A GPS (Global Positioning System) helps users to determine their exact location by using information provided by a satellites orbiting in space. Originally launched in the 1970’s, the basic purpose of GPS was to facilitate military navigation system. In its due course, there have been a lot of improvements in GPS which helped enhance the accuracy and availability of GPS to an extent that it can now be used by civilians for a wide range of purposes. It has become a part of our routine life as GPS systems are now included in smart phones, automobile navigation systems, and many other consumer devices.
The Use of GPS for Personal Security
After its launch for military use, security professionals recognized the potential for GPS to be used for security purposes, especially to track stolen items. Various industries started using the GPS system as it was available for civilian use. However, in the beginning the sheer size of GPS system was an issue because it was difficult to conceal. Moreover, without a power supply, they could function only for a little time as their battery life was limited.
These days, there are many sophisticated GPS systems which can be used for security purposes. Being compact they can be installed anywhere. Moreover, modern GPS systems consume much less power than their predecessors and are easier to control. Most of these GPS systems only contain a circuit to transmit signal in the hour of need. This help in conserving battery power.
Uses of GPS System
For Security purpose, GPS can be used in three main areas. These are GPS Asset Trackers, GPS Vehicle Trackers, and GPS Personal Trackers.
1. GPS Asset Trackers
High value items such as jewelery, electronics and other shipments can be tracked with the help of GPS Asset Trackers. They help mitigate the risk of theft for highly valuable items. By attaching a GPS asset tracker to items which need protection, you can avert risk of any malicious activity. They also help track down and recover these items in event of theft.
The presence of GPS Asset Trackers is not known as they are concealed within the items that they are intended to track. If an item is stolen, these trackers trigger an alarm at the monitoring center which allows the item to be tracked using GPS. They use a combination of cellular telephone and GPS technology, and are available in different sizes and shapes. They are compact and can be hidden in pill bottles, packages of cigarettes, jewelry, cell phones, and bundles of currency.
Upon triggering, the GPS Asset Tracker notifies monitoring center which pings the police and the client. All stakeholders can track the location of device on a real-time basis by logging on to the monitoring center’s web portal.
You need to purchase tracking device and a monthly subscription to the monitoring and tracking service for using GPS Asset Tracker. Tracking devices bay area cost from $400 to $600 in the US, where you can get subscription from $20 to $30 per device. The batteries of GPS Asset Trackers must be replaced on a regular basis.
2. GPS Vehicle Trackers
The most common use of GPS is in vehicles. It has various uses in automobiles. Other than helping to track the location of heavy vehicles, such as delivery trucks and tractor trailer rigs, they can also be used to navigate and find the best routes easily. The vehicle trackers have the same function as that of asset trackers. Since they are part of automobiles, they can derive the required power from vehicle’s electrical system which means there is no such hurdle regarding the battery life of these trackers.
Vehicle trackers do not sit inactive as is the case with Asset Trackers which activate only after a crime has occurred. The Vehicle Trackers remain active as they are used for managing and monitoring fleet. Moreover, it also helps keep the record of the vehicle fleets. The information can be vehicle speed, arrival and departure times at specific terminals, detours taken in the routes. More sophisticated vehicle trackers can be connected with the vehicle’s system to monitor driving pattern, habits and vehicle performance characteristics.
3. GPS Personal Trackers
This is the most advanced usage of GPS trackers which is used to track people. Personal GPS Trackers are compact and portable devices that are becoming increasingly popular as they can help track people easily. These devices can be carried in a pocket or on a belt, worn around the neck or over wrist to keep track of the person being tracked. Using a combination of cellular services and GPS technology, it is possible to keep real-time track of your loved ones. These trackers can be used to monitor movements of children, seniors, teens and other people with special needs. Due to the cellular technology, alarm signals can be transmitted which allow two-way communication. While a signal can be sent from the tracker to the monitoring center, vice versa is also possible. The GPS technology is used to determine the precise location of the tracking device.
To transmit the signals the person using the tracker presses a panic button located on the device; which activates the tracker and triggers alarm to the monitoring center. Advanced trackers also allow a voice communications between the user and the operator at the monitoring center. Using this feature the operator can speak with the user to inquire about the problem at hand. In case of danger, help is dispatched.
Personal trackers allow the exact location to be determined even without pressing of panic button. For example, parents can find out the precise location of their teens without any help call. GPS Personal Trackers are ideal for those parents who have a special needs child, or a toddler at home. With a lot on their plate, if parents need to keep an eye on child or a senior with special needs, they can significant help from the tracker as they don’t have to keep running here and there, between household chores and monitoring children. GPS Personal Trackers cost between $200 and $300 depending on type, and require a monthly monitoring services fee of between $35 to $50 per month.
There are 3 most common types of GPS Trackers. Let’s take a look at them.
Passive Trackers
These trackers are more of recorders as they are installed on the vehicle to keep a record of where the vehicle has been used and when. The data can be accessed by removing the tracker and plugging it in to the computer. To process or review the data, the tracker compatible application is used. You can find passive trackers for as less as $200 without having to pay the monthly monitoring fee. These trackers do have a limitation as they cannot provide the real-time location of a stolen item.
Active Trackers
The limitation of passive tracker has been accommodated in active trackers as they provide continuous, real-time tracking. With the help of these trackers, you can know the exact location of your child, vehicle, or pet. It serves as a great monitoring device for ensuring safety and security. Some advanced active trackers can produce alerts if the exceptional event is encountered. For example if the child leaves the premises or vehicle gets off track, or so on. You can get active trackers from $300 to $500 in the US with a monthly monitoring fee of $30 to $50.
On-Demand Trackers
These trackers remain dormant until activated remotely by the user. Tracker can be activated by logging on the manufacturer’s website, and providing credentials like name and password. The user then has to enable the tracking which shows the target’s exact location on a map. If it is used with vehicles, you can also get to know about it speed and route. After activating, you can track the GPS for up to 24 hours before having to reactivate it. These trackers cost less than $200 in the US. For demand activation, you have to pay an additional cost. There are flexible payment plans as well as annual plans which come with a predetermined number of activations for which you have to pay.
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