GPS Tracking Down to the Centimeter

GPS Tracking with a new level of accuracy

GPS Tracking can be defined as the surveillance through the use of a GPS (Global Positioning System) in order to trace the location of an object or an entity in a remote way. The details that a GPS system can provide are the latitude, longitude, the ground speed and of course the direction of movement.

The basics of a GPS: The need for better accuracy

A GPS is basically a constellation of twenty four satellites placed at certain points in space orbiting the Earth. It enables people on the ground to pinpoint on a specific location that is picked up by the satellites. The accuracy of the location that is indicated is somewhere close to 10 – 100 meters for most of the GPS devices. In case it is military grade equipment, the accuracy of the spot increases to 1 metre or less. The use of GPS has increased and has become low cost as well. People who own a smartphone, tablet or a GPS navigation system has access to and can make use of this modern technology.

The GPS technology is very valuable for the police, fire brigade, defense units and transportation or courier businesses. Other uses of this system can be the GPS guns that can fire a GPS tracker to avoid a dangerous pursuit by shooting at an escaping or a moving target by law enforcers. Other variants of this domain could be GPS dust that again comprises of tiny trackers. This method has also been employed for tracking employee locations.

However, the common concern regarding the GPS technology irrespective of its use has always been the accuracy of the location. In this regard, researchers at the University of California have come up with a new data processing method that has led to an increase in the accuracy of the transmitted position. This new system can now provide data that would be within the range of a few centimetres. This new development will be incorporated in the aviation, automobile and the naval systems apart from other precision technologies. The same accuracy can be achieved on mobile devices as well and the best thing would be that it is not going to increase the power consumption rate.

How did it all happen?

This new breakthrough was achieved after a reformulation of a series of equations which is the core of the process that determines the location of the GPS implant. The main driving force that led to this progress was the strong need of a system that would be beyond the metre level accuracy, especially in the case of autonomous cars and precision farming that need a higher level of accuracy.

In the case of cars, the applications controlling the safety system not only needs to know in which lane is a car running, but it also needs to know where exactly it is in that lane. Also, the information has to refresh at very high speeds as well as high bandwidth. Hence, GPS data along with from an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) were combined using INS (Internal Navigation system).

Choosing a GPS Device Locator That is Right for You

If you have valuable possessions that you want to keep an eye on, you need to invest in a GPS device locator. Device locators help you to receive real time information concerning your valuables’ whereabouts. A variety of GPS tracking devices are available to help you keep track of your possessions. You can attach a device to your possessions and set the device up to send alerts to your smart phone or computer whenever the device leaves a designated area. Some devices come with a camera that displays the real time surroundings of the device on your smart phone or computer. This allows you to always know where your possessions are and what is taking place around them.
Many companies offer GPS devices. It is imperative to do research to assure that the GPS device you buy is best suited for your unique needs.
Company Reputation
Before you invest in a GPS tracker, be sure to first research the reputation of the company that made the device. Look into whether or not the company has a long history of offering high quality products, good customer service, and quality customer feedback. It is important that the company will be around for many years to come so that it can continue to provide you support throughout the life of your device.
Size of Device
Next, decide which device size best suits your needs. A smaller, lightweight device is generally more portable than a larger device and can be used almost anywhere. You can drop it in your child’s backpack, hide it in your computer case that are loaning to a friend, or put it in your teenager’s car. Smaller devices can be attached to more items without being seen. Although there are many advantages of investing in a smaller GPS device, a larger GPS device has many pros, too. Larger devices often offer longer battery life and features like a camera, heat sensor, and motion detector. 
Battery Life of Device
Once you have decided on the size of device that will best suit your needs, you musty decide on battery life. Battery life varies among GPS trackers, but most units tend to work for at least a week before needing a recharge if they are used for about two hours per day. If you want your device to protect your possessions for a longer length of time between charges, you may want to consider more powerful devices and machines equipped with power saving modes.
Service Fees
If you do not need real time reporting from your GPS tracker, you may be able to save money on monthly service fees by opting for a tracking device that provides you with a data logger rather than real time reporting. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of real time reporting before deciding whether or not to invest in a device with service fees.
Whichever GPS device locator you choose, you are sure to experience greater peace of mind knowing that your most prized possessions are being securely monitored. 

Article courtesy of BrickHouse Security, find them on Facebook or stop by their site for more Industry news and updates on the latest home security and GPS tracking items. 

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