GPS Fleet Tracking Technology
Components of GPS Fleet Tracking Applications
In order to utilize GPS technology in a business application, three basic components are required:
GPS Receiver
The vehicle, person or asset to be tracked requires a GPS receiver. This receiver listens to the data streams being transmitted by the constellation of 24 satellites in near-earth orbit. In order to obtain a position fix, a minimum of 3 satellite signals must be received at once. Four satellites are required to ascertain altitude. The GPS receiver extrapolates the position of itself from each of the satellites in its view, using triangulation.
Transmitter
In most business applications, the position of a vehicle is required back at a host location, such as an office. Therefore, the position as determined by the GPS receiver must be transmitted to that host location. This can be accomplished using a wireless packet data network or a two-way radio communications system.
Software Application
In order to visualize the position of a vehicle on a map or use its location to create the type of benefits listed above, the location information must be fed into a software application. There are a wide range of systems available, including horizontal consumer applications and vertical market commercial applications, designed to address specific industry needs.
Index
- Overview
- Components of GPS Systems
- Benefits to Business
- GPS Functionality
- Software Classifications
- Breakthrough Developments
- Future Quest AVL Solutions
