Gps Tracking Systems And Their Implementation
GPS tracking systems utilize a network of geosynchronous satellites in orbit to determine the location of an object or person down to a few feet resolution. GPS tracking systems were initially deployed to assist the military in locating targets of value as well as in navigation. In recent years, the price of GPS hardware has decreased, while the military has suspended the degradation of the signal, allowing more accurate placement for civilian use.
There's nothing like GPS tracking systems for keeping tabs on a company's motorized assets. Not only do such systems help optimize drivers' delivery performance, it also makes estimating delivery times far more accurate. These global positioning systems also make it possible to map out the best routes to maximize driver efficiency.
A potential down-side to increasing use of these devices is the invasion of privacy some see these devices as presenting. Already, commercial drivers have their daily trips catalogued and analyzed. Similarly GPS tracking device technology has already been shown to be effective at allowing the tracking of individuals as these devices have been implemented in espionage for years.
GPS has come a long way since its inception. Its applications for the individual consumer have multiplied greatly. Now people can utilize their GPS systems for planning out their hiking routes, setting locations to camp or fish, or just finding their way around in any place they don't know well. A new kind of activity called "geocaching" is like a hide-and-seek game, using a container and a set of location coordinates.
GPS tracking systems have also allowed the development of a new automotive add-on, the in dash GPS receiver allowing consumers to request a location and have the device display or speak directions to the driver, making the paper map obsolete. These devices are already increasing in complexity and adding new features including hotel and restaurant information.
As the cost of GPS tracking systems decreases, it is predictable that their use will only increase. These systems are quite adaptable, and are sure to take the place of old-fashioned maps and guidebooks. We may one day even use such a system to keep track of our belongings, so that we need no longer worry that they will be lost or stolen.
Recently, the cost of GPS systems has decreased significantly, and the military has suspended degradations to the signals, thereby making GPS tracking systems available for civilians to utilize. GPS tracking device technology has already been shown to be effective at allowing the tracking of individuals as these devices have been implemented in espionage for years. GPS vehicle tracking systems have been invaluable to companies who need to keep track of their vehicle fleets, while simultaneously allowing their drivers to use the devices to make deliveries more efficiently, and allowing estimation of time of arrival.
Published November 7th, 2007
Filed in Management, Technology
