GPS Vehicle Tracking System's Classification

Vehicle tracking systems were used in the past primarily by transport and shipping companies. These tracking systems have no GPS then, but companies were enabled to keep track of a fleet of vehicles from a single location. The system even allowed them to determine where a particular package was en route to its destination.

Today, with the advent of Global Positioning System (GPS), the vehicle tracking systems are becoming more and more commonplace, even in family passenger vehicles. So unlike the past when the systems were initially only available in very high end vehicles or occasionally an after-market accessory, they can now be found in a wide variety of vehicles.

Researches have revealed that currently, there are GPS vehicle tacking systems available that their manufacturers say do not require a direct line of site with the sky. Well, this has always been a limiting factor in the past as the most convenient location to mount a tracking was the underside of the vehicle where it would not possibly be noticed by thieves or those individuals that are not aware that the vehicle is being tracked.

Types of GPS Vehicle Tracking System

GPS vehicle tracking systems can be divided into different types in respect to those GPS units that are in or attached to the vehicle. The most common types of GPS vehicle tracking system include:

1. Real Time Cellular Network - GPS vehicle tracking systems of this kind primarily work by transmitting location as well as speed data of the vehicle over a GSM cellular network. With the use of this system, the user accesses data one of two ways. The first is by logging on to the vendor's website, which typically requires a monthly fee. Secondly, the user can access data by receiving the data directly on a cell phone, which of course requires a cell phone account.

2. Real Time Satellite - Note that most vehicle data can be transmitted via satellite. The information can be transmitted to the vendor and the user accesses the data by way of logging on to the vendor's website. As you may know, this kind of approach sometimes requires a monthly subscription fee.

3. Passive Direct Download - This is but another type of GPS vehicle tracking system in which the vehicle's GPS unit must be removed. After the removal of the unit, it should be connected by a cable to a computer. According to many, this would be the most economical way of accessing the necessary data. This is even a great alternative especially if the data is not required in real time.

4. Passive Radio Frequency - This final type of GPS vehicle tracking system works when the vehicle is within a short radio range. The usual radio range that this system needs to work is less than one mile. With that distance, the GPS unit is able to transmit the needed information to the home base. The data can then be viewed on a computer. Also note that while the initial cost of this vehicle tracking system can be more than real time solutions, there is no ongoing cost making it less pricey than those requiring a subscription.

Each of these GPS vehicle tracking system types is now used in different purposes. Its uses could range from consumer use, for fleet management, cargo management, and mass transit. However, this topic is but outside the coverage of this article.