How GPS Vehilce Location Works

In recent years GPS vehicle location technology has become more common and many vehicle manufacturers offer a form of services like On-Star that includes GPS tracking. In addition there are many products on the market that buyers can purchase that make use of this technology as well. GPS tracking is extremely accurate and can show the position of a vehicle within a few feet. GPS technology has many uses including monitoring your car while it is being driven by your teenager, map and directional assistance and fleet management. In addition GPS units can assist in recovering stolen vehicles, can be used to monitor mileage and destinations, but how do they work?

There are several forms of GPS tracking systems and each works in a slightly different way. No matter what system you are using they all transmit the same data including speed and distance. In all cases GPS data is transferred from the vehicle to a central service location where it stores information about travel times, locations, distances, speeds and even fuel consumption. All systems are either real-time systems or passive systems.

Real-time cellular systems work by transmitting location and speed data to, or from, a vehicle over a cellular network. This data is accessed in one of two ways. Either by logging on to a web site or by retrieving the data from a cell phone account. Real-time satellite systems work in a similar manner only they transmit data via a satellite to the vendor. This data is viewed by accessing the vendor’s web site for a monthly fee.

Passive GPS systems work on either radio frequencies or through a direct download method. Radio systems work by transmitting data to the home base when the vehicle passes within a certain distance of a short radio range while direct download systems download data when the unit is removed and connected to a computer.

Gathering GPS data is fairly easy but accessing it can often be cumbersome or expensive, depending on what form of GPS technology is used. Reading data after the fact will depend on the system. Passive systems are less expensive to generally there data can only be accessed when the storage unit is in possession of the user. Real time systems are expensive to monitor.

Vehicle tracking systems have become an invaluable service not only to concerned parents and everyday drivers but also to fleet management companies, mass transit authorities and government agencies. Insurance companies often offer discounts to those drivers that make use of these systems and law enforcement agencies are able to help quell crimes with their use.