Rocky Mountain Tracking » trains

Indian Railways Use GPS to Track Trains

Admin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:39:52 +0000

Trains in India are about to take a major technological step forward. The Indian Railways have begun implementing a new program called Real-Time Train Information System (RTIS), using GPS tracking technology. Trains are not exactly a new technology. Transportation has seen many improvements since the train, including the obvious jets and airplanes.

However, this technology remains quite useful and relevant in the modern age. Traveling by train is typically quite a bit cheaper than flying, and in some places, trains are still the best way to get to your destination. One of the ways trains have remained so useful, is that they are periodically upgraded with new advices in technology. GPS tracking is simply the latest technology to be implemented in train travel.

Unlike some of the other technological make-overs that the train has seen, such as coal and steam engines to combustable engines, GPS tracking doesn’t improve the speed or cost of travel. It does, however, greatly improve the travelers experience. One problem that many travelers run into are train delays. Delays happen with just about any mode of transportation, and trains are no exception.

The RTIS is expected to hugely improve on the Indian Railway’s existing Train Running Information System, which mostly works on estimated arrival times. As the name suggests, the RTIS allows travelers to view the real-time location of trains, and have access to more accurate information about their train’s arrival.

The RTIS was co-developed by Lucknow, the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO), and Kanpur, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). A few trains have already implemented the new system, and reports say that it is working successfully so far. Passengers of these trains now have access to their train’s location, whether or not the train is running on time, and if it’s late, then by how much. The system also provides information about the distance each train is in kilometers in respect to the next stop. RTIS will be adding trains in waves, and is expected to be completed by December of 2012.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor

Australian Boy Hit By Train: Parents Call for GPS Trackers

Admin — Sun, 22 May 2011 12:23:41 +0000

Perhaps GPS tracking could have averted a tragic accident on March 30. The sad story of Kieran hit the news last Thursday morning. The six-year-old autistic boy wandered from his home in Geelong, a city in the Australian state of Victoria, around 6 p.m. By 7 p.m., police had been alerted by several phone calls, including people who had seen the boy crossing a highway, and were searching for the lost child. About half an hour later, a train on its way to Warrnambool struck and killed the boy. The driver saw someone on the tracks and pulled the emergency brake, but it was too late to stop the momentum of the train in time.

One news article suggests the parents are asking for a GPS tracking system to avoid future incidences like these. While the article was not clear exactly what the system was being asked to track, GPS actually can be used in more than one way to prevent such accidents.

One potential use is a fleet tracking system to keep tabs on the movements of each train. Each engine would have a small device as part of a network connecting devices to satellites to computers. Dispatchers could follow the trains’ locations in real time and immediately alert drivers if problems have been reported on the tracks ahead. Perhaps police could have asked for train traffic to be stopped or slowed in the area where the boy had been seen.
Another potential use is a child tracker that can be worn as an anklet or bracelet. The device would communicate to satellites in the same way, and parents could find a child’s location immediately. This kind of system has been used to keep watch over elderly suffering dementia, children in large crowds, and even parolees. The responsible party can set up geographic boundaries and be alerted instantly if the device wearer goes out of a certain area.

In the end, no one can ever say what would or would not have happened “if only . . . .” Speculations cannot heal grief or change the past. But we can learn from the past and take measures to ensure this story is not repeated. Our part now is to review our own areas of interest and influence, and then to implement precautions to protect the people we know and love.

Article Written by Kadence Vyra

2010 Census Workers Will Use GPS Tracking Systems

RMT GPS News — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:25:19 +0000

The work of conducting a census starts long before the actual census begins. Those who will conduct our next census next year in 2010 have already begun to prepare, recruit additional workers and put the systems in place that will be needed to ensure the information that gathered gives an accurate account of our country’s population.

And before that data can be collected, officials need to get data on who actually lives where before they can get further assessments. This year officials in Ohio have already started looking for people that they can train to take on address canvassing.

This time all of the work to verify every address in the entire country will be conducted using an auto tracking device. So to all those people who think that the government is behind the times and moves slowly to adapt new technology, this will be welcome news. The government is not going to rely on paper and pencil alone as they count and get basic information on its citizens; it will be using GPS tracking to assist.

Although GPS tracking systems will be used in this process, officials still want to employ people to work in the areas where they live. And this makes sense because sending people to work in areas that are unfamiliar seems counterproductive no matter what kind of GPS tracking technology is being used as an aid.

GPS can also aid you in any number of projects. If you want to get an accurate record of vehicle use, a GPS tracking device can help. Whether you want to track your teenager, track your employees, track a person or even track your own driving habits, Rocky Mountain Tracking has a GPS tracking device that will work for you.

Call Rocky Mountain Tracking (RMT) today to speak with a knowledgeable expert who can assess your tracking needs and help you choose the GPS tracking device that will work best for you. RMT sells both active and passive tracking devices. You can pick a device and plan that will suit your needs and budget. There are even some tracking devices that you only pay for when you use them. With RMT’s state-of-the art NavIQ software, you can track your vehicle anywhere in the United States. GPS tracking products from RMT start at just $199 with no monthly fee.

Top 10 Personal Safety Tips

RMT GPS News — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:00:33 +0000

Whether you are a man, woman or child, there is no way to guarantee your personal safety. When you are at home, work, school, the mall or taking an evening walk, there is no weapon or defense tactic that can assure your safety 100% of the time.

As you read this, you probably think I’m only talking about safety from a potential attack by another person. I’m not. Let’s think outside the box for a minute. There are other things that can pose a threat, such as, animals, mother nature, our own actions, and medical issues.

Here are some common practices to deter a physical attack against a person or animal:
1. Always let someone know where you are
2. Walk indoors on a treadmill instead of walking outside
3. Walk in high pedestrian traffic and open areas
4. Stay vigilant
5. Walk with a companion
6. Walk with a dog
7. Walk with a stick
8. Walk in lighted areas
9. Keep alarms active
10. Carry pepper spray

Again, these defensive measures can promote safety there are no guarantees. Sometimes equipment fails and implementation is forgotten.

Now I suppose you want some tips to defend against the unexpected, such as, mother nature, accidents of your own, and medical issues. Other than what common sense tells us, which is be careful and stay healthy, the most important potential life saving tip in any situation is to ALWAYS LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE. I don’t mean let someone know where you will be in 15 minutes, in 1 hour or in 1 day, I mean at every moment of every day. The only effective, non-intrusive, way to always let someone know where you are is with GPS tracking devices.

There are countless stories of people running a quick errand, but not telling a friend, partner or spouse where they were going. Some live to tell the horror stories days, weeks or even years later, and tragically some don’t. Or, here’s another familiar newspaper headline: “18 year old female found dead five days after telling parents she was going to friend’s house.” It must be devastating for a parent to go through this. A parent must wonder for the rest of their life if there was something they could have done to change the outcome. It really has to be a heart breaking experience, and my sympathy goes out to any parent who has experienced this.

Almost everyone carries a cell phone, but unfortunately, sometimes it does no good. A person can survive for a long time while they are injured, trapped, or held against their will, but they do not always have the ability to use their phone. The best method for someone to know where you are is through the use of personal GPS tracking devices. Carrying a small personal GPS on your person or using a car tracking device offers an added level of protection and peace of mind. Family members and friends can easily go online from any computer to ensure your safety.

There’s an old saying, “expect the unexpected.” If we all practice personal safety in a proactive way, we really can prevent what could have been tragic and even save a life.

Maybe you have a personal story of survival. Maybe you did something heroic to fight off an attack against yourself or someone else. If you did, congratulations! Maybe you survived from special training you have, maybe it was intuition, maybe a some type of defense or weapon or maybe it was luck (if you believe in that). What ever it was, we want to hear about your story so others may learn from you, so please leave your comment at the bottom of this story.

GPS Used to Track Freight

RMT GPS News — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:30:54 +0000

We barely stop to think about the amount of goods that are still being transported through the United States by railway. Since it is not a mode of transportation that is used frequently to deliver passengers from one place to another as much as in the past, it is easy to forget about our train system.

Right now as you read this, the Port of Tacoma is experimenting with a GPS tracking system to keep track of containers that are being transported from terminals at waterfronts to their final destinations. Using GPS tracking technology, port officials will be able to follow the containers from the state of Washington all the way to places in the Midwest and the eastern part of the country.

This is presumed to be the very first GPS tracking system that has been developed to monitor the progress of containers as they move inland by railway from a seaport in the United States. These efforts have been enacted to enhance the speed and to ensure that the deliveries are consistent.

Interestingly enough, the part of the system that officials like to show off is a durable, portable GPS tracking devices that was first created for use with trucks and for fleet tracking. It will give officials information on speed, starts, stops, location and direction.

When it comes to tracking packages and heavy equipment, a GPS tracking device, like the ones Rocky Mountain Tracking sells, can give you piece of mind. Depending on the type of GPS tracking system you purchase, you will be able to track your equipment on a regular basis to improve efficiency. Or, if you do not want to track your packages and equipment on a continual basis, you can purchase an on demand system that only tells you the location when you need it.

GPS equipment tracking systems can lower your insurance costs. And, depending on the GPS tracking system you choose to monitor your equipment, it will still give you a location even if the thief cuts the battery cable.

Funny, that the same GPS technology that had been used by individual passengers and companies is now being used to track deliveries done by freight. This goes to show you just how reliable it is and that you can count on GPS tracking technology to get you the information you need–whether you need to track a package, one vehicle, a fleet of vehicles or a large truck.

Shippers Look to Satellite Tracking to Improve Services

RMT GPS News — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:49:03 +0000

By Brad Borst

The Port of Tacoma recently announced they are testing GPS satellite tracking systems to monitor containers that are being shipped across the United States. The goal is to obtain data from the tracking that will improve the speed and reliability during the movement of the cargo containers.

The Port of Tacoma is not alone in their proactive approach to achieve greater success with this new technology. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and several other companies are joining in their lead to utilize GPS container tracking systems.

The container tracking systems are not just being used to put dots on a map, but to assists with scheduling, routing and delivery confirmation. An even greater benefit sought by these companies is an element of security. If the cargo makes an unscheduled stop or stops for a long duration, the proper steps could be taken to ensure the cargo is secure.

Unfortunately, not all global positioning systems are a perfect fit for this application. The challenges of GPS most commonly revolve around technology for which the device uses to communicate the tracking data to a ground station. Other issues include device size and battery life. Satellite tracking is generally more reliable, especially in remote areas, where GSM and CDMA technologies are not so reliable. While most people have been aware of the reliability with this technology; historically, it has not been the most affordable solution. However, the cost of this technology has dropped significantly in recent years.

Cargo containers, trains, trailers, and other equipment don’t usually have a power source readily available (if at all) to power global positioning systems that require a direct connection to power. In an effort to meet the demands for these applications, some global positioning system manufactures have built a device with a long lasting internal battery. Some of these devices, like the RMT Watchdog, will last up to seven years.

Now that the user application requirements have been satisfied, it’s apparent that satellite tracking technology is not just an optional tool, but an essential part of asset management and to stimulate further business opportunities. This technology is becoming more popular for companies seeking a leverage point over their competition, and there’s no doubt that it’s working.

GPS Tracking to Keep Trains on Track

RMT GPS News — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:00:22 +0000

The U.S. does not have the type of passenger rail system that Europe has, so sometimes it is easy to forget that trains are still a viable form of transportation. Instead of taking a lot of people where they want to go, our train system is active in transporting cargo all over the country. We really only think about trains where there is a derailment or some other accident.

In Australia, they are working to merge this old transportation method with new technology. A company is sent to sign a $90 million agreement to make a GPS train tracking system. The system will let train conductors know when another train is nearby, provide information on track work and give them suggestions on safe speeds.

Officials feel that the money set aside of the GPS train tracking system will be well spent because it will allow more trains to run and improve safety by helping the trains to stay within a safe distance of each other. This will prevent accidents.

A GPS tracking system can help improve your safety, even when other drivers on the road don’t have tracking systems of their own. You can get information about your driving habits or the driving habits of other drivers who use your vehicles. Then you can work on harmful patterns of speeding, fast accelerations and sudden brakes. Visit Rocky Mountain Tracking on the web to learn more about how a GPS tracking system can help you, your employees and your family be better drivers.