Custom Search

The Ultimate Tracking Device Guide: What's Available And What It Does

GPS or Global Positioning System Navigational Tools and Tracking devices have become very popular navigational aids. You can make use of this satellite-powered technology previously used by the military, but is now freely available for civilian use. Portable GPS navigators and small-sized GPS trackers offer a wide range of applications that you can enjoy.

While GPS navigators are used to pinpoint your exact location on a digital map or plan the best route to a particular destination, you can make use of GPS trackers to track the location and movement of a person, vehicle or asset fitted with one of these devices. There are a wide variety of devices and gadgets available for you and the following provides a brief description of what these devices do.

So what type of tools are out there and what can they do? Lets take a look:

* GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker is a device that makes use of the Global Positioning System to help you pinpoint the exact location of a vehicle, person where the device is attached to. These GPS coordinates and other information are either stored on the unit’s internally memory or transmitted to your PC in real-time by radio, satellite or through a mobile GSM network.

There are various GPS trackers out in the market and if you plan on purchasing one, you should take note of important specifications that can help you get the most from your device. These specifications include:

?Accuracy
?Sensitivity
?Frequency of sampling points
?Power sources
?Reliability
?Type and Availability of software used

Users however, should take careful discretion when using GPS trackers. It is unlawful to attach a unit to vehicle without their knowledge, unless you’re the parent of the minor or the owner of the vehicle. Even law enforcement officials need to have a search warrant before they can install a GPS tracker to a suspect’s vehicle.

* GPS Tracker with SOS Calling / GSM Capabilities

Some GPS tracker units are equipped with mobile phone capabilities that can send out an SOS alert by a text SMS message or an email using the GSM network whenever the tracked subject goes beyond a set safety zone or distance. You can make use of such tools to alert you if a pet, elderly family member, minor or a vehicle gets lost, then you can make use of the real-time signals from the device to track them down on a digital map from a provider’s website.

These devices can also be programmed to send out location signals every five minutes or whatever you set it too.

* GPS Logger

While GPS trackers are active devices that can send location information through a mobile phone or satellite network, some devices like the GPS logger have no transmission capabilities. What they do instead is to record GPS information at pre-determined intervals then store the data in its internal memory. You can later retrieve or download this recorded information for analysis on your PC.

When buying a GPS logger for your own use, you should check out which type of internal memory the device has and how you can access this memory. These units come with either a memory card or internal flash memory and can usually be accessed via a USB connection. You should also consider the type of software that is compatible with your device.

As with GPS trackers, proper discretion should be observed when using GPS loggers, particularly if it is used without the tracked person or the vehicle owner’s knowledge and consent.

* GPS Photo Tagger

Want to record the exact time and location whenever you take a digital photo? Then make use of a GPS photo tagger. The process, which is also known as geotagging, is to embed your photos with time, latitude, longitude and even altitude information. You can do this by integrating a small GPS photo tagger that is compatible with your digital camera.

This is a great way to categorize and organize your photos and easily locate them through their geotags. You can also upload them to the Internet and have them plotted on an interactive world map – telling you the precise location and time the photo was taken.

* GPS Location Finder

Are you the type of person that has difficulties finding where they parked their cars or how to get back to their starting point when looking for a place or establishment? Then despair not as a GPS location finder may be the right tool for you. This handy device can save the location of your car or starting point at the push of a button. If you want to go back to this location, the GPS location finder can guide you towards this save location with flashing arrows that changes color to tell you if you’re near or veering away.

These GPS location finder devices can be bought as a stand-alone device or as a 4-in-1 tool that present four different functions such as a GPS receiver, location finder, a data logger, and a photo tagger by simply installing the appropriate software. This is a great tool to have for all your navigational and tracking needs – without putting too much strain on your pocket.

By: Roseli

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Get the best GPS tracking tools. Visit Chinavasion.com or paste this URL into your browser: www.chinavasion.com/index.php/cName/electronic-gadgets-gps-gadgets/

© 2005-2011 Article Dashboard