What is a GPS tracker?

GPS trackers usually consist of a GSM module, a GPS receiver and a processor unit. The GPS receiver receives the signals from the various GPS satellites and outputs them. The coordinates can then be transmitted via various communication channels. In addition to SMS (Short Message Service), there is also the possibility of GPRS (General packet radio service) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication, like gsm gps tracker, usb gps tracker, satellite tracking device, gprs tracker. There is also a GPS tracker with an internal storage medium for subsequent evaluation.

Internal memory

Micro gps tracking device with internal storage media allow the coordinates to be saved directly and then readout on a computer or other terminal devices. This technique is often used for electronic logbooks and tracking of athletes to avoid data loss due to possible power failure.

Transmission

The transmission of data via GPRS and SMS enables position determination in almost real-time, whereas SMS communication is usually subject to a delay. When communicating via GPRS, the data is transmitted to the desired terminal device in fractions of a second. The terminal device is usually a server with an unchangeable IP address. This server can use the coordinates of the GPS tracker for further processing and display them graphically or prepare them for a smartphone app, for example.

A GPS tracker and its applications

The application areas for GPS trackers are very broad like tracking device for kids, gps tracking device for car, gps tracker for elderly, tracker for pet, gps tracker for bike. Whether in the private sector to protect the relatives or supporting the elderly. Many new GPS trackers are also suitable for finding runaway pets due to their small size and relatively low weight. 

But GPS trackers can also be used in the business sector. In addition to tracking company vehicles and truck fleets, they are also suitable for coordinating employees - here, of course, costs should also be considered. GPS trackers can also be suitable for authorities by being used for observation or for the transport of valuable goods.

From these different fields of application a multitude of different developments of GPS trackers results. There are already cheap GPS trackers available for less than 100€. But also for more important applications, there are GPS trackers with extra-long battery life or a high-quality finish with waterproof housing and much more. But these GPS trackers usually cost more than 100€.