Uncover the Benefits of GPS Tracking Devices for Vehicles

What is GPS and how is it related to GNSS?

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are global networks of satellites that transmit radio signals. Several constellations provide this service, such as GLONASS (operated by the Russian Federation), Galileo (operated by the European Union), and BeiDou (operated by China).

The GNSS satellite navigation system we are most familiar with is called the Global Positioning System or GPS, which was developed and operated by the United States.

GPS is a constellation of 31 satellites orbiting Earth. Each satellite transmits a signal that allows a receiver, through a combination of signals from at least four satellites, to determine time and location.

3 main parts of a satellite

Let's discuss the three main segments of satellites to better understand how this technology works and how it helps us achieve real-time location tracking.

1. Space segment: This segment includes all the satellites in the GPS constellation. They transmit signals to users based on geographic position and time, and are positioned so that four satellites are above the horizon from any point on Earth. Three satellites are required by the receiver to determine position, and the fourth improves the measurement and provides the ability to calculate the vertical height of a point above sea level.

2. Control segment: Also known as ground control, this segment consists of monitoring stations that detect errors that may occur due to interference from radiation, electrical problems, or wear and tear. From time to time, the satellite requires instructions to correct these errors.

3. User segment: These are the GPS receivers and transmitters that we use in our daily lives, such as smartphones, cars, cameras, and airplanes.

Here's how GPS tracking works on cars.

GPS satellites, signals, and tracking devices are the three components of a global tracking system commonly used today.

GPS trackers use a process called trilateration to determine latitude, longitude, altitude, and time. Trilateration is a measurement of distance. Three satellites are used to calculate your distance from each other. Using these three distances, trilateration can determine your precise location. Tracking devices are typically powered by an onboard diagnostics (OB-II) port, such as an accessory socket or internal battery, which collects information and sends it to software, allowing us to analyse the data.

Another interesting thing about GPS trackers is that there are two different types: active and passive. Active trackers provide users with a real-time view of their global position. This type of GPS tracking is the best choice for individuals or businesses looking for a real-time view of their vehicles.

On the other hand, passive trackers only store GPS data for later viewing. This is ideal for business fleet managers who are primarily interested in monitoring past activity.

The main benefits of a GPS tracking device

The use of GPS technology has become the norm for many people, you probably already know the benefits, but to refresh your memory, here are some of them:

• Know the location of your vehicle at all times: A GPS tracker makes it easy to monitor your vehicle's location and see if the driver is following the planned route. It's also an excellent option for recovering a stolen vehicle.
• Identifying risky driving behaviour: With event-based tracking, telemetry and input data are sent periodically or when an event is detected. An event can be anything from opening a car door to making a sharp turn, hard acceleration, or speeding. Fleet managers can receive alerts about poor driving habits that can lead to accidents, vehicle wear and tear, and high repair costs.
• Reduce fuel costs: By comparing multiple routes using GPS tracking and historical reports, fleet managers can optimise fuel usage and reduce wasteful spending. Fleet managers can easily compare multiple routes with historical reports and choose the most fuel-efficient one. GPS tracking can also help reduce idling time and high speeds, which has additional fuel-saving benefits.
• Improving customer service: GPS tracking improves shipping and routing, reducing the time it takes to deliver orders. This will result in positive reviews for your business, as customers can be confident that their orders will arrive on time.

The hidden benefits of GPS tracking systems

Here are some often overlooked and lesser-known benefits of GPS tracking systems:

• Emergency assistance for drivers: Fleet telematics combined with GPS tracking provides instant access to fleet vehicle locations, which can save lives. In the event of an accident, emergency services will be able to reach the driver faster than usual.
• Accurate costing and billing: With a GPS tracking system, you can see in more detail the areas that are draining your budget and reducing costs, as well as a better estimate of how much it will take to keep your business running each day.
• Simplifying tax compliance: Due to the accuracy in vehicle movements, drivers no longer need to manually record their mileage, thus helping you file your taxes without any hassle.

What about everyday drivers?

• Review past trips and identify the best route: There are many ways to get to work, your partner's house, or your children's school. These daily trips can be expensive if you don't know which routes are the most fuel-efficient. A good GPS tracking system can save you this trouble.
• Reduce insurance premiums: Most insurance companies consider vehicle tracking to determine premiums and those without tracking devices are considered high risk.
• Monitoring the safety of teenagers: You will know where your children are at all times, including when they are on the road, and you can monitor their driving habits so you can ensure they are safe at all times.

Find the best GPS tracking device for your family and business.

Whether for personal or business use, Cartrack has a GPS tracking unit to meet all your vehicle needs. Cartrack specialises in telematics that will surely make your life easier.

Cartrack GPS tracking features for fleets and drivers

Real-time vehicle tracking

With Cartrack's live GPS tracking system, you can always know the real-time location of your fleet, whether parked or on the move. You can also access the real-time location of your personal vehicles at any time by downloading the Cartrack mobile app.

Delivery for fleets
Whatever your business, whether it's e-commerce or the pharmaceutical industry, Cartrack's fleet management software is here to provide the fastest and most organised way to deliver with route and task optimisation.

With these full features:

• The process is paperless, therefore, it takes less time.
• You can easily manage jobs by route or change job priority.
• Drivers stay connected by gaining access to easy-to-use apps that help them complete tasks faster.
• Drivers get instant notifications when there are cancellations or new jobs assigned to them.
• Customers receive instant notifications about any changes and delivery progress through the app.

Route Replay
Get a complete view of your fleet's vehicle travel history, replay their trips, and view the distance and duration of each trip.

Driver behaviour monitoring
Gain access to driver scorecards that provide detailed reports on driving behaviour, such as speeding, idling, sharp turns, and harsh braking. These reports will help you identify areas where drivers need improvement and determine the necessary training.

Geofencing
Create a virtual boundary around a specific area where the vehicle is intended to operate. Receive notifications whenever the vehicle enters or exits that area. This geofencing feature is suitable not only for fleet management but also for personal vehicles. You can set up similar virtual boundaries around other locations of your choice—such as your home or areas your child should not visit—and receive notifications whenever the vehicle enters or leaves those zones.

Fuel Monitoring
Cartrack's GPS tracking system is connected to a fleet management platform that helps you detect fuel card fraud by calculating distance travelled versus litres of fuel used. We have the Mifleet platform that helps you manage your fleet costs based on the reports provided.

Enable safety and fuel savings with Cartrack solutions

Contact Cartrack today and get a comprehensive tracking solution that enhances security and saves fuel for your vehicle! Click the link below!