Active vs. Passive vs. Hybrid GPS: Key Differences

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the United States, becoming operational in 1978. GPS satellites transmit data at 50 bits per second, providing positioning information to devices on Earth. A-GPS (Assisted GPS) further enhances this by obtaining assistance data at a faster rate (around 100 Mbps), enabling mobile devices to acquire positioning information more quickly than with standard GPS.

Based on how collected GPS location data is transmitted for processing, there are three main types of GPS: Active, Passive, and Hybrid. Let’s break down the differences.

Active GPS

• Active GPS uses cellular communication to transmit GPS data to the vendor’s software for processing.
• This transmission occurs in near real-time, typically every minute, every 5 minutes, or another configured interval.
• Vendors often allow configuration of this timing parameter, customizing it based on specific client needs.

Passive GPS

• With Passive GPS, the GPS receiver on the user’s device collects GPS data throughout the day.
• Upon returning home, the user places the GPS receiving device in a charging unit.
• Once connected to the charger, the device transmits the collected GPS data to the vendor’s software for processing, usually via a landline connection.
• Unlike Active GPS, where location data is sent to the vendor almost immediately, Passive GPS downloads information only when the device is connected and “not in real time.”

Hybrid GPS

• Hybrid GPS offers a blend of the two approaches. Data is transmitted to the vendor on a less regular basis, but the system automatically switches to active mode when an alert is triggered.
• The frequency of GPS data collection can be programmed (e.g., every few hours).
• In this type, the time parameter is generally longer than with Active GPS but more frequent than Passive GPS (which is typically once a day).
• For example, the system might be configured to transmit data every 4 hours.
• Like Active GPS, Hybrid GPS relies on cellular technology for transmitting location data.

Summary