Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
The Global Positioning System (GPS) consists of 32 satellites in different orbits around the world. At any given time a number of satellites are in view in any place on the earth. A GPS receiver receives information from these satellites and uses it to locate itself. GPS works best in open environments, with an accuracy of a few meters under good conditions.
GPS tracking with GpsGate is based on GPS receivers that have a connection to the Internet so that they can transmit their position information to a GpsGate Server. Common objects to track include persons, vehicles, animals and valuable assets.
To be able to track an object you need a GPS device with an Internet connection, access to a GpsGate Server and a web browser. This is depicted below:
The process of tracking an object can be simplified to three steps:
Locating the object: This is done by placing a GPS on the object. There are mobile phones with built-in GPS, small GPS devices dedicated for personal tracking, fixed mount GPS devices for vehicle tracking, etc. As long as the GPS is turned on its position information is constantly updated, so “it knows where it is”.
Sending the objects position information to a server: By connecting the GPS to the Internet it's position information can be sent to a GpsGate Server in real time. This is usually done over GPRS in a mobile network using a standard mobile subscription or over a satellite communication link in areas without mobile network coverage. A dedicated GPS tracking device has both a GPS and a mobile subscription or satellite module built in for this purpose. Other devices with an Internet connection, such as mobile phones, PDAs or laptops can of course also be used as clients.
Reporting the objects position: When the objects position has been sent to the GpsGate Server it can be seen in a web browser. Security settings define who can see what. Depending on the user needs the objects position can be shown on a map in real time, sent as emails or SMS. Historical reports can be created showing track history, alerts can be triggered on object behaviour, etc.
There are additional things to consider in this process, such as; security around who should be able to see what objects; historical track storage and retrieval; management of operator roles; etc. These are issues that are handled by the GpsGate platform.