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How GPS Works

By Zeke Hadi

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 16Sep2009 Word count: 708 Viewed: 545 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

When people talk about "GPS," they usually mean a GPS receiver unit, but the Global Positioning System (GPS) is actually a constellation of 27 Earth orbiting satellites.

The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but opened it up to the private sector.

Each of these solar powered satellites circles the globe making two complete rotations every day. The orbits are arranged so that at any time, anywhere on Earth, there are at least four satellites "visible" in the sky.

A GPS receiver's job is to locate four or more of these satellites, figure out the distance to each satellite, and use this information to determine its own location. This operation is based on a simple mathematical principle called trilateration. We will not explain the details of trilateration at this time.

Once the receiver makes this calculation, it can tell you the latitude, longitude and altitude (or some similar measurement) of its current position. To make the navigation more user-friendly, most receivers will download this raw data into map.

A standard GPS receiver will not only place you on a map at any particular location, but will also trace your path across a map as you move. The receiver stays in constant communication with GPS satellites to see how your location is changing.

With this information and its built-in clock, the receiver can give you several pieces of valuable information: How far you've traveled (odometer), How long you've been traveling, Your current speed (speedometer), Your average speed and A "bread crumb" trail showing you exactly where you have traveled on the map.

Choosing the right GPS system

Choosing a GPS vehicle tracking system can be difficult. There are many products on the market with a slew of bells and whistles. Which bells and whistles do you really need. First, determine WHY you need the system.

For example, what aspects of employee productivity need to be addressed? Overtime concerns, route management, increased sales? Or, are you in need of a system simply to ensure that a family member has made it to his/her destination. Do you need real-time verification or is it ok if you receive and manage the information later in the day or week.

Passive vs. Real-Time systems

There are two general categories of systems to choose from. Your first step in your evaluation process should be to determine if you require a "Real-time" or "Passive" system. Both real-time and passive systems have the capability to provide you with vehicle speed data, vehicle stops data, length of stop data and route taken data.

"Real-Time" GPS Vehicle Tracking Overview

Generally, a Real-time system utilizes a wireless network to allow you to receive your information and view the location of your asset in real-time. Real-time GPS tracking is becoming the standard for companies or individuals who wish to use a GPS locator device for tracking fleet vehicles as well as tracking assets (trailers, generators, heavy equipment). Some features of real-time systems include the ability to know where your vehicle is RIGHT NOW, real-time zone alerts, arrival at customer site alerts, speed alerts, the ability to locate the nearest vehicle to a particular address. Generally, with a real-time system, you retrieve your information from the internet and the GPS company servers.

"Passive" GPS Vehicle Tracking Overview

When a passive unit is installed in a vehicle, the GPS location data is stored in the GPS receiver and downloaded from the vehicle at the end of the day or when the vehicle returns to the yard. Passive systems can be downloaded manually (where every driver turns in a memory module or key at the end of the day), or automatically (where your data is transferred wirelessly to a computer via 900mhz when the vehicle travels within a certain distance of the yard). Passive systems are recommended for companies who do not have a need to view their fleet in real-time, nor do they have the need to know where a vehicle is right now. The passive system is an excellent system for cost conscious companies who can manage their fleet after the vehicles and drivers return to the yard. You get an excellent return on investment from passive systems because there is no monthly monitoring.

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