How Do Car Trackers Work

Understanding The Tracking System

Vehicle tracking devices are installed in cars to collect various types of information, such as speed, idle time, diagnostics, etc. It tracks the location of the vehicle or equipment at all times using Global Positioning Satellites . The device inside the vehicle stores the data collected.

A wireless or cellular network, such as those operated by AT& T and Verizon, is then used to transmit the data. A cellular network transmits the information back to a server. On a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can access the information no matter where you are because the server acts as a cloud.

Real-time vehicle tracking and equipment offer the most basic information the vehicle reports. A map displays the data in almost real-time.

The providers then offer a variety of ways to access information, including breadcrumb trails of where the vehicle has traveled, how fast it traveled, etc. Gathering the data takes place automatically in the background, which means you only have to worry about setting up alerts and reports to show essential and relevant information.

Can A Car Be Tracked Without A Battery

Yes, your car can be tracked without a battery. All wireless GPS trackers have their own built-in power and they can work even though you dont connect them to your car. With the Seeworld wireless GPS tracker, in fact, you dont need to plug it into your car and enjoy the benefits of monitoring your car.

If You Have Gps Trackers Do You Need A Car Navigation System

Even though you may not need to have a car navigation system thats separate from the tracker installed, it can be a nice feature. Many of the vehicles sold today have car navigation systems built right into them. They are good for finding your way through unfamiliar territories, and they are worth having. Just remember that car navigation systems are not replacements for a GPS tracker.

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Two Types Of Gps Systems

There are a few ways a GPS tracking system can work. Commercial GPS devices are often used to record the location of vehicles during their journeys. Some systems will store information within the GPS system itself, and this is called passive tracking. Other systems regularly send data to a centralized database through a modem, and that is called active tracking or 2-way GPS.

Passive GPS tracking monitors location and stores data on trips based on specific events. This type of system can log data on where the devices have been in the past 12 hours. It stores the data internally or on a memory card, which is then downloaded to a computer to be analyzed later. In some systems, the information is downloaded automatically at a set time or can be requested periodically during the journey.

Passive GPS entails real-time tracking systems that automatically send information to a central tracking portal as it happens. This type of system is used on most commercial applications, such as monitoring and tracking children or the elderly, since it lets caregivers know where their charges are at all times. This type of system is also used to monitor employees’ driving behavior as they work and streamline a fleets’ operations.

Types Of Car Gps Trackers

• Plug-in car GPS tracker. Plug-in car GPS tracker is also known as an OBD GPS tracker. Its called that because all you have to do is plug it into your vehicles OBD connection and youre ready to go. In case you didnt know, OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. Some people prefer this way of connection since it is simple to set up and requires no special tools. Simply attach the GPS tracker to the OBD port.
• Hardwired connection GPS tracker. Hard-wired GPS car trackers, as the name indicates, are plugged directly into the vehicles wiring. This technique is preferred by some users, especially if their car lacks the OBD port.
• Battery-powered GPS tracker. GPS trackers that run on batteries are small, self-contained, and intelligent enough to include sensors that detect door openings or vibrations. Companies that manage fleets of cars and assets have discovered a variety of applications for them, notably in asset security and management.

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Company Vehicle Tracking Policy

An effective vehicle tracker policy should therefore contain:

• A detailed explanation of what a vehicle tracking system is and how it works
• The reasons as to why the company has chosen to use vehicle trackers
• The benefits of vehicle trackers to both the company and staff
• The precise nature of the data that you will collect
• The purposes for which collected data will be used
• Details as to how that data is protected and who has access to it
• The nature and extent of vehicle monitoring during working hours
• What private use can be made of a company vehicle and any conditions attached to this use
• The use of any privacy settings on the vehicle tracking device for use outside working hours.

Finally, the policy should make it clear that the purpose of a company vehicle tracking system is not to monitor the movements of employees. However, a clear explanation should also be included that where misconduct is either inadvertently revealed through data lawfully collected, or where allegations of misconduct are otherwise made that justify the further examination of the available data, this may result in disciplinary proceedings and sanctions.

Passive Global Positioning System

Passive Global Positioning System monitors the location of the moving vehicle basing on certain journey events. For instance, passive GPS tracker devices record the vehicle traversed locations for the past 6 hours or more. The information on the passive GPS gets stored on the internal memory or an external device like a memory card. The stored information gets transferred to a computer later for analysis. Occasionally, stored data automatically get sent via the internet and downloaded at a particular point or be requested while on the journey.

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Types Of Gps Trackers

Within the three elements of GPS tracking, there are two types of ways GPS can give you information on the tracked object. If you’re looking to invest in a GPS tracking device, it’s important to know which type would suit your business or individual needs.

Active tracking or two-way GPS: This is an on-the-go tracking system that automatically sends information to central tracking portals as it happens. This can be used to monitor the movements of people and vehicles as well as monitor employee behaviour, as they give you real-time information on where they are at all times.

Passive tracking: This stores information within the GSP system itself. They log data on where the devices have been and store the data either internally or on a memory card. The data can then be downloaded to a computer, or phone, to be analysed later.

Not all tracking devices work the same or provide users with the same benefits. It all depends on what you need. So ask yourself, are you looking for simple vehicle tracking software commonly used by everyday motorists? Or do you want tracking software that gives you actionable cost-saving insights that could help your business?

Should You Let Your Insurance Company Monitor Your Driving

Because most people are unfamiliar with insurance trackers, the devices can often seem strange and even frightening. Some people immediately get nervous at the thought of their driving habits being monitored.

However, other drivers have embraced insurance trackers as a fair and legitimate means to save on their insurance. When insurers see that your driving habits present a low accident risk, theyre more likely to give you better rates. And seeing your insurance rate go down could inspire you to become an even safer driver.

In this age of hackers, some people fear that information about their driving habits will be stolen and used against them. But insurance companies routinely encrypt the data they collect from your car so that its useless to anyone who might intercept it. The companies also typically agree not to share your data with anyone except law enforcement agencies when legally required to do so. But if youre concerned about security, ask the insurance company.

Do your research and ask lots of questions. Insurance trackers have the potential to save drivers money, but only you can determine if theyre right for you.

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How Do Car Trackers Work

GPS trackers for vehicles use satellite navigation data to provide real-time information about your car’s location, speed, direction, and distance. Personal vehicle tracking benefits include theft protection, improving teen driver safety, and insurance discounts. GPS technology can be a factory-built option for new cars or an aftermarket product you install.

Car Insurance Tracker Pro And Cons

As you can probably imagine, there are several different pros and cons when using a car insurance tracking program. The most obvious pro is that youll get a lower insurance premium and save money, especially if youre a safe driver or dont drive very often.

Additionally, if you frequently speed, roll through stop signs, and dont exhibit good driving habits, you might not want one in your car. You could potentially increase your rates. The insurance companies tend to frame it like youll get a discount no matter what, but thats not always the case.

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All of these insurance tracking devices track your location thanks to GPS. Knowing your vehicles location has several advantages outside of rate pricing. For example, location data can help first responders in an accident, aid in retrieving a stolen or towed vehicle, and much more.

Another huge benefit for parents is the ability to track or monitor kids and teen drivers. Many of these platforms offer an app for parents to see when and where kids go, speeds, and other risky behaviors. Its a great way to track children or elderly family members.

However, with all the data insurers collect, privacy is a concern. According to the Insurance Information Institute, many states have legislation to ensure insurance companies are open, honest, and transparent about the information collected.

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How Does A Car Tracker Work

A GPS car tracker works by sending a signal to the satellites orbiting the Earth’s atmosphere. Trilateration calculates the car’s physical location based on its distance from 3 satellites. The satellites then broadcast this information back down to your car tracker.

You can get notified bout the car’s location either through an app or a third-party control centre – depending on your car tracker.

Most GPS car trackers use the same technology as a car navigation system. The difference with a navigation system is that it provides you with your location to give you driving directions. A car tracker can keep records of your driving and give its location in real time.

Mobile phones used to make calls or connect to the internet also use the same technology. This can mean that some car trackers may also have a monthly subscription fee.

What Is Gps Vehicle Tracking And How Does It Work

The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is powered by a global radio navigation system made up of a minimum of 24 operational satellites that continually orbit Earth. All GPS trackers rely on the same data from this satellite network to track and calculate the vehicles location.

The Global Navigation Satellite System network emits radio signals from medium Earth orbit to communicate with your GPS device. Receivers process the data contained within these signals to compute the exact position of the GPS device as well as their time and the velocity of travel. The data is then sent to your computer or smartphone using the cellular network.

GPS operation is based on trilateration, which uses the position of three or more satellites and their distance from the GPS device to determine latitude, longitude, elevation and time. Information about the satellite location and signal travel time of at least four satellites will quickly and accurately calculate your vehicles travel route, speed and more.

Heres how a GPS vehicle tracking system works in your fleet:

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Things To Consider Before You Buy A Hidden Gps Tracker

• Real-time tracking: A hidden GPS tracker should be able to send you to the real-time location of your vehicle so that you can feel safe about your loved ones, vehicle, and belongings.

• Length and weight: It should not be very long or heavy as its primary purpose is to stay hidden from anyone.

• Monitoring capabilities: Monitoring a GPS tracker can be done through a mobile app or a computer. An ideal GPS tracker should be pre-configured so that a user can easily trace its location through a web-based tracking platform, accessible through any internet-enabled device.

• Battery: A long-lasting battery is a must for any GPS tracker so that you can track your vehicle even if it covers a long journey for many days.

• Installation: The tracker should be easily installed in your vehicle and should be away from anybodys visibility.

• Pricing: Prices for the tracking devices generally vary between $50 $250. If you consider buying a costly device, make sure it has all the features of a high-quality GPS tracking device.

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How Does A Gps Tracking System Work

Before delving into how these types of systems can work for a GPS in a car, it is important to have a broad overview of how GPS works. GPS stands for the global positioning system. It utilizes the Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS network to do this. This is a system that features 24 satellites and ground stations and it is a utility operated by the United States. In addition to those 24, there are also an extra three satellites available in the event one was to fail for some reason. It was originally built for military use, but it is now a part of many civilian devices, such as smartphones.

The system is able to track the location ofsomething on earth that has a GPS tracker on it. This includes a cell phone, aswell as a vehicle with a GPS transmitter. The GPS will provide information onthe location of that transmitter whether it is stationary or it is moving.

There are many uses for this technology today. Some companies will place trackers on their fleet of vehicles to monitor their vehicles. It can provide them with information on their progress and with some types of trackers, it can also provide safety data, such as the speed at which the vehicle was going. They can be used as a means to track people, as well.

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See Your Vehicles Exact Routes On A Map Screen

Get precise locations, routes and times for all your vehicles updated live on detailed maps. With NetTrack GPS mapping software, you can identify the location of your trucks, adjust routes based on real-time traffic conditions and provide clients with more accurate estimated arrival times.

Track Your Trucks GPS vehicle tracking software uses Google Enterprise Edition Maps to provide the most reliable mapping capabilities. The map generates a breadcrumb trail, allowing you to see each vehicles exact route in real-time. See if there were any unauthorized stops and verify any detours made along the way.

How To Find A Hidden Tracker In Your Car

Its one thing to have a hunch that somebody has placed a hidden GPS tracking device on your vehicle, but to find a GPS tracker, thats a whole different story! Depending on how crafty your pursuer is, there are hundreds of places on a vehicle where a hidden tracking device can be placed where it wont be seen. Fortunately, most times, people wont go through all that much trouble to hide a tracker inside or outside your vehicle. Therefore, if somebody has bugged your car, youll probably be able to find the device hidden in a few commons spots, such as underneath the drivers side or passenger side seat or passenger door or inside the dash console or OBD. Be sure to check seat pockets on the back of the front seats and in-between back seats. But, if whoever is trying to track you did get crafty in concealing their device, you may need to rely on professional tools to help you find it.

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What Is Car Gps Trackers Used For

Most people know the most popular uses for GPS technology, like surveying and mapping, obtaining directions and keeping track of children. However, there are many more possibilities you never thought of.

GPS plays a crucial role in all kinds of applications used by military personnel and first responders, as for other personal and commercial purposes. Here are a few methods GPS monitoring systems can be employed.

Invest In A Gps Scanner

GPS trackers are available online and in stores, so its easy to get your hands on one. The devices are small and portable, so you can bring them with you when you travel and use them to detect GPS tracking devices in vehicles, on people and in other places.

There are many different types of GPS trackers aroundsome of which have been specifically designed for detecting tracking devices. If youre looking for something that will do the trick without breaking the bank or requiring any special knowledge beyond what weve covered here, consider buying one of these models:

• The GSM/GPS Cell Phone Jammer

• The Universal Wireless Remote Control Jammer

• The Portable FDM Signal Jamming Device

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What Can A Car Tracker Do

Vehicle trackers can do a lot more than just track vehicles!

From fuel tracking to tow and crash alerts, theres a lot packed into these small devices. In fact theres so much I could go on about here it would take a whole another article!

Heres the quick rundown:

• Speeding Alerts
• Out of Range Logging

In the coming months well be releasing an entire series of articles discussing all the alerts and features available. Keep an eye out!