Rocky Mountain Tracking » technology

GPS Marine Use: The Coast Guard and Beyond

Admin — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:00:29 +0000

Underused Technology

It’s a sad thing when there is excellent technology that isn’t put to its ultimate use. Marine use of GPS technology is an example of this. When foghorns were silenced along the West coast of the United States, it was with the understanding that GPS systems were so commonly used that the foghorns were deemed no longer necessary. Remarkably, the Coast Guard still uses all of its day time visual aids, such as day markers, cardinal buoys, etc. It seems that they could put the new technology to better use. Rather than only depend on the GPS technology when it is too foggy to see, why not utilize it during the day, and any other time as well? Couldn’t such technology be put to better use?

GPS Tracking Potential for Marine Use
GPS tracking systems could actually have great potential in marine use. GPS transmitters could be placed on obstacles in the waters, accurately warning approaching boats of the object’s exact location. Lighthouses have stood as beacons for centuries, welcoming boats and ships into safe harbors or warning of rocky shoals. Ship captains had to learn the distinct flash of the various lighthouses. I think we all agree such technology, though romantic, is a thing of the past. Harbors and rocky shoals alike can be easily tracked with GPS devices. Boats lost at sea could be easily traced if equipped with a GPS tracking device. The Coast Guard contended that turning off the foghorns would result in a savings of $75,000 each year in maintenance costs. Even greater savings could be incurred if the use of GPS devices were maximized, saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars in search and rescue missions, as well as saving private owners thousands in damage to boats.

Why the Lack of Use?
With the advance in technology, one wonders at the lack of efficient use of GPS systems by the Coast Guard. It would behoove private boat and ship owners not to get caught in the same trap as the Coast Guard and instead stay on top of the latest technology available to them in GPS devices and tracking. By doing so they can lead the way for the Coast Guard to follow. GPS tracking has the potential to save lives, property, and money when used to its fullest potential. Perhaps if the private sector leads the way the government agencies will follow suit.

Article Written by Katharine Stephens

Technology: Convienent or Creepy?

Admin — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 16:00:02 +0000

The world of communication is advancing so quickly that some of us simply refuse to try to keep up any more. Every week, it seems that a new cell phone or portable computer pushes the boundaries of technology. By ignoring these new products and sticking with what we are used to, are we risking being left behind when it comes to communication?

Judging from a recent article published on the technology news website CNET, there may be an even greater danger in cheerfully handing over cash for the latest gadget–especially when it comes to the brand new field of geolocation, the ability of devices to identify exactly where you are in the world at any given moment. CNET did some investigation of Microsoft’s Live.com, a “location database” that allows anyone to pinpoint (usually with amazing detail) the current location of any Wi-Fi access point as long as they know its unique MAC address.
In the past, that wouldn’t have been such a big deal since Wi-Fi access point were always pieces of equipment wired at a fixed location. If you had the MAC address of the wireless router at your ex-girlfriend’s house, for example, you probably also already knew where her house was. Today, however, many of the leading smartphones and other mobile devices have the capability to function as their own Wi-Fi access points—that’s why you can update Facebook at a totally remote location like an abandoned rest stop in North Dakota. What this boils down to is that if your ex-boyfriend knows the MAC address of your smartphone, he can theoretically look it up on Live.com’s interactive map and find out exactly where you are.

Creepy yet? Chances are good that whatever mobile device you use to surf the Internet is constantly being tracked geographically by Google, Skyhook Wireless, or Microsoft. This ability allows your phone to advertise local restaurants and movie showtimes to you. The difference is that Google and Skyhook do not currently allow just anyone to see their database and track the devices themselves. Microsoft’s Live.com, however, is freely accessible for anyone with a Windows Live ID.

As with many ethics questions raised by new technology, this debate is very young (as in, a few months) and is just getting started. Expect to see plenty of news stories and official action on the legality of companies tracking mobile devices and especially of making their locations accessible to the public. In fact, the Geolocational Privacy and Surveillance Act is currently making its bumpy way through Congress, its creators hoping to lay at least a few ground rules for this convenient and creepy new technology.

Article Written by Chris Rummel

The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is…Technology?

Admin — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:00:22 +0000

For as long as there have been ad men on Madison Avenue (and before that), one thing has been abundantly clear: fear sells. Few industries grasp this notion better than the news industry. News crews around the globe chase fear hoping to sell more newspapers, gain more viewers, and entice (an otherwise bored) audience. Tornado coverage is not immune to this lay of the advertising law.

The recent tornado in Joplin, Missouri, caused alarm all across the nation. People who live far away from Joplin were glued to television sets anticipating more news, photos, and information about the storm. These figures were easily provided by GPS tracking technology that can accurately track a storm down to the last terrible detail.

As those from around the world watched, people who were directly impacted by the storm relived tornado nightmares. Incredibly detailed photographs picked up bits of clothing and abandoned pets while amateur videographers took cell phone videos that were later uploaded to YouTube.

In a world driven by speed, instant gratification, and news carriers such as Twitter, nothing seems private any longer. For some, seeing details of storms that wrecked families and whole towns is simply too much. Technology can be used for the greater good, but when is going too far simple, well, going too far?

For many, news crews should report the news, though in the case of any natural disaster, there’s no need to further increase fear by televising and printing horrid images. Facing the loss of loved ones is fear enough for those impacted.

Article Written by Harriette Halepis

Remote Control Dogs? Sure, Thanks to GPS Technology

Admin — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:00:15 +0000

Researchers at Auburn University, Alabama, have developed a system that uses GPS tracking technology to remotely control dogs. Yes, that’s right. Remote controlled dogs.

Sound farfetched?

According to David M. Bevly, a mechanical engineering professor at Auburn who worked on the program: “With our system you don’t have to be in eyesight, versus human guides that do have to be within sight.” This will allow dogs to perform much riskier missions than they normally can, according to Discovery News.

Previously, dogs had to be within eyesight of a human handler. This greatly limited the ability of police dogs to go on risky missions.

The GPS sensors on the dogs send a signal back to the handler, who does not even have to be within visible distance of the dog. The handler then considers the GPS tracking information when sending commands to the dogs, which gently guide them to their intended destination while taking their natural inclinations into account.

The commands are sent through the GPS device by different tones, which the dogs are trained to respond to by moving slightly in the commanded direction.

The main use case of the GPS tracking remote control for dogs, in addition to the aforementioned risky missions, will be long range guidance. “We’re looking at longer range guidance, where you might need a dog to go three or four miles,” Bevly told discovery. The primary customers of the remote control GPS system for dogs will be law enforcement and military.

While some are concerned about putting dogs in harm’s way, supporters of the program insist that solo dogs are much more capable of fleeing dangerous situations than dogs with human handlers are.

Article Written by Greg Minton

Shorter Flights and Less Fuel: GPS Tracking as Co-Pilot

Admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:59:59 +0000

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently announced that the current radar system used by U.S. air controllers will soon be replaced by GPS tracking technology. The FAA awarded a GPS tracking contract to an engineering firm in 2007, and the firm is presently working on the “NextGen” technology to make huge improvements to the present system.

The FAA believes that the new GPS tracking system will be infinitely more effective than radar, since the current radar system frequently leaves pilots in the dark. The new GPS system will allow pilots to locate other planes, and it will also allow controllers to have a better idea of where planes are when flying. Currently, controllers are unable to gain a clear picture of a plane that is flying above an ocean unless that plane is 200 miles from shore.

David Melcher, ITT Senior Vice President, told press that “there are numerous benefits to go to a GPS-based system including savings of fuel, less carbon-dioxide emissions and better-controlled ascents and descents.” In addition, “the pilots will actually have better situation awareness in the cabin, and they’ll have more air traffic information and climate information.” These are welcome changes to pilots who are used to flying longer routes simply to remain on controller radar. Imagine the fuel savings alone in switching over to GPS!

The FAA hopes that the new GPS tracking technology will be set up by 2012, though the whole system will not be functional until 2020. In the future, planes will be able to fly shorter distances, closer together, and more accurately than ever before. In addition, the new system will likely save airlines a great deal of money when it comes to fuel costs. It is estimated that more than 1.4 billion gallons of fuel will be reserved due to the new GPS tracking system. Further, this new system will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 14 million tons. The new system will be 10 times more accurate than it is today. Isn’t it time we replaced our 70 year old radar technology with proven GPS tracking?

(Written for Rocky Mountain Tracking by Harriette Halepis – Source acquired via L.A. Times, August 5, 2010)

Make Every Hour in the Day Count

Admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:34:06 +0000

Have you ever been responsible for picking up relatives at the airport or bus station? You carefully planned your schedule around the airplane or bus scheduled arrival time. Maybe you even got off work early or missed lunch in order to be ready at the airport or station, only to find when you arrived that things had been delayed and your passenger wouldn’t arrive for another forty-five minutes. You know the frustration that scenarios like this can cause and the kink it can cause in a carefully planned schedule. Bus drivers, understand this because bus companies have begun to use GPS tracking devices on their buses.

This utilizes the normal GPS tracking system, which consists of a series of twenty-four satellites orbiting outer space (plus a few extras in case of technical failure). These satellites work together in groups of twos or threes to determine the latitude and longitude (otherwise known as location) of the receiver on earth. The receiver is attached to an individual, a pet, a car, or in this case, a bus. The information downloads to the internet or a mobile device. Active tracking gives real-time information whereas passive logs simply record the data for later review. GPS tracking has many capabilities, including geofencing, routes, speeds, and many more.

This idea is a variation on fleet tracking devices already used by companies like UPS. Managers use GPS tracking to determine if their drivers are following the most efficient routes, if any delays or problems arise, and if the vehicle travels off route. A gps tracking system reports the information on location as well as delays and other alerts. The estimated arrival time will update to reflect information on delays. One example of how this works is at MIT. MIT has implemented this system on their campus buses in order to prevent long waits by students during inclement weather or during nighttime hours. The students are able to see exactly where the bus is on a map and when it will arrive. The information downloads to the internet where students can check the information in real-time. While it may seem like overkill to use this type of tracking system just to save a few minutes, those minutes can be priceless to a busy college student. More studying at the library could mean a better grade on that exam. Efficient students make every hour count so that jobs and socializing can fit on their schedules. Even for non-college students, saving a few minutes and avoiding the inconvenience of delay is beneficial and well worth the investment for transport vehicles. After all, if your customers are inconvenienced – they will not use the system and resort to alternate modes of transport. It’s best to make every hour in the day count! Gps tracking can help you discover your inefficiencies and tighten them up for better customer satisfaction.

You Know My Methods, Watson.

Admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:33:50 +0000

A good detective embraces new technologies and Sherlock Holmes would have used every tool conceivable to prevent and/or solve a crime. You can too with today’s tool of choice – GPS tracking devices.

Now that things look like they might be in the early stages of improvement from a business standpoint, it is a good idea to assess how you are doing and if there are any other things you can do to protect your momentum. Theft not only robs you of assets that you need to run your business, but also that momentum that helps keep your outlook positive and your energy focused on the task at hand. Hard work pays off in the end, but you also could use some help from technology to maintain profitability. Since the early days of apprehending criminals via the style of Sherlock Holmes, we have reached a new level of hi-tech anti-theft solutions that are simple to use and maintain. Even Watson would embrace such a user-friendly technology. Here are some ideas to consider.

Secure and Prepare

Prepare for the worst and guard yourself against it. Using GPS Tracking devices help you not only locate your assets, but know where they are being used. When theft occurs, you feel cheated and it angers you. Someone has the audacity to steal something that you own and is using right now for themselves. That’s YOUR item – you paid good money for it. When you use GPS Tracking devices, you make it possible to track down that elusive item and find the perpetrators who did the stealing in the beginning. Let the police deal with them, paybacks through the criminal justice system have their own reward. Keep track of what you have now and keep your costs low. Recovery momentum will be maintained and your business will emerge a leader.

Squeeze Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies will give you a break on your premiums if you can show that you are using a GPS Tracking device in your car. They like having their risk lowered by the actions of others. These lower costs will allow you to pay for the price of the unit and perhaps some locate fees when you need it most. Knowing that you are protecting your assets gives you a better rating with the insurance company in general. Think about combining that lower car insurance with your home insurance as well for added discounts. Position your expenses low. Keep your margins high. Fill that savings account and save for emergencies – both personal and professional. You will sleep better too!

Research, Compare and Purchase New Technology

Look to Rocky Mountain Tracking for assistance on which device to purchase. There are both passive and active types of devices. Really think about how the unit will be used now and in the future. Can you use this tracking device for other uses? Tracking an elderly parent? Recording speeds of a new teen driving? You have the ability to locate assets when needed. The cost of these units is surprisingly low. Just a few hundred dollars separates you from the ability to secure your assets in the fight against theft.

In these economic times we need to keep track of things that are important to our families and our businesses. As the economy turns around businesses that can run with what they have now will be better positioned to recover faster than other businesses that need to purchase new equipment. This includes our vehicles, construction equipment, various lost assets – you name it. We need to keep things close and under our watchful eye at all times. We no longer have our Sherlock Holmes and Assistant Watson on every street corner solving crimes. If you need assistance with “keeping an eye” on things – reach out to Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. We will introduce you to the world of gps tracking – your peace of mind solution for asset protection. Don’t worry – if lost – we will find it fast! Just get us involved to keep you in the game.

“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” – from The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Outsource your GPS Tracking Program

Admin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:10:57 +0000

A new growth market for GPS Tracking businesses lies in the area of offering GPS Tracking anti-theft services to companies who would rather pay to have the services performed rather than doing it themselves. And, if it makes financial sense, it is a win-win for both companies. Here are the principles that you need to know about and understand when looking for a company with which to do business in this manner.

How Long in Business?

While this might not be the best indicator, duration in business is still important. Start-up companies are looked upon as ‘fly-by-night’ operations that are here today and gone tomorrow. While this is an important factor that is weighed when choosing a business partner, it can be minimized by several other factors: How long have the owners lived in the community? What other business ventures might they own or have been involved in recently? The answers to these questions will help establish credibility if the duration of business operations falls short.

BBB Rating

While not completely infallible, the Better Business Bureau provides a barometer of how a business treats their customers and performs business overall. Watch out for this, however, because a newly minted business can get a good rating on the BBB if they have no bad marks against them in the early days and months of operation. Also, not everyone who has a bad experience will contact the BBB to report a business. Do not take this rating as the sole method of checking out a business. More investigation must be done.

Reference Checking

Get a listing of at least three customers that you can check with to see how they have been treated as a customer. Then, once you are finished with your interview, ask if they know of any other businesses who engage in business with the same company. This way, you will get an opinion from a business other than the one given to you. This is important and must not be skipped. Most people will be helpful and give you the good and the bad information to help you make an informed choice.

Trial Periods

Ask for a trial period to use services so that you can assess whether or not they are good at follow up and responsiveness. If you have many assets that you need to be tracked via GPS Tracking, ask to outfit one or two just to be able to see if it is going to meet your goals for monitoring. Most companies offer a sneak peak of their operations.

What Sets this Particular Business Apart from Others?

Find out what makes this business different from others that are doing the same thing. What approach do they take towards customer service? Do you have adequate and effective means for problem resolution? What other services do they offer? How good is their mapping software and is it up and running 100%?

GPS Tracking systems are here to stay and you can be successful if you purchase one and implement it yourself. But, if it makes sense, a GPS Tracking business can provide even better services at a very cost-effective price point. Check it out and see if it is right for you. Use due diligence in your research and you won’t be disappointed!

Supply Chain Managers Embrace GPS Tracking

RMT GPS News — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:47:54 +0000

The business activity known as global supply chain management has at its core the managing and monitoring of goods and products as they move through the manufacturing process to the end customer.

GPS & Supply Chain Management

This business activity is being integrated with real-time ERP processes more and more. What this means is that Enterprise Resource Planning at the business is chopping the processes down into small parts so that it can be monitored at more places along the line. This system of checks helps in many ways.

Quality

First, and maybe foremost is quality. Not only can the manufacturing process be watched closer, quality standards can be monitored better, too. This helps manufacturers find and fix issues with quality it turns into even larger problems later on after the product has been made. Giving quality a preeminent position like this is good for customer satisfaction.

Speed of Manufacturing

Most businesses build to order. There are very few warehousing operations that hold finished goods that are waiting to be ordered by end customers. Because of the emphasis on real-time processes, the speed at which products are produced can increase (all things being equal). Being able to maintain quality at the same time helps businesses get products into the hands of customers sooner.

Customer Service

Customers can now be kept in closer touch with the manufacturing of the products that they order. Some companies even provide a portal from which a customer can monitor product manufacturing and their specific order as it moves along the way. This can be both good and bad in that the customer can see stops in the process which raises concerns about delivery dates, etc. Strong communications must exists between the two so that this does not turn into a disaster.

It does not end there, however. Once the manufacturing process is completed, then the deliver process begins. But, it is a seamless operation in that GPS Tracking takes up where RFID left off in the monitoring of the logistics process.

Semi trucks and trailers are the first step in the monitoring process. Trucks and trailers both include GPS Tracking systems to help monitor their progress. And, it is helpful to be able to track these units should they become the targets of thieves (which is happening in greater numbers these days).

Cargo containers are also being outfitted with GPS Tracking so that they can be tracked separately from the trucks and trailers.

Finally, many products that are banded together in the shipping process have a GPS Tracking device hidden among the boxes.

Not only is this good insurance for getting products where they need to be, but it allows for minute tracking which keeps the end customer and the shipper aware of the precise location of important deliveries. Schedules can be coordinated and marketing plans can be shifted to accommodate any delays or advances in shipping time lines. GPS tracking is a “must-have” item in the supply chain managers arsenal of customer service tools.

Don’t Let Outdoor Activities End in a Tragedy

RMT GPS News — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:41:10 +0000

Outdoor activities and extreme sports are enjoyed by a group of people who find living life on the dangerous side very exciting.

GPS Tracking & Outdoor Activities

But, even the casual outdoor lover can find themselves in some precarious positions if they are not careful. Recently a group ventured into the Elkhorn river Near Omaha, Nebraska, and was unprepared for the waters that they encountered and ended up with a capsized water craft and a near drowning.

Fortunately for them, one in the group had a smartphone with GPS Tracking enabled which helped local fire and rescue to pinpoint their location and assist in the recovery of the group members.

This incident underscores two very important things about going out into unfamiliar places at particularly dangerous times.

Proper Preparation is Mandatory

There are certain things that need to be done to help make sure that there are no disasters that could have been avoided with proper preparation.

First, investigate the area into which you are going. Get a map of your destination and note specific spots on the map that can help you: fire/rescue facilities, hospitals and police stations. Take the map with you when you go.

Next, make a trip itinerary and give it to those you leave behind. Put details in it like where you are going, when you will arrive there and when you will be coming back. Also, note if you are going to be out of communications with the rest of the world and when you expect to re-connect. Leave a copy of a map that shows your intended path.

Inclusion of Technology Can Assist

GPS Tracking devices are worthy of a place among your gear because they can be helpful if you should become stranded on your trip. And that includes your treks into the wilderness where most cellular signals do not exist. GPS enabled smartphones are great, but not if there is no signal with which authorities can home in on if there is a problem.

When you arrive at your destination, find out if local authorities have the ability to track GPS signals. If so, link up with them so that if there is a problem, they can instantly view your location and respond to any emergencies that might arise.

These are the base activities that you must perform to help protect yourself. These common sense tips are available to anyone who chooses to use them. And, for those who do not, their risk is greater. Have fun, but remember to be prepared.