Rocky Mountain Tracking

By Greg Bartlett

Truancy is a serious problem in many school districts. Traditionally it has been a difficult problem to deal with since neither the parents nor the teachers monitor students at all times. In some states, however, that situation may be about to change. A recent pilot program in Texas experimented with equipping students who have truancy records with a GPS tracking device to help keep them in school. So far, the program has been a success.

GPS & Truancy

The GPS tracking device carried by students in the pilot program allows them to be monitored at all times during the school day. The transmitter sends signals at intervals to a computer and the information can be viewed in real time or as a report at the end of the day. So far, the schools using the devices have been pleased with their performance and plan to expand the pilot programs to be implemented as part of the regular truancy procedures.

As other states begin to follow Texas in making GPS tracking part of their standard operating procedure for truant students, school leadership will appreciate the diverse options available when purchasing a GPS tracking device. Models and capabilities vary widely, and as the technology develops, GPS units will become smaller and smarter. Current models allow operators to set up zone perimeters, which, when crossed, will send an alert to the receiving software or to a cell phone. If a student tries to leave the property during the school day, school officials will know immediately.

Knowledge that their whereabouts can be determined at any point seems to give students with a tendency toward truancy a reason to stay in school. A truancy judge determines which students need to wear the devices and for how long. Parents of students in the pilot programs have backed the program as well, recognizing the need for their kids to stay in school in order to get the best start in life. With nearly one-third of high school students nationwide dropping out of school before graduation, the use of a GPS tracking device for truants could represent a significant shift in the ability of school officials to encourage attendance.

The data for high school dropouts is sobering: high school graduates earn approximately $10,000 less than their counterparts each year once they enter the workforce, adding up to nearly $319 billion in wages lost over the course of their careers. If equipping students with a GPS tracking device can alter those numbers even a small amount, the investment will be well worth it.

By Greg Bartlett

GPS trackers have become headline news in the last several years and the steps that they have taken in technology have been absolutely phenomenal. Nowadays, even your cell phone could be used to track you if necessary and some of the more advanced Blackberries and other products can easily be traced to find your location. One online program makes it possible for you to program any phone of your choice with GPS capability so that you can find it at any time you want.

GPS Tracking Uses

A GPS tracker can help you to watch your employees and their travel time to and from a client’s house. It can also let you know where your children or wife are at all times, whether you simply want to know for information’s sake, or even if you have had problems with them in the past. GPS can also tell you information about your vehicle, how fast it is driving, where it is, and how long it has stayed in one location. There are many options available with GPS tracking, but it depends on what you need it for.

GPS tracking is an exciting new technology, but it doesn’t require a lot of work on the part of the user in order to make it work. All you need to do is simply buy the device and activate it. Once you have completed that, it will do the rest of the work, sending the signals to a series of satellites that will then transfer the information to a computer. The data is then organized on the computer and used as necessary.

GPS tracking can also be used to track animals, such as in the case of a group of scientists with a wolf pack. These scientists wanted to keep an eye on the wolves, as their population has been dwindling in the state of Oregon, and to be sure that they were still doing well. Another use of a GPS tracker has been to recover stolen trucks. Companies have been able to recover several thousands of dollars worth of materials as a result of this tracking program and the program has become very useful.

Although these specific examples may not apply to you, a GPS tracker could be very helpful to you for a variety of reasons. There are several options available online to you; all you have to do is to start looking.

By Greg Bartlett

Fleet vehicle theft can provide huge payoffs for the criminals who make it their business. When tractor trailers and their contents are stolen, it’s difficult for police to recover them, and traditionally the rate of returned vehicles has been low. That is, until the advent of GPS vehicle tracking. Fleet vehicles that have been equipped with GPS tracking devices can be monitored from a company computer and their whereabouts determined at any time. That means that as soon as a theft occurs, police have access to data that will show them the exact location of the missing vehicle, enabling them to find not only the vehicle but usually the perpetrator as well.

GPS Vehicle Tracking & Businesses

Companies who have installed GPS vehicle tracking in their fleet vehicles have reported an excellent return on their investment. When dealing with large, expensive vehicles that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each, the savings of recovering just one stolen vehicle can make the purchase of GPS tracking devices worth it, since that’s one less vehicle that has to be replaced. If employers suspect their drivers of performing personal business on company time, they can monitor individual drivers as well. Whether the employees are selling company products for personal gain, operating a personal side business on company time, or simply using the company vehicle for personal driving, managers can nip these behaviors in the bud by having the information they need to confront employees with specifics.

As GPS vehicle tracking technology improves, transmitters are being built smaller, enabling discreet placement so that the devices cannot be easily detected or removed. The transmitter sends signals to a computer detailing the vehicle’s movements over time and this information can be viewed either in real time or as a report of activities over a given time span. Real time information helps track down stolen vehicles in as little as an hour from the time they were stolen, while data reports can help employers confront workers with hard facts if they deny misbehavior.  Some cities have begun using the devices to ensure that employees are performing their jobs as expected as well.

Businesses that have asked themselves whether GPS vehicle tracking could help improve their bottom line will be pleased with the cost saving efficiency that can be encouraged with the help of the tracking devices. It’s an excellent way to keep tabs on both employees and vehicles, while making sure they make the most of limited resources.

By Greg Bartlett

Despite our current technological advances, there are still many animals about which people just don’t know enough.  For instance, scientists often lack information about endangered species, which could help preserve the animals and prevent their extinction.  Following these animals around in the wild to observe them and gather information is often just not feasible, partly because the animal may be dangerous or may travel too quickly, and partly because the environment and weather may be a serious issue.  Who wants to follow a wolf around in the arctic, anyway?

GPS Tracking Units & Wildlife

GPS tracking units now allow scientists to better study wildlife, including endangered species and those who live in climates where humans can’t easily survive.  For instance, GPS collars on arctic wolves permit scientists for the first time to find out what the wolves do during the long and harsh winters.  Wolves in Oregon have also been fitted with collars which the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife can use to monitor and gather information about the wolf pack.

Monitoring wildlife with GPS tracking units also helps protect people.  An endangered species of black bears in India have killed over two dozen people in the past four years, but now that they are wearing GPS collars, officials will be alerted if the bears come too close to people.  Officials can then alert people to the danger while removing the bears to a safer location.  In California, the Fish and Game Department tracks deer in real time, allowing them to be alerted if a deer heads toward a road.  For the many people who want to avoid running into a deer and possibly totaling their car, plus avoiding any injuries that may occur, knowing whether or not a deer is nearby would a huge comfort.

Most importantly for the animals themselves, GPS tracking units help scientists to gather as much information as possible to help protect them and further their survival.  Endangered animals such as the West African giraffe who are losing their habitats and whose existence is thus threatened can be monitored with GPS tracking collars.  Scientists can then learn more about their movements, habitat requirements, and how humans can best further their survival.

No matter what the wildlife species is that humans are trying to track and learn more about, whether it is bears, marine life, wolves, cougars, giraffes, or another endangered species, GPS tracking units are a new way for humans to care for and protect the environment in which they live.

By Greg Bartlett

There are 5.3 million people in the United States affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.  A new case of Alzheimer’s is diagnosed every 70 seconds.  Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

GPS Tracking & Alzheimers

Alzheimer’s has many symptoms and several stages, but one of the most dangerous symptoms of the disease is “wandering” - the victim wanders away from home, leaving caregivers and family members in distress.  As some doctors point out, sometimes the patient may have deteriorated mentally before they deteriorate physically, leaving them in a condition to wander for many many miles and hours before they become exhausted.  Sometimes the patient is missed early, is located, and is easily led home.  Others leave home in all weathers and conditions never to be found again.

What makes this wandering tendency so dangerous is that the patient does not realize that they are lost or in trouble-they don’t stop to ask for help and simply become confused as to where they actually are.  They are almost always unable to find their way back home.  Sometimes the patient is found with serious injuries due to exposure.  In far too many cases, the victim is found dead.  Some states have “silver alerts,” similar to amber alerts (amber alerts notify a community when a child has been abducted).  The silver alert would notify the area when an older adult is missing.  There are similar things that people have developed to help with this problem, but when your patient is lost, time is of the essence in order to avert injury and possible tragedy.

Alzheimer’s patients in the stage of the disease where wandering becomes a danger must have constant surveillance, and it is nearly impossible for caregivers and family members to maintain a 24-hour vigilance over their loved one.  One way to help with this problem among Alzheimer’s sufferers and their families is to implement a GPS tracking device for the patient.  A GPS tracking device can help you keep a constant watch on the whereabouts of the wearer.  The satellites are able to ascertain the longitude and latitude of the person wearing the receiver, and the information downloads constantly from satellites to the internet or to a mobile device.

If your loved one wanders off, you will be able to instantly track their location and reach them before it is too late.  Investing in a GPS tracking device for your loved one with Alzheimer’s is a small price to pay for their safety and your peace of mind.

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

In San Diego police are reveling in the success of a computer program called Graffiti Tracker.  The system is web-based and allows officials to catalog incidents of tagging (graffiti painting) for later comparison that helps them to look at a smaller area for tagging from the same person.

GPS Tracking and Tagging

Before crews clean up the vandalism, they take digital pictures with a special camera that is outfitted with a GPS device.  Once the pictures are uploaded, a graffiti analyst compares the incident with others and then provides data to police of where a tagger is operating.

Tagging often occurs near the home of suspects, so being able to narrow down the location gives police the edge they need in bringing in the suspects to charge them with the graffiti crimes and others as well.

In San Diego, before this new system was implemented, only $22,000 of court-ordered restitution was awarded.  Now, that amount has jumped to $185,000.

GPS Tracking devices like these continue to make their mark on society.  Whether you like it or not we are being inundated by their uses and implementations.  The good news is that they can be used by you for your own purposes, too.

Being able to verify your own driving actions is just one of the many ways you can benefit from a GPS Tracking device in your vehicle.  Theft recovery is another important one.

It is an important step in our society to be able to enforce laws and solve crimes quicker.  Another benefit is that it helps to keep cases on the desks of investigators lower.  Incidents like tagging and other vandalism are often shoved aside in favor of the investigating of more serious crimes like murder and other heinous crimes (and rightfully so).

GPS Tracking helps keep the effects of a crime and lack of the solving of a crime from dragging on and on.  It is just another great reason to invest in one of these units today.

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

When government gets too big and unable to monitor and control assets, it’s time for some help.  We surpassed that milestone long ago, but it is never too late to look to systems that can help secure assets and help operations run smoother - even for government entities.

The Government & GPS Tracking

GPS Tracking aids in this process in these important ways:

How does this work?  The main function of GPS Tracking devices is to reveal the location of an asset with incredible accuracy.  One of the unique things about this is that even though battery power is cut to the unit, it still continues to send out a signal for a time.

Location Tracking

Along with software which comes with the units, you can see the device on a map on your own computer screen.  The coordinates can then be passed along to local police agencies to aid in recovery efforts.

Selection

You can choose a model which supplies near real-time feedback for instant response or one that gives you on-demand only tracking.  These functions allow you to select the right GPS Tracking device that fits your needs.

Price

For just a few hundred dollars, you can help protect the value of an asset in your possession.  If you calculate the item in question as to its impact on your business or organization if it were to become stolen, then you will have just looked at the real value that is added by the device.  This money is not an outlay of cash it is an investment and insurance policy against loss.

Responsibility

Being able to hold those accountable who are charged with the overseeing of assets is priceless.  Governments are sometimes run with a nonchalant attitude towards asset management.  Not any longer.  Officials will see that the public is serious about keeping track of assets and making it a priority to require periodic checks to make sure that the items are secure.

Part of this process is in placing GPS Tracking devices into their hands in order to empower them with the ability to do a better job at asset management.  Knowing and understanding the severity of and consequences from poor management is enough to force a change in attitudes and actions.

Making government organizations accountable by using GPS Tracking devices is a worthwhile endeavor.  Using GPS Tracking devices to accomplish this mission is mandatory.  The public will be satisfied with the results and begin to wonder how else GPS Tracking devices can improve their own circumstances.

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

It has been discussed many times on this blog: Tracking of children with GPS Tracking devices.  Recent news stories of abductions, kidnappings, rapes and murders underscore the need.  Children are vulnerable and need to be monitored more closely - yes, even against their will.

GPS & Children

Now a major retailer, Best Buy, is offering a GPS Tracking device called the “Little Buddy Child Tracker” which retails for $100.  This little unit uses GPS and cellular technology to send signals that track the carrier’s location which are relayed to either a computer or a smartphone.

Parents can program the tracker with specific times and locations where the child is supposed to be located and will send a text message if the child leaves that area during those times.

Unique?  No, these types of tracking units have been available for some time now, but are garnering a promotional push because of cost, etc.

GPS Tracking units have featured a geo-fencing option for several years now.  This feature allows certain models to “report back” to an email address or with a text message any time that a pre-set boundary has been breached.

What questions are to be asked of this new little device?

How long between charges?

This small device must have a very short battery life.  There is no way that a unit this size can feature a battery that can hold a charge for more than a few days, if that.  There is no information on this on the manufacturer’s website.

The PT-200 from Rocky Mountain Tracking has a battery life of around 21 days.

Monthly activation and monitoring fees?

Do you actually think that you will be able to spend just $100.00 and be able to monitor and track your child with no additional fees?  It is unlikely, but again, there is no information on what those charges might be.

The PT-200 has affordable plans for personal (family) and business use as well.

Signal Strength?

How strong is the signal on this unit?  Can it be located inside of buildings and other heavy structures?  The PT-200 has a strong enough signal to penetrate steel containers or cargo boxes and should perform well under almost any building structures.

No GPS Tracking device is perfect, however, and your experience might be different because of your circumstances.

What is important here is to choose a GPS Tracking device that is tried and true.  That describes the PT-200.  Check it out for yourself today

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking Device 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.

There it goes down the road.  All of your personal belongings in a moving van.  And, didn’t you just meet the ones who are moving your precious things a few days ago?  Did you think to check them out?  How about that moving company?  Are they reputable?  So many questions and now you are stuck.

Moving? Take GPS Tracking, too!

But, before you get into this position, you should make use of a GPS Tracking device.  How will this help you?  Here is some good advice:

Track Movement

Just before you finish packing up your prized belongings for a move across the state or country, you should include a GPS Tracking device that runs on battery power into one of your boxes.  Or attach it to a piece of furniture in an inconspicuous location.  Now you are ready to track all of the movements of that item and the rest of your personal property that is in the moving trailer.

Track Location

Along the way to the final destination, you can track your property via GPS Tracking.  With a hidden GPS Tracking device safely hidden from view, you can know where the moving truck is located and how long that they have been in one location.

Track Direction of Travel

Is the moving truck headed in the right direction?  Are they taking a different route?  If so, why?  Now you check up on these details with a cell phone call to find out what is happening.  It might be a simple detour because of a crash, or it might not be.

Track Speed

Is the truck driver violating speed limits?  If so, this is placing your property at risk.  Speeding causes accidents with sometimes devastating consequences.  You can peek in on how the driver is doing and track his speed at the same time.

You can get some sleep with GPS Tracking devices are in use.  Your personal belongings are safe and you can check up on them at anytime of the day or night, thanks to the battery powered GPS Tracking units.

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

Almost every driver has received a speeding ticket at one time or another and many people will claim that their ticket was undeserved. Unfortunately, there is not much that you can do to fight a speeding ticket. It is just your word against the police officer’s radar gun. But new GPS technology might just be the solution. By installing a vehicle tracking system in your car you can monitor the speed that you travel after the fact or in real time.

GPS & Radar

Radar guns are not always accurate, but they are always considered accurate by the law enforcement. Since they have to calculate the speed of a vehicle quickly, they can easily make a mistake. As many as one fourth of all speeding tickets could have been given because of a radar gun error. There are a few reasons that radar guns do not work well, beginning with radio frequency interference and mechanical interference as well as mistakes by the police officer. If three black cars zoom by the officer’s car, he might have a difficult time figuring out which one he clocked as speeding, causing him to give the ticket to the wrong person.

Although city governments do not want to admit that they are using faulty radar guns, because it will make it easier for people to fight their speeding tickets, a vehicle tracking system may be enough to prevent you from receiving a ticket. Even if the vehicle tracking system tracks you as exceeding the speed limit, this could still reduce your fine amount if the law enforcement officer clocked you as going faster.

There is one obvious caution about trusting your vehicle tracking system to save you from a speeding ticket. You must be following the speed limit. This fact can trip up those people who regularly go 3-5 miles over the speed limit. If the vehicle tracking system records that you were exceeding the speed limit, you cannot feasibly use that information to get yourself out of a speeding violation.

Although a vehicle tracking system has not yet overturned a speeding violation in court, there is currently a legal battle over this topic going on in California. In the next few weeks it will be up to the California government to determine which technology is more accurate and reliable. This court case could forever change the way people look at speeding tickets.