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GPS Tracking System: How it Works

gps tracking vehicle tracking personal tracking location information tracking system

This page provides a basic overview of GPS tracking systems, including GPS vehicle tracking and GPS personal tracking applications. It also lists some manufacturers of GPS trackers.

A GPS tracker is a device, either carried by a person or installed in a vehicle, that uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine its location. This location information can be stored within the device itself or transmitted to a central database. The data transfer often happens over a cellular network to a computer or mobile device connected to the internet. Once the device is with a person or installed in a vehicle, its position can be tracked using GPS tracking software.

GPS tracking system Figure 1: GPS Personal and Vehicle Tracking System

Figure 1 illustrates the processes involved in how a GPS tracking system operates:

  • Step 1: As shown, the GPS device obtains location information (latitude, longitude, and height coordinates). Both personal tracking (1b) and vehicle tracking (1a) are represented.

  • Step 2: The location information is then transmitted to a cellular tower (GSM, CDMA, LTE).

  • Step 3: The information is transmitted as SMS messages or IP packets to database servers.

  • Step 4a: If the information is in the form of SMS messages, it’s passed to a smartphone or mobile phone once it’s powered on.

  • Step 4b: If the information is in the form of IP packets, it’s displayed when a laptop or computer user opens GPS tracking software to check the location.

The user (via laptop or mobile) can also initiate a GPS location request to track a specific GPS device. The GPS device then transmits the information as outlined in steps 1 through 4.

Manufacturers of GPS Trackers

Here are some GPS tracker manufacturers that offer both GPS personal trackers and GPS vehicle tracking systems:

  • US Fleet Tracking: Provides live asset management and vehicle tracking solutions.
  • BrickHouse Security: A supplier of various security solutions, including GPS-based fleet tracking, vehicle tracking, child tracking, and more.
  • FollowMee LLC: A GPS Tracker provider.