How GPS Tracking Works

The GPS (Global Positioning System) consists of 24 medium earth orbit satellites developed by the US Department of Defense and currently managed by the US Air Force 50th Space Wing. Each satellite transmits microwave signals to the earth. GPS Tracker receivers on the earth use these signals to determine their locations, speed, direction, and time.  A typical GPS Tracker receiver must have line-of-sight with satellites to calculate its position using signals from four or more GPS satellites. Four satellites are needed since the process needs a very accurate local time for the device to determine its time as well as position. These signals are then processed by the receiver to determine latitude/longitude, speed, altitude, and time.

For GPS fleet management systems, this set of data is transmitted over a wireless network to a server. The server then takes the data and uses it to provide the end user with locations of their devices. For fleet management systems, this set of data is transmitted over a wireless network to a server. The server then takes the data and uses it to provide the end user with locations of their devices.

Communication Technology

With fleet management products, GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems receivers determine their locations using the previously mentioned methods from signals received from GPS satellites. They must then transmit this location data wirelessly to a server so that the fleet management system can provide the location data to the
end users.

1. Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) constantly send signals to the device located inside the vehicle or asset. The Vehicle GPS Tracking device then determines location and speed based on geometric calculations from the Incoming satellite signals.
2. Optional inputs such as a message display terminal, personal navigation device, PTO sensors connect to the device to provide additional messaging capabilities.
3. The Vehicle GPS Tracking device then acts as a wireless modem and transmits location, speed, heading, and other messaging information through the cellular network.
4. The incoming information is then processed and stored on servers.
5. The user logs into a web site to view the current and past locations and activities of vehicles and assets.