A GPS tracker (also GPS locator, GSM tracker or GPRS tracker) is a device for receiving and transmitting data for satellite monitoring of cars, people or other objects to which it is attached, using the Global Positioning System to accurately determine the location of the object.

GPS tracker device

The GPS tracker contains a GPS receiver, with which it determines its coordinates, as well as a transmitter for sending them to a remote user.

Classification of GPS trackers

There are two classes of GPS trackers by design: Personal portable GPS tracker - usually called a small-sized GPS tracker. It is intended for individual use.

Automobile GPS tracker (often called: Automobile controller) is a station device that connects to the on-board network of a car or other vehicle.

Features of using GPS trackers

The tracker like phone number tracker can be used to determine the location of people, animals, goods or transport, as well as other objects. The device records the received information at regular intervals, and can then record this data or transmit it via radio communication, GPRS or GSM connection, satellite modem to the support server or another computer (for example, in the form of SMS or over the Internet).

In the case of using the support server, it processes the received data and registers it in its database; then the tracker user can log in to the system server on the Internet under his name and password, and the system displays the location and geography of movement on the map. The tracker's movements can be analyzed either in real time or later. The GPS tracking function is available in some models of mobile phones.

Possible uses of trackers include:

• Monitoring the movement of transport. For example, a transport company or taxi service can install such a device on their vehicles and thus receive information about the time and route, search for stolen vehicles. See satellite monitoring of transport

• Animal movement monitoring. Such trackers can be in the form of collars or used by scientists or pet owners.

• Monitoring the progress of sports competitions. The tracker allows you to find out about violations of the rules if a participant in the competition decides to shorten the route (for example, in gliding) or to determine the length of the distance (for example, in jogging)

• People surveillance. Can be used to monitor a person's movements or their car, to study their habits, to find and protect children or the elderly. At the same time, parents can set a zone on their computer in which their child may be. If the owner of a cell phone with GPS tracking leaves this zone, an alarm signal will be sent to the computer or cell phone of the parents.

• Monitoring employees. GPS control helps to identify the route of field workers. For example, sales representatives, drivers, merchandisers, etc. Using a program for sales agents, in which GPS control is installed, you can monitor whether the company's personnel adhere to the route. This helps to optimize the work process, reduce the non-targeted use of working time.

• Semi-automatic provision of digital photographs with geotags in EXIF/IPTC, for linking photographs to global coordinates and further viewing on maps.

• Some trackers today support the "SOS" button, which allows the child or any other user to send an alarm signal with exact coordinates to several numbers in the form of an SMS message.