before they wake up and can be monitored remotely to find out what they get up to.

GPS uses the benefits of circling satellites to discover the locations of any item which has a GPS receiver and transmitter. There are roughly twenty of these satellites available and they circle the Earth at a set distance. They send out signals at synchronized times to receivers down below on the planet surface. Using this technology the position of anything can be determined by calculating the difference between the signals from four of these satellites. Four are used to provide an accurate reading and to cancel out any mistakes which could potentially throw the reading off by hundreds of miles.

With GPS tracking devices attached to their collars, the movements of the wolves have provided a fascinating insight into the lives of these arctic animals. It transpires that only one or two wolves need to be collared in this way because the wolves do travel in large packs. They seem very vicious, but they are family oriented at heart.

When a single wolf’s location has been identified, then the other members of the pack can be counted. Also, it has been found that the wolves do not always stick to their packs. Sometimes, one, two or more wolves can leave a pack at a time. GPS technology has improved the lives of the researchers tremendously and hopefully it can go some way towards preventing these wolves from becoming extinct.

GPS Tracking – How Technology Saved My Father’s Life

February 26th, 2009

A True Account of Life Saving Technology
By Greg Bartlett

I am an avid hunter. Every year, my father and I go out to the woods to try and bag a couple nice deer. The problem I always had was that although I love being outside, I can’t read a map. To compensate for that, I purchased a GPS tracking device two years ago. Using it with the maps has really helped me to get to the good deer runs in our area.

If I hadn’t had my GPS, I know that my father wouldn’t be alive today. Last fall, my father had a heart attack while we were in the bush. Getting to our location took an hour, and then it was another 2 hour drive to the nearest hospital. Carrying him out was obviously not an option, so I called the local ranger station and explained our situation.

I provided the ranger who took my call with my login information for the GPS service I subscribe to, and asked him to relay that information to the Coast Guard. In the normal course of a search and rescue, the Anchorage Coast Guard has to scour a relatively large area in a grid pattern to find lost hunters; in my case, they were able to find us in just over half an hour. One of the guys who worked on the chopper said that this was the easiest rescue he had been on since they had known exactly where we were.

We flew directly to the closest hospital, where there was a doctor waiting for my father. They rushed him through and he was on the operating table less than an hour after his attack. I am immensely thankful for the commitment of helicopter’s crew and the skill of the doctors, but I don’t think any of that would have mattered without the GPS. It was my “darned geek gadget,” as my father used to call it, that saved the day. It would’ve taken too long to find us, had we not pinpointed our exact location for the Coast Guard team.

Fellow outdoors men, I ask you to pick up a GPS tracking device. You may never need it, like I had, but it is a valuable tool in many ways. And if the worst happens, you will be able to get the help that you need as quickly as possible. Just because something is new doesn’t mean you shouldn’t adopt it. After all, once upon a time rifles didn’t have scopes, are you willing to give up that advancement?

Following Movements of Spouse with GPS

February 22nd, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Not all couples have a happy relationship. Often one spouse has to be away from home for extended periods. Sometimes, though, these times away from home are not related to work or any other valid reason. If a spouse is suspected of cheating, a GPS tracking device may be the answer to proving or disproving these suspicions.

If a spouse calls home and announces that he/she will be working late, the other spouse can log onto the internet and check the location of the vehicle being driven by the one who called. If it is still located at that spouse’s place of work, this is good. Otherwise, if that spouse’s vehicle is shown to be in motion or located at a different place than where it is supposed to be at the time, this may be an indication that the spouse is, indeed, cheating.

A husband or wife who wants to confront the cheating spouse can track the movements of the vehicle until it reaches a destination and then follow. Catching the guilty spouse in the act is the surest way to learn if there is hope of salvaging one’s marriage or if this is truly the end.

Those who do not wish for a personal confrontation can hire a private investigator who can use the GPS signal to track the movements of the unfaithful spouse and obtain evidence that can prove adultery in a court of law when the injured spouse sues for divorce. The private investigator can follow all of the movements of the spouse suspected of cheating to make certain that cheating is actually what is going on even if this is not what is going on at that time.

GPS 3100 INT GPS tracking, like the GPS 3100, is often used for this purpose by either the injured spouse or by a private investigator hired to learn if the spouse is indeed cheating. In addition to any evidence gathered by the private investigator, the GPS tracking logs are usually admitted as evidence in court to prove that the spouse was at that location at the time in question.

When one spouse starts spending more time away from home and using a lot of excuses or says that he/she is working late a lot of the time, it is not uncommon for the other spouse to begin to suspect cheating. A GPS device can be used to track your spouse to help determine if infidelity is indeed going on.

Tracking Animal Migrations

February 19th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Scientists were actually among the first to make widespread use of GPS tracking technology. In the past, collars with radio transmitters were used for tracking animals released back into the wild or following groups of endangered animals. The drawback was that the range was limited and the signal worked on a hot/cold system that let scientists know if they were getting closer to or farther from the animal wearing the device. Zeroing in on the exact location was a time consuming process.

Today, many scientists are using GPS locators to follow the movements of endangered species from a distance that minimizes the amount of interference from humans that can affect the animals and provides detailed records of the exact position of the tagged animals so that scientists can move in and examine the features that seem to attract the animals after they have moved on. This practice makes it possible for scientists to study these animals and learn what they need to survive and rebuild their populations without interfering in their lives in a harmful manner.

GPS is also being used to track the movements and migrations of other non endangered species for the purpose of learning more about how man is impacting the environment and changing the world that animals live in. These scientific uses of GPS tracking technology are making it much easier to take a new look at the world around us and the ways in which it is changing constantly.

Watching the movement patterns of different species as they travel around in response to changes in the global climate and taking a long hard look at the changes in the environment that have led to these migrations and making a determination of whether they are normal movements or long term vacating of an area that has historically been a home to these particular species. Examination of changes in the area through climate, human encroachment, or other unidentified factor can help to determine what steps will be necessary to restore or maintain an ecological balance that is tipping at times in an undesirable direction.

Scientists are using GPS pet tracking technology to benefit the natural world and learn about the elements that are changing in the world and having effects on endangered and non endangered species alike by tracking animal migrations and unidirectional movements away from areas that have historically been home to those species.

GPS Tracking is More Than Something That Can Help Find Your Car

February 15th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

GPS tracking devices are readily discussed in conversations about how to locate a stolen car. Something you don’t often here talked about though is the success that can be had when they are used to locate people. This is not Big Brother stuff that is being suggested, it is about being able to locate children or adults who may lose their way and be absolutely clueless as to how to get home.

Imagine a situation where an elderly person with Alzheimer’s goes for a walk or wanders away and then forgets exactly where they came from. They cannot tell anyone because they probably don’t even realize that they are lost. They could wander around aimlessly for a long time and you would have virtually no shot at finding them other than dumb luck. This is a perfect situation where a GPS tracking device could be used to solve a critical situation.

Donald Middaugh is a perfect example of exactly how a situation like this can be avoided. In early December of 2006, he took a walk and lost his way. Not knowing where he was or how to get home, he wandered the wooded area near his home for two days before rescue workers found him. His family was extremely fortunate and they quickly learned their lesson.

They were provided a GPS tracking bracelet by Project Lifesaver and it was immediately put on Donald. Oddly enough, a year later the same situation arose and Donald disappeared once again. The outcome was much different this time because as soon as people realized he was missing, the Sheriff’s office was called and his device provided his exact location. Within one hour, Donald was found and safe back with his family.

This is but one situation where a GPS car tracker was used to find something much more valuable than a car. If you are worried about the cost of these devices, keep in mind that there are plenty of organizations available that will help families to obtain these devices. There is no need for any family to have to experience what Donald’s family experienced the first time around.

Whether a missing person is a child or an Alzheimer’s sufferer, you can only imagine the peace of mind that a GPS tracking device will give any family. While it is always a highly emotional experience to lose someone, knowing that you can have their exact location in a snap can keep the situation under control. There is only one thing that can make this happen and that is a GPS tracking device.

Geo Caching Tips

February 14th, 2009

Preparing for the Adventure
By Jackie Gately

When geo cachers embark on an in-person quest to locate a specific “hidden treasure” identified on the Internet, they prepare as for any trip by thinking about what they will need, and understanding cultural norms. Consider these tips to make your own geo caching trip a success.

What To Bring

Dress and pack appropriately for the season, including hiking boots, long pants, layers, and seasonal outerwear.
Thoroughly read Internet notes about the geo caching location to find out if you’ll need site-specific clothing, like mosquito netting or rubber boots, in addition to basic wear.
Check whether you’ll need special equipment to accommodate rough terrain that involves rock climbing, cave exploration, underwater diving or other advanced geo caching environments.
Estimate the time to complete the hunt. Plan your water, food, and sleeping supplies accordingly.
Bring a GPS unit or GPS-equipped cell phone to help locate the geo caching coordinates. Make sure the unit is in working order, batteries are charged (spare batteries are a good idea) and you know how to use it.
Bring traditional navigation tools, like a map and compass, as routing aids and as a backup system to your GPS locator.
Pack binoculars, a camera or video recorder, and anything else that will help you enjoy the scenery and record your travels.
Bring basic hiking First Aid supplies, as well as sunscreen and insect repellant if you use them.
Stock up on trinkets, dime store toys or other treasures you wish to replace or add to the geo cache.
Remember to carry a pen or pencil to sign the logbook.

Geo Caching Etiquette

If you remove a trinket or treasure from the cache, replace it with something of equal or greater value. Refrain from putting explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs, alcohol or food in a cache.
Write a note in the cache logbook or simply sign the log sheet. Consider including an interesting or entertaining story about your travels.
When you return home, log your experience online. If unable to find the cache, indicate so online. Also note missing or full logbooks and damaged caches.
Do not move a cache or tell non-seekers of a find so other players can find the cache.
Respect local laws and property boundaries. In the United States, do not place caches on caches on government property or in airports. Don’t enter fenced properties. Let the cache owner know a cache is fenced by listing it on the site.
Always remember to respect the environment. Avoid damaging trails, littering and other harmful practices.

Jackie Gately is a freelance writer. She can be reached at jackiegately.wordpress.com.

GPS Tracking – Life Saving Technology

February 13th, 2009

By Harriette Halepis

How safe is your daily routine? People all over the globe go through the same routine every single day without a hitch. But, what happens when an emergency strikes? What happens when you wind up injured and alone? What happens when you can’t cry out for help, and there’s nobody around to help you?

In an instant, comfortable daily routines can suddenly turn into isolated nightmares. With GPS tracking technology, those nightmares don’t have to end tragically. Thanks to this innovation, everyone with a GPS cell phone or GPS tracking system can now be located easily and simply. How is this possible?

Imagine that you have just been a part of a rather bad car accident. If you happen to have a tracking system inside of your car, authorities can easily locate you wherever you may be. If you have a cell phone, simply dialling 911 is enough to save your life…even if you don’t actually tell the operator where you are located. Through GPS tracking, emergency respondents will know precisely where you are, enabling them to reach you quickly.

In addition to saving your own life, a GPS tracking device can actually help you save another person’s life. For example, if you are visiting a town that you don’t know at all, and someone next to you winds up in a terrible accident, what can you do? Your first instinct may be to phone the local fire station or hospital, but how would you tell them to reach the scene of the accident?

With a GPS cell phone, you don’t need to know what street you are on. All you have to do is call for help, and help will reach you within moments. Aside from your safety and the safety of strangers, think about the safety of your entire family. Is your family safe? Are you sure? Everyone from children to elderly relatives can be kept safe and sound with a tracking system.

Elderly people and children may wind up losing their way within their own neighbourhood. With cell phone GPS tracking, this simply won’t happen. If the one that you love cannot be found, all it takes is a quick phone call to local authorities to track them down. Clearly, a GPS tracking system is far more than passing technology – it’s a way to effectively and quickly save lives no matter what the situation might be.

Don’t Get Caught in an Avalanch without GPS

February 12th, 2009

By Chris O’Toole

As I ventured up the winding turnpike of a treacherous mountain road, the radio blasted my favorite tunes and I took satisfaction in knowing that in a few short hours, I would be blasting my way through perhaps the best snow on the face of the earth. However, I was caught off guard by a sudden rumbling as I made a particularly steep turn. It was the foreboding tremor of an avalanche and it would seem that there was no way for me to escape its destructive wake, if not by sheer luck. I prayed that this would not be the case. However, it was the case as I saw a cascading river of hillside snow whitewash the side of my SUV.

The next few moments of the incident are hazy as I was in complete shock. My car rolled several times down a graciously forgiving hill until coming to a rest. I was not injured severely, but my head and shoulder had endured quite a bit of force. I looked out of my sunroof, my windows, my rear view window, and windshield. I saw nothing but white snow and rocky sediment. Thoughts rushed through my head: “Will they find me?”, “How long will it take them?”, and “What if I die here?” Well, I momentarily forgot the salvation I already had in my car: GPS tracking unit.

Within the hour, I heard the sound of CDOT snowplows. My GPS location had notified my insurance company and after two more hours, the snowplows reached me. Apparently, since I had purchased the GPS, I never even had to contact anyone. The middleman was taken out of play and my location had been relayed to those who could help me. Although my day at the slopes never happened, my life was still intact. I did not freeze to death with no one to discover my remains at a much later time. I had purchased a GPS tracking unit to keep track of my daughters, but that credit card swipe had inadvertently cheated death in my favor. I’m so relieved that I can be saved while under 60 feet of snow.

10 Ways to Keep Kids Safe

February 10th, 2009

Reducing Child Abduction Risks
By Jackie Gately

There are many ways you can keep your child safe from abduction. Techniques range from common-sense prevention steps to GPS tracker devices with immediate alerts that assure the fastest possible return to safety. Consider these proactive steps to protect your child:

Avoid writing your child’s name on backpacks, clothing, and belongings. It gives predators information they can use to seem familiar—it’s hard for a child not to respond to her name.
Raise your child’s awareness. Explain that “bad” people don’t always look bad. In fact, some might seem very nice, offering gifts or rides. Others might prey on his emotions by asking for help finding a lost puppy, or saying a parent is hospitalized.
It only takes a moment for a child to meander out of view at home. If you live on a busy street or a remote area, a GPS tracker can alert you if she is approaching boundaries (“geo fencing”). Child locating features ensure a quick response.
Maintain current records on your child. Include a head and shoulders photograph (printed and electronic); a written description of hair and eye color, height and weight, date of birth and other physical attributes (birthmarks, eyeglasses, braces); current medical and dental records; a copy of finger prints taken by local officials.
Keep a close eye on your child in stores, malls, and other public place. Make sure your little wanderer knows what to do if you do get separated: discuss a meeting place, seek help from a store associate, and memorize his full name, address, and phone number in case authorities need to find you.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that 1 of 5 girls and 1 of 6 boys will be molested before their 18th birthday. Encourage your child to say “No!” if touched in any way that makes her feel uncomfortable. Teach her to run away, kick, and scream if she feels unsafe.
Someone familiar commits 90% of sexual assaults against children, so investigate your community. Local police station release information in the National Sex Offenders Registry on request, or you can identify registered sex offenders online by zip code at familywatchdog.us.
Be aware of predators in cyberspace. It’s easy for someone to disguise his identity or pose as a “friend” on the Internet. Avoid posting information and photos of your child online, and remind your child not to give out information or chat with anyone he doesn’t know in person.
Children of divorcing parents or in custody battles can be at higher risk for parental abduction. Be sure restraining orders and court documentation cover visitation and travel rules in detail, and that school officials and friends are aware of any special considerations.
Each year, hundreds of children are wrongfully removed from the US or retained in another country by a parent or other family member. If your child’s parent has dual or foreign citizenship and you have reason to believe your child might be at risk, research the country’s extradition rules in advance. Some foresight and a GPS tracker can help locate him globally.

Jackie Gately is a freelance writer. She can be reached at jackiegately.wordpress.com.

Safe & Sound with GPS Cell Phone Tracking

February 9th, 2009

By Elizabeth M. Hachet

Track Your Cell Phone If you are worried for someone’s safety, you’re not alone. If you’re wondering what to do because you’re worried for someone’s safety, that’s excellent – take action!

There are many things you can do to keep yourself; your children and other loved ones safe. The obvious measures include not walking in the dark, keeping away from alleys, wear bright clothes if you must walk in the dark, and carry a cell phone.

Whether you are looking out for yourself or the safety of someone else, there are some safety measures you can implement for protection.

GPS cell phone tracking works well for these situations. They work well because they can help you or others keep track of exact whereabouts. The modern use of this technology enables you to keep track of people, young and old. It allows you to track any cell phone from the convenience of your home or office from any computer with internet access.

There are several applications in which GPS cell phone tracking can provide safety:

Young children
Elderly
Teen driving
Late night workers
High risk teens
Alzheimer’s patients
College students

If one of the above applications applies to you, you could consider getting GPS cell phone tracking for safety and peace of mind. As long as it is used safely and properly, a GPS device is a huge help to anyone who is using it.