GPS Fleet Tracking Systems Becoming More Popular

It wasn't that long ago that GPS fleet tracking devices seemed like a far-fetched idea that were only used in spy movies. Perhaps James Bond could track down the bad guys and vice versa but the thought of an average person using the mechanisms seemed highly unlikely. Today, these systems are showing up in vehicles around the world for a variety of reasons. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and that's exactly what they are, devices to find out where cars, trucks, buses or vans are located globally. The vehicles' positions can be seen via computerized maps.

There are three basic components of GPS fleet tracking devices including the tracking device itself, the server or storage unit and the user interface between the two. A car, van, truck or bus is outfitted with the mechanism which captures a variety of crucial data. Not only does it let the server receive data about location, it also gathers info such on fuel level in the tank, the speed the vehicle's traveling, engine function and more. When the serving unit receives the data, it must store it and be able to give details via a user friendly report. This is where the user interface or UI component comes in. The UI allows for accessibility of the details as needed.

There are various types of tracking systems. They are often divided into two categories, passive and active. With the passive system, info is stored such as position, MPH speed and also the capability to unlock and lock doors. This comes in handy when a motorist has locked himself or herself out of the vehicle accidentally. No locksmith has to come out to the rescue; instead the locks are released via computer and satellite. This passive portion is stored and used as needed. The active component means everything is instantly accessible, otherwise known as being in real-time. This can be achieved via cell phone or some sort of computer or satellite. Some systems have both capabilities in on device.

Airplanes have monitoring systems used for security in a slightly different manner. Aircraft tracking systems, in addition to radar, are known as the black boxes. When crashes or other calamities occur aboard a jet airplane, clues and information can be gathered by accessing the data stored in the black box. Black boxes are also referred to as flight data recorders or cockpit voice recorders. The voice recorders have all of the pilots' and crews' conversations stored in order to figure out what happened.

GPS fleet tracking systems are no longer just something seen in spy movies. Today they are used by individuals and companies for a variety of reasons. The device, the server and the user interface work together to monitor where a vehicle is, if it's being driven safely, how much fuel it contains, whether it's locked or unlocked and how fast it's going. This keeps vehicles safer. They also cut down company spending costs and keep motorists from being locked out.